Kasbah Boulaouane, Fortress in Boulaouane, Morocco
Kasbah Boulaouane is a military fortress perched on a rock outcrop at a bend of the Oum Er-Rbia River with views across surrounding farmland. The structure comprises fortified sections with residential quarters, storage areas, and religious spaces arranged in a geometric layout.
Sultan Ismail Ibn Sharif commissioned construction around 1710 as part of a network of administrative fortifications across Morocco. It served as a control point for trade routes and regional governance during the Alaouite dynasty.
The architecture blends traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with military needs, featuring mud-brick walls, geometric patterns, and a mosque integrated into the fortified layout. This design shows how defense and daily life were woven together within these walls.
Reaching the fortress requires transport from El Jadida, as the isolated location lacks regular bus connections and is best accessed by private car or organized tours. Entry to the site may require advance arrangements depending on conditions or the season.
Sand accumulated over centuries to the height of the fortress walls, completely burying the original structures beneath. Recent restoration work has exposed these buried areas, revealing how nature gradually reclaimed the site.
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