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Our first morning in Zawiya, we learned about a group in the village called the "local potable water association" that created a system that allowed spring water from high in the mountains to be piped down to the villages. The association consisted of locals who attained university degrees and returned to Zawiya because they had the tools to implement changes. These improvements provided all of the houses in the villages with running water and the lasting effects of this were seen in the sanitation and education of the locality. Previously young children were responsible for obtaining water for their families but with the removal of this burden, they are better able to continue their education. Photo credit: Jakmouj, 2019
Later on the first day we got a tour of the village and learned more about the religious significance of the village. We also learned about social and cultural aspects of life in Zawiya. Every year, Zawiya welcomes around 500–800 pilgrims who come to be closer to the resting place of the holy man, Sidi Said Ahansal, who established the Zawiya. They all stay in these large buildings called igherm, which have guest rooms for the people. The one we visited was one of four in the village of Aguddim in Zawiya. Photo credit: Jakmouj, 2019
During our stay in Zawiya we also had a couple lessons in Tamazight, which is the native language of the Amazigh people of North Africa. We learned a couple of phrases as well as the alphabet (pictured above) and tried to use it as often as possible. They really stressed to us the importance of trying to connect with the people we met, especially since it was such a short visit. Photo credit: Jakmouj, 2019
Our last night in Zawiya, we had the opportunity to experience a traditional party. The Sheikh's wife brought out a huge bag of traditional clothes that we wore, they had a woman come to do henna for the girls, and a traditional Amazigh band came and played drums! It was a really fun night of dancing, laughing, and (of course) tea drinking. My favorite part of the night was when the band made everyone go up and dance alone for about 30 seconds ꟷ even though I had no idea what I was doing, it was fun and everyone had a great time. Photo credit: Jakmouj, 2019
I took this photo on the last night in Zawiya. While it can't possibly capture the beauty of this place and the life here, I will always have happy memories and this photo will remind me of my time here. I didn't know what to expect when they told us we were going to a village for a trip, but I fell in love with the simplicity of life, the people, and I can say without a doubt that I will be going back in the future. Photo credit: Jakmouj, 2019
If you would like to learn a little more about Zawiya Ahansal, please check out the Atlas Cultural Foundation's website at https://atlasculturalfoundation.org/ and see what kind of work they are doing in the region. Above all, if you have the chance to travel to Morocco make sure you go to Zawiya Ahansal!
