Azilal Province

The approximately 9800 km ² and around 520,000 inhabitants Province Azilal (Arabic إقليم أزيلال, DMG Iflīm AZILAL ) is part of the Moroccan region of Tadla- Azilal. The provincial capital is the city Azilal.

Geography

Location

The Azilal province is bordered on the northwest by the province Fquih Ben Salah, in the northeast of the province of Beni Mellal, on the east by the province Midelt, in the southeast of the province Tinghir, on the southwest by the provinces of Ouarzazate and Al Haouz and to the northwest by the province El Kelaâ of Sraghna.

Landscape

The Azilal province is located in the center of Morocco on the Northern Slope of the High Atlas. The two main places Azilal and Demnate lie at an altitude of about 1350 m and 970 m above sea level. inst. further south are the 1500 m and 1800 m high mountain valleys of the Ourika Valley and the Aït Bougoumez Valley. Further south, extends approximately 3500 m to 4100 m high peaks of the High Atlas chain that forms the southern border of the province at the same time.

Climate

Because of the altitude the summer daily maximum temperatures are rarely more than 30 ° C; at night it cools clouds from 10 to 15 ° C. In winter, frost levels can be achieved, daytime temperatures are, however, usually at 15 to 20 ° C. Rain in the mountains and snow actually fall only in the four winter months of October to February.

Larger towns (selection)

C.U. = Commune Urbaine / C. R. = Commune Rurale

Population

A majority of more than 90 % Berber -descended population lives in rural areas ( about 75%), but due to the high country escape climatic and socio- culturally determined the proportion of the urban population has increased significantly since the 1970s ( about 25%) and will continue to rise.

Economy

Traditionally, agriculture plays a central role in the economy of the province; with the improved transport conditions since the 1970s, however, the proportion of urban craft and retail of economic output. Tourism still plays a very minor role.

History

Because of the Berber regions of Morocco hardly verifiable written sources exist, one can only draw conclusions from the way of life of different Berber tribes during the early French colonial period, which has been partially preserved as late as the beginning of the 21st century. After that there was in the mountain regions of Morocco, long-lasting, partly warlike conflicts between sedentary and nomadic guided tribes who also put the few remaining military and memory castles ( Agadire ) testimony.

Attractions

Scenic attractions are the natural rock arch Imi -n- IFRI in Demnate, the waterfalls ( Cascades d' Ouzoud ) west of Azilal and the two valleys. Are interesting in cultural terms weir and storage strongholds of Agadir Sidi Moussa at Timit and quadradratischen tower at Ibakliwin in Aït Bougoumez Valley. The typical clay villages of the High Atlas with their only single-storey houses are gradually abandoned and replaced by new buildings of hollow block bricks and concrete.