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Chapter 3: Overview of Figuig
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Chapter 3: Overview of Figuig
Figure 1: Figuig panorama Overview of FiguigBetween Errachida and the Algerian border crossing at Figuig is 250 miles (400k) of gravel plain desert, with little to relieve the eye, save the occasional palm plantation in the Oued Guir, a scattering of Ksars and the mountains in the distance. Humanity here is mostly represented by military outposts.(Stannard, 1997: 298) Figuig is an oasis of 150,000 palm trees, with approximately 26,000 inhabitants, located on the southeastern corner of Morocco between the Sahara desert and the Atlas mountains. Until 1912, prior to French colonization, Figuig was referred to as “the country of Figuig” thanks to its relative independence (Abbou, 1997). It extended beyond its current limits to the surrounding rivers, and the mountains; the Touat in the south, Oued Guir to the west, and Oued Namous to the East. Lamoor, the high plateaus of the Atlas mountains create a natural border to the north, while the Tzirt and Tamazought to the east, and Taghla, Izeghdis, and Elmelias to the south fortified its river borders. The population consists of Berbers, who represent the majority, along with Arabs, Jews, and Haratins(black Africans). 
Figure 2: Map of Morocco Agriculture is central to the social and political identity of Figuig. The inhabitants of the oasis survive on subsistence farming with a limited amount of nutrient rich, arable land. The oasis is approximately 1600km2. The desert climate did not stand in the way of their survival. Rather their ability to adapt to the harsh weather conditions including limited rainfall and temperature variance ranging from 32-116 degrees Fahrenheit would eventually allow the community to respect its environment and exploit its available resources. 
Figure 3: Map of Figuig (Bencherifa, 1992) Figuig’s water resources are derived from springs originating from the surrounding Atlas mountains, a vast aquifer and water from rivers that extend into the area. The surrounding rivers, including the Ighzar Amkran, Tighzart Ntzkart, and Tighzart Inaserdoun swell during times of rain, though rare as yearly rainfall averages approximately 300mm, to prevent flooding and supplement the water supply. 
Figure 4: Satellite Photo of Figuig (Google maps, 2006) The Oasis of Figuig is geographically divided into two levels. Upper Figuig is situated 900m above sea level and lower Figuig at 870m. There are 35 springs situated along a crescent shaped fault, the mouth of each is located in upper Figuig. Tzadert is the most prolific of these springs and continues to be one of the main sources of water in the Oasis. Table 1 shows the water flow volumes for each spring, as well as location, number of users and farms irrigated.(Official Bulletin, 1975) Lower Figuig lays claim to the plains of Baghdad (Figure 5) and the river Zouzfana that borders it to the east. The area was named Baghdad by the Arabs that came to Figuig in the 10th century and who were struck by the resemblance to the city of Baghdad, in Iraq. Lower Figuig has no surface water resources as approximately 95% (or 35 springs) of all springs are located in upper Figuig.
Figure 5: Plains of Baghdad The population of Figuig is organized into clusters called Ksar(s). Each Ksar is delineated by a walled structure fortified by hundreds of houses. Individual family farms surround each Ksar. Each Ksar was established by new tribes with a distinctive ethnic heritage. Others joined existing Ksars or if a new community was large and strong enough to establish itself territorially and formed their own. As these Ksars were competing against each other for scarce resources, they sought military strength, adaptability, technological capability, social strength, etc. Only the fittest survived. The community of Figuig subsequently evolved into a system of individual ksars with unique characteristics, and developed institutions to support its needs. The governing system of each individual ksar could then effectively wager influence relative to its strength. While there was continual competition for resources among ksars the balance of influence offset monopolistic challenges or destructive controls to support political stability. Today, Figuig is still characterized by division into seven Ksars, Zenaga, Oudaghir, Lamaiz, Ouled Slimane, Hamam Fougani, Hamam Safli, and Laabidate. All but Zenaga are located in Upper Figuig.
Table 1: The springs of Figuig The social and political structure, of Figuig have been developed by a hydro-agricultural system based on the mastery of water resources management and farming efficiency. It has further incorporated domesticated animals for power to mill agricultural products, transport and sustenance through by-products, e.g. milk, eggs, meat, etc. Download 0.56 Mb. Share with your friends:
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