On Day 7, we toured parts of the city of Ouarzazate, the film capital of Morocco, with Atlas and CLA studios hosting such films as Lawrence of Arabia, The Living Daylights, The Mummy,
Babel and Gladiator. We started our tour at the Kasbah Taourirt, first built in the 17th century by a powerful local family, and expanded by the Glaoui family in the 19th century. Next
we visited Hiyakate Al Janoub Embroidery and Weaving co-op, before arriving at the ancient 11th century ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou, located along the caravan route
from Marrakech to the Sahara. After lunch in Ait Benhaddou, we travelled through the Atlas Mountains before arriving in Marrakech.
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Above: The Kasbah Taourirt in Ouarzazate was first built in the 17th century by a powerful local family, and expanded by the Glaoui family in the
19th century. In the late 19th century, the kasbah controlled the confluence of several river valleys of the Draa and the Dadès, part of the Saharan trade routes.
Thami El Glaoui, was the pasha of Marrakech during the entirety of French colonial rule over Morocco in the 20th century. After the end of French colonial rule and the
end of Glaoui control over the region, the kasbah was progressively taken over by squatters and began to decay. Restoration began and stopped in the 1990's, and it is again
being restored, but some unrestored areas of the kasbah are still inhabited by families today. The kasbah has appeared in movies including Gladiator and Prince of Persia.
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1 to 7 show the cottages at the Belere Palace Hotel, the pool and outdoor dining area, and one of the best breakfasts we experienced.
8 to 12 show the Kasbah Taourirt, built in the 17th century and expanded in the 19th century. The sultan's and his wives lived here #11 and the balcony where the women would
present themselves #12.
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