ABSTRACT
The Moroccan Agadir
One of the fortified granaries that can be found along the southern side of the North-African Atlas range is the Moroccan ‘Agadir’ [pl. Igudar]. It is typically a common sight due to its proliferation and its architectural design. Much has already been said about this type of structure. The following analysis summarizes its various functions. But at the same time, it is striving to show that its defensive purpose does not entirely explain its profound cultural heritage. As a matter of fact, the existing ‘Igudar’ date back to three centuries earlier. They have most certainly replaced earlier constructions, whose purpose has a broader significance for the local Berber communities. In order to get a deeper approach to this past heritage, the author visited three of these granaries in the Anti-Atlas in the company of two local Chleuh Berbers, highly involved in the preservation of this type of monument. Beyond the specific architecture, it appears that the aspiration held a more practical purpose as well as a more spiritual conception based on the needs and aspirations of the local agricultural society. The Agadir appears to have kept its highly social purpose. It was, and still is, the focus of a communal identity that could easily be compared to the role of a town hall, an agricultural cooperative, or even having the same spiritual value as today’s mosque. Each of these different purposes is analyzed because they go beyond the apparent role of a defensive structure. Not that the fortifications were not a necessity - particularly in the past. But, when one considers the psychological effect these monuments still keep in today’s people’s minds, there is a need to go beyond a first-sight vision. First, even though the Agadir has lost its main purpose of being a safe granary, its social impact has been kept intact among the local communities. Some have been totally abandoned. But many others still stand near each village [douar]. The entrance gate is kept locked. Usually, the key is kept by a designed keeper [the Amin] and families still hold the ownership of their individual granary cell(s). The Ikounka Agadir has been partially restored. But it is currently locked because of a key settlement. An outside civil servant in a nearby town holds the key and has fostered the anger of the local village inhabitants, who claim the key. It shows that the Agadir has kept its role as a sacred space, that anybody belonging to the community could use as a protection or a refuge. A long time ago, sanctuaries - like churches - were used for the same purpose if needed. C.S.
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| Agadir d'Ikounka |
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| Agadir d'Inoumar (extérieur) |
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| Agadir d'Inoumar (intérieur) |
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| Agadir d'Aït Makhlouf |
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