The kasbah of Thami Glaoui
From the outside, Telouet Kasbah looks badly weathered. Step inside, however, and you find some of the most exquisite Andalusian decoration in the region, with painted cedar ceilings that recall the great houses of Marrakech and Fes. The contrast between the crumbling exterior and the refined interiors is part of what makes the visit so striking.
The kasbah was built in 1860 and belonged to the Glaoui family. In the early 1900s Thami Glaoui governed Marrakech, and Telouet became one of his official residences. He spared no effort in turning it into a palace. Hiring a guide on site is the best way to understand its long and eventful story.
Cradle of the Glaoua power
The rise of the Glaoui family began here. Sultan Moulay Abderrahman ben Hicham appointed Mohammed Ibibt El Mezouari, from Telouet, as chief of the Glaoua, Ouaouzguit and Imeghran tribes. The new caid then set out to acquire land toward the southeast. In 1874 authority over Taourirt in Ouarzazate shifted to Telouet, and marriage alliances later sealed Glaoua control over the whole area.
Telouet is also linked to the Ahwach, a prominent folk dance of the region. Some historians believe it first appeared in Telouet, and a Telouet Ahwach group still performs on occasion at Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, which hosts an annual Ahwach festival.
On the Ounila Valley route
Telouet Kasbah is one of the main landmarks of the Ounila Valley, together with Ait Ben Haddou, Tamdaght Kasbah and the Kasbah of Anemiter. The secondary road P1506 links Ait Ben Haddou to the Tizi n Tichka pass through this valley. It is longer than the main N9 but rewards travellers with remarkable views and access to hidden corners of the High Atlas. The Quad Ouarzazate private tour from Marrakech to Fes also includes Telouet on its way across the High Atlas.
Tours that visit Telouet Kasbah
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Ait Ben Haddou
A seventeenth century fortified village of ochre earth above the Ounila Valley, listed by UNESCO since 1987 and once a hub of Saharan caravan trade.
Taourirt Kasbah
The landmark kasbah of central Ouarzazate, a former Glaoui residence with Amazigh patterns outside and carved cedar, paintings and zellige within.
Amridil Kasbah
A well preserved seventeenth century kasbah at the edge of the Skoura oasis, still run by the descendants of its builder and once pictured on the 50 dirham note.