Zaouia Naciria

The Zaouïa Naciria in Tamegroute is one of the most important religious and cultural centers in southern Morocco. Founded in the 17th century by the Naciri family, this spiritual complex played a central role in spreading Islamic teachings and literacy throughout the Draa Valley and beyond. At its heart lies a beautiful mosque and a koranic school (medersa) that once attracted students from across North Africa and the Sahel. The most impressive feature, however, is the ancient library, which holds over 4,000 rare manuscripts written in Arabic and Amazigh. These texts cover a wide range of subjects, including Islamic law, astronomy, medicine, poetry, and even mathematics—some dating back nearly 1,000 years. The Zaouïa is still active today, hosting religious gatherings and Sufi practices. Visitors are welcome to tour the site with a local guide, who can share stories of the Naciri family and the influence this place once held as a spiritual and intellectual hub of the Moroccan desert.