Tazouta

Tazouta, located in the Doukkala region, is a unique architectural structure characterised by its distinctive exterior and interior design, as well as the materials and construction techniques employed. Unlike any other building in Morocco, Tazouta is constructed entirely of dry stones meticulously arranged without the use of mud or cement. This structure is renowned for its robustness, resistance to erosion, and exceptional ability to repel insects, rodents, and rainwater infiltration. Tazouta has a cylindrical or conical shape. It may consist of a single circular room or two, either stacked vertically or positioned adjacent to one another. The thick interior walls of Tazouta curve inward as the structure rises, culminating in a domed roof with a hole for ventilation and lighting. Tazouta buildings range in height from three to five metres and often feature exteal ladders for accessing the roof. Historically, Tazouta buildings were used as storage warehouses for grain and hay or as shelters for livestock, particularly cattle. In some villages, they also served as summer residences and guesthouses due to their ability to maintain a cool interior temperature, thanks to their thick walls. Tazouta buildings have withstood the test of time, passed down through generations of Doukkala people, becoming a source of pride and identity for them. They have preserved this heritage with care. Given its unique shape and construction, some investors have begun exploring its potential for cultural tourism.