National Baccalaureate Exam 2024

[1] Igoudar, the plural of agadir, are traditional buildings found in various regions of Morocco, especially in the center and south. These ancient buildings were built in the 18th century. They served as collective storehouses for foods such as grains, dried fruits and oils. They were also used to store valuable belongings and documents such as marriage and birth certificates. Right now, there are more than 550 igoudar in the country. These unique buildings serve as symbols of solidarity, sharing and cooperation within the community. These values are important for the locals.

[2] Igoudar are built using traditional Amazigh architecture. People used local materials to build them. They mixed soil, water and hay for the walls and they used wood for the doors. They are often built on high areas to protect the stored goods from insects, humidity, and theft. For centuries, igoudar played a crucial role in food security. This helps communities to store extra foods during productive seasons and use them in times of need. To recognize their value and cultural importance, Moroccans are making efforts to preserve these architectural structures.

[3] Ait Kine, a village located about 50 kilometers north of Tata, has one of the country's few remaining igoudar. It's in perfect condition and is still completely functional. The agadir of Ait Kine has the look of a castle and is surrounded by a big wall with two watchtowers. Inside, dozens of small rooms are arranged on three floors around a big courtyard. Palm tree parts are used as ceilings and stairs to the upper rooms. The courtyard is a gathering area for the people of the village. Wedding ceremonies, religious festivities, and social events are all organized there. Agadir Ait Kine is undergoing a complete renovation which began in 2004. Architect Salma Naji is making big efforts to preserve the region's architectural heritage.

[4] "The traditions are vanishing, but not here," said Hossine Oubrahim, an old man from Ait Kine. "We were raised on the tradition of storing all valuable things here, and we continue to respect it," he added. "The village's storehouse is a monument that represents our values," said Abdelghani Charai, a merchant who returned to his ancestral home in Ait Kine after years away. Lahcen Boutirane, the guardian of Aït Kine's agadir, said that some families still use it. "Other families have left, but they keep their archives here," he said.

[5] Collective storehouses can be found elsewhere in North Africa. "The challenge is to save Morocco's igoudar. These buildings have almost disappeared in Tunisia and Libya," said architect Salma Naji.

Adapted from: thejakartapost.com