History of the restoration
of the Kasbah Timidarte
The douar Timidarte is located in the Draa Valley. This valley is known
for its imposing dimensions, juxtaposing the rich and fertile palm
groves to the turquoise waters of the Draa and the arid mountains of
the Anti-Atlas, which border the palm groves.
A historic place of settlement of an ancient Saharan tribe, the old
village (the Ksar) is dense and fortified.
As with many places of the world at this time, Timidarte has been
exposed to the forces of change. For this reason the residents of the
douar are in favour of a globally consistent architectural continuity.
In fact, although many people have moved out of the Ksar to relocate to
larger homes, traditional building techniques have been preserved.
1. "A progressive association"
The Ksar, having been partially emptied of its population, has suffered
the damage of time and one third of it is already poised to fall into
ruin. Without a doubt, the Ksar would be inclined to neglect and to
suffering the abuses of time, if an active village association called
Taskala, uniting the entire population of the douar, had not come to
place. An essential goal in any developmental project is improved
living conditions. Taskala realizes this through its many and varied
activities aimed at ensuring better conditions for the entire community
of Timidarte. Among the most significant realized projects are: the
improved capacity of the primary school, which now serves all the
children from three villages (Timidarte and the villages on either side
of Timidarte). The douar is now providing potable water and electricity.
2. "Recovering the past for the future"
Gradually the maturation process is at work; ideas and collective
initiatives abound, emerge, and grow. 
The
association has embarked on a new project to rehabilitate the Ksar.

Long considered a place of the "ancient
times" and neglected by the youth, the view is changing and reverting
again to one of respect for the historical, cultural and architectural
heritage, as recognized by the state and by UNESCO.
3. "The starting point of renewal: the Kasbah"
Through the association Taskala, the community of Timidarte has taken
the Kasbah as its starting point in the Ksar. Its rehabilitation,
centred in solidarity tourism, should serve to financially and
psychologically improve other economic and social development
initiatives. Indeed, a share of profits fuel the association and its
investment fund for community projects. The goal is simple: that the
projects improve living conditions for the population and cater to the
rehabilitation of the Ksar. Various segments of the community have
consulted the association and participated in its projects. The message
relayed is always the concern for sustainability.
4. The Kasbah and solidarity tourism
The Kasbah is intended as a friendly meeting place between an authentic
and open community and the respectful and inquisitive tourists who
visit.