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Free men -

The archaic bank that sits mostly abandoned in the Moroccan desert was created by the Amazigh people (meaning “free men”). They were also known as the Berbers, and they were the first inhabitants of the land 4,000 years ago.

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Ancient guardians of heritage -

The Berber granaries, or Igudar, are stone-built structures dating back centuries, and they are more than just storage sites—they're cultural monuments, preserving the resilience of the Berber people against time, nature, and invaders.

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Various types -

There are several types of granaries scattered across Morocco, depending on where they were built. Some were constructed on rocky peaks, while others were built directly into the ground. Their number has not been counted.

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A worthy purpose -

The Igudar granaries are fortified storage structures that were built by the indigenous Berber people. Located in the Atlas Mountains and southern regions, they served as communal storage for crops, valuables, and even documents.

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Origins -

The origins of the Berber granaries trace back to around the 11th century, although many were built later between the 14th and 19th centuries. These granaries were vital to local agricultural communities, mainly offering a secure location to store food during harsh winters, times of drought, or periods of conflict.

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Location -

While many Igudar are located in mountainous regions, some were built in the arid deserts of southern Morocco, particularly near oases so that they had access to water.

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Mud and stone -

The materials used in constructing Igudar granaries were locally sourced and simple—stone, mud, and wood. However, the craftsmanship that went into their construction demonstrated an advanced understanding of local geology and climate.

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Ingenious engineering -

The Igudar granaries are masterpieces of engineering, strategically designed to endure the brutal climate of Morocco's arid regions. Elevated on hilltops to avoid flooding, their thick stone walls provide insulation, keeping grain and goods cool during sweltering summers and protected from winter's chill.

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Strategic ventilation -

The granaries incorporate strategic ventilation holes to allow airflow without exposing the stored items to rain or pests. This clever design feature helped prevent the contents in the rooms from rotting.

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A communal bank -

In Berber society, these granaries served as communal vaults where families stored their most valuable possessions—grain, oil, tools, and even important documents. Trust was the currency, with village elders acting as custodians of the keys to ensure fairness and security for all.

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Fortresses -

The Igudar were not merely storage units but also fortresses. Built on high, inaccessible cliffs or in fortified compounds, these granaries provided protection from raiders and invaders, ensuring that vital supplies remained safe during times of conflict and uncertainty.

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Fortification -

The granaries were often fortified with defensive walls, lookout posts, and even small garrisons of armed men. These features transformed the granaries into veritable strongholds that could withstand not only the elements but also raiders.

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Prison -

Some of the biggest Igudar granaries also featured a prison chamber where thieves and lawbreakers were held.

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Insurance policy -

The Berber granaries were the ancient world's insurance policy. In times of drought or famine, stored grain ensured that communities could survive harsh conditions. They were the safety net, guaranteeing that no family went without food during Morocco's unpredictable climate cycles.

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Layered structure -

The interior layout of a granary is equally impressive. The storage areas are divided into multiple levels, with the upper floors accessible by wooden ladders or stone staircases.

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Wealth and power -

For the Berber communities, these granaries represented much more than just storage facilities. They were symbols of wealth, power, and prestige. The more a community could store, the greater its standing among neighboring tribes.

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Identifiers -

Each family’s storage compartment within the Igudar was marked with a unique identifier—carved or painted symbols that represented the family or clan.

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Conflict resolution -

The communal nature of the Igudar required strict regulations to manage conflicts. A designated "guardian" or "amin" oversaw the granary and mediated disputes over storage space or usage. The community's cooperation ensured that the granary functioned smoothly.

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The role of women -

Women played a key role in managing the contents of the Igudar granaries. They were responsible for preparing and preserving the goods before they were stored, such as drying fruits, salting meat, or processing grain. Their work was essential to the granary’s function.

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Trade -

As trade routes expanded across North Africa, the Igudar became even more vital. Merchants passing through Morocco often used these granaries as storage stops, placing valuable goods such as spices, textiles, and gold under the care of trusted communities until their return.

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Doors -

The granaries’ doors, often intricately carved and reinforced, serve as works of art in themselves. These wooden doors feature traditional Berber motifs, such as geometric patterns or symbols representing fertility, protection, and prosperity.

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Murals and art -

In addition to their architectural beauty, some Igudar granaries are adorned with murals or artistic carvings. These depictions often feature scenes from daily life, animals, or geometric patterns that hold symbolic meaning.

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Bees -

The people of Morocco continue to use this age-old technique of storage and architecture in other areas. More specifically, beekeepers have resorted to building beehives out of mud and timber, nestled against hills and inside valleys.

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Other places -

The use of Igudar granaries as a form of storage extended to other parts of the world as well. In Libya and Tunisia, many tribes built similar structures using their own designs and techniques.

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Tunisian homes -

In Tunisia, some of these archaic granaries have been repurposed into homes, where the insulated structure helps people thrive in the harsh climate.

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Tourist attractions -

Many Igudar granaries have been transformed into tourist attractions, offering visitors a glimpse into Morocco's rich Berber heritage. Guided tours also allow people to explore the granaries' ancient architecture and learn about their historical significance.

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Agricultural use -

In more remote areas, some Igudar granaries are still actively used for their original purpose of storing food. Farmers continue to store grains, olives, and other crops in the granaries, relying on their natural cooling systems to protect the harvest from spoilage, just as their ancestors did.

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Film and photography -

With their striking architecture and historic significance, Igudar granaries have become popular locations for film shoots and photography. Surrounded by Morocco’s dramatic landscapes, these ancient structures offer a unique and authentic backdrop for artistic projects.

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National heritage -

Although they aren’t classified as World Heritage Sites, Morocco’s Ministry of Culture has launched a project to begin classifying them as places of national heritage. This would hopefully preserve them for far more years to come.

Sources: (Morocco World News) (Al Jazeera) (The Archaeologist) (Global Heritage Fund) (Global Digital Heritage) (Google Arts & Culture)

See also: Mysterious ancient civilizations you've probably never heard of

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