Name: Ait Ookdim Igherm
Village: Aguddim, Zawiya Ahansal
Type of Building: Saint’s house, pilgrim lodging, private fortified granary
Construction Date: 19th century
Last Restoration Date(s): 2014 to 2015
Restoration Work: Complete exterior and interior renovation.
Historic Narrative
Caid Sidi M’h built the Ait Ookdim Igherm in the 19th century. It is the youngest igherm in the valley of Zawiya Ahansal. The igherm is made of rammed earth and mud bricks that are sheathed with an earth and lime plaster and wood and earth for the ceilings. It consists of three floors, nine rooms, a terrace, and four towers. The Atlas Cultural Foundation and the Moroccan Association Amezray SMNID restored it in 2015.
The Ait Ookdim igherm was built to shelter the pilgrims who visit the grave of Sidi Said Ahansal and to store the belongings of the Ait Ookdim family. The Ait Ookdim family is one of four saintly families who descend from the bloodline of the region’s founding saint. The igherm still hosts around 500 guests a year who travel from different regions of Morocco to visit the saint’s tomb.
The Ait Ookdim is considered one of the holiest families in the valley and is still responsible for the religious following of the Zawiya.
Restoration Partners and Support Type/Amount
Atlas Cultural Foundation (US NGO)
Financial, $25,000USD (private donation).
Technical/Architectural, professional oversight of restoration.
Association Amezray SMNID (Moroccan Association)
Technical, Site Management, Property Owners and Moroccan Authority Coordination
Total Restoration Budget: $25,000 USD approximate cost
Past and Current Projects
Ait Ben Mouh Igherm – Communal Fortified Granary
Ait Ben Hmad Igherm – Communal Fortified Granary
Ait Ookdim Igherm – Saint’s House
Ait Sidi Mouh Igherm – Saint’s House