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Ouzoud

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Ourika Valley


Leo Notes


Atlas Notes

Cristel Notes

 

Here a Leo's words, describing a town only 80 kilmeters from Marrakech (exact distance between Ouzoud and Marrakech), whose attributes are strangely similar to the Ouzoud se see today. Though Leo calls this town: "The New El Gumuha" (probably "al Jumma el djedid- the new Friday souk)

"This town is a forteress on a high mountain, surrounded by several hills. Below this forteress is the source of the Asifnual river, the river of the rumors. The river was thus named, as it falls from the mountain with great big noise and digs a deep ditch, similar to the Hell of Tivoli, near Rome.
This town was built recently. There are nearly 1000 homes. For some time now it has been under the tyranny of a relative of the ruler of Marrakech. This fortress has a good garrison and cavalery. It earns most of its income, 10 000 'ducats', from the households in this part of the Atlas. The people are quite friendly with the Arabs, covering them with frequent gifts, which angers the rulers of Marrakech.
The people are polite, well dressed and the town is busy, with many craftsmen and artists. This is in large part due to its proximity to Marrakech, only 80 kilometers away.
Amongst the mountains there are some beautiful fruit and vegetable gardens. People grow barley, linen etc.. There are also a great many goats.
However, the men are quite barbaric, and ridiculously jealous of their wives!
I spent some time in this town, and stayed with a relative of mine, who once lived in Fes but had been exiled as he had incurred much debt to cover his alchemy experiments. But today he is secretary to the ruler of this town." (Leo, 97)

Leo's description of Ouzoud and the surrounding region is no less idyllic than the days we spent there. See Ouzoud/Cristel for more.