Name: Ait Sidi Mouh Igherm
Village: Aguddim, Zawiya Ahansal
Type of Building: Saint’s house, pilgrim lodging, private fortified granary
Construction Date: 18th century
Last Restoration Date(s): 2011
Restoration Work: Complete exterior and interior renovation.
Historical Narrative
Ahmad U Ahmad built the Ait Sidi Mouh Igherm in the 18th century in the village of Aguddim. It is composed of rammed earth, mud bricks and wood for ceilings, plastered exterior. It has three floors, twelve rooms, a terrace, and four towers. The Moroccan Ministry of Culture, the Atlas Cultural Foundation, and the Association Amezray SMNID restored it in 2011.
The igherm belongs to one of the four important families that descend from Sidi Said Ahansal, the region’s founder. The original purpose of the building was to receive and to shelter the pilgrims who visit the grave of Sidi Said Ahansal and to store the belongings (flour, salt, oil, sugar, and tea) and animal feed of the family. In addition, the igherm played a military role of the protection of the valley during the age of siba. It is now used as a stable for animals, storage for feed and to receive and house pilgrims.
All ighermin in the village of Aguddim belong to the saintly families. Craftsmen from southern Morocco built the buildings with the assistance of locals.
Restoration Partners and Support Type/Amount
Atlas Cultural Foundation
Technical/Architectural, professional oversight of restoration.
Association Amezray SMNID (Moroccan Association)
Technical, Site Management, Property Owners and Moroccan Authority Coordination
Moroccan Ministry of Culture
Financial, $30,000USD
Total Restoration Budget: $30,000 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