Merzouga
This article will address the topic of Merzouga, which has gained relevance in various areas in recent years. Since its emergence, Merzouga has captured the attention of academics, experts and the general public, generating controversy and debate around its implications and consequences. Throughout the next lines, different perspectives and approaches related to Merzouga, as well as its impact on society, economy and culture, will be explored. Through a detailed and rigorous analysis, the aim is to shed light on this topic and contribute to the understanding and reflection on Merzouga.
 | This article contains wording that promotes the subject in a subjective manner without imparting real information. (February 2025) |
Merzouga
ⵎⵔⵣⵓⴳⴰ مرزوقة | |
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  Merzouga Location in Morocco | |
| Coordinates: 31°5′57″N 4°0′42″W / 31.09917°N 4.01167°W | |
| Country |  Morocco |
| Region | Drâa-Tafilalet |
| Province | Errachidia |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (WET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+1 (WEST) |
Merzouga (Berber languages: ⵎⵔⵣⵓⴳⴰ, Arabic: مرزوقة) is a village in southeastern Morocco, about 35 km (22 mi) southeast of Rissani, about 55 km (34 mi) from Erfoud and about 50 km (31 mi) from the Algerian border.
The village is near the Erg Chebbi dunes, one of the tallest in the Sahara. Merzouga is known for its distinctive landscapes and Berber culture. Dunes, camel treks, and stargazing are some of the local attractions for tourists.
Some of the other villages near the dunes of Erg Chebbi are Hassilabied 4 km (2.5 mi) away, Tanamoust 3 km (1.9 mi) away, Takoujt 1.5 km (0.93 mi) away, Khamlia 7 km (4.3 mi) away, and Tisserdmine 15 km (9.3 mi) away.
History
Approximately 9,000 to 10,000 years ago, the region was likely a verdant, tropical jungle teeming with trees and water, coinciding with a period when the Sahara Desert was characterized by abundant vegetation and lakes.[1]
Merzouga was an uninhabited oasis that later became a transit point for merchants heading to Timbuktu. It also became a pilgrimage destination for the nomads of the Ait Atta tribes and eventually a tourist destination.
During French colonial rule, fortifications were built by troops of the French Foreign Legion after the battles of Taflalet, which occurred between 1916 and 1932.
On 26 May 2006, during the night, Merzouga experienced flash floods that caused severe damage to buildings, cars, and the traditional irrigation system. The flood left 1,200 people displaced and three dead. Animals also died in their collapsed stables.
"The flood damages were significant, with the destruction of 140 houses and hotels, deterioration of Taouz– Merzouga road and of the ONEP (National Agency for drinking water and sanitation) water supply pipe of Merzouga villages "[2]
Gallery
Environmental concerns
Merzouga faces several environmental challenges, particularly related to tourism and waste management. The increase in visitors has led to concerns about littering in the dunes and improper waste disposal, which impacts the region's fragile ecosystem. Local authorities have taken measures to regulate tourism activities, including closing unlicensed desert camps in 2019 due to concerns over waste disposal, water usage, and infrastructure sustainability. These closures sparked debate among local communities, as tourism is a significant part of the area's economy.[3]
The region has also experienced rare environmental events, such as unexpected flooding. In October 2024, heavy rainfall led to the formation of temporary lakes in normally dry areas, a phenomenon not observed in decades.[4][5] Such occurrences highlight the nature of Merzouga's desert environment and the ongoing need for sustainable land and water management practices.
See also
References
- ^ "New research reveals why and when the Sahara Desert was green". helsinki.fi. helsinki.fi. 19 September 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ Minoia, Paola (Jan 2012). Encounters across the Atlas: Fieldtrip in Morocco.
- ^ mwn (2016-01-20). "Merzouga: A Beautiful City Faces Man-Made Disasters". Morocco World News. Retrieved 2025-02-28.
- ^ "he Sahara Desert flooded for the first time in decades. Here's what it looks like". cnn.com. cnn.com. 14 October 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ "Flooding in the Sahara desert fills lake that had been dry for 50 years". nypost.com. nypost.com. 9 October 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
External links
Media related to Merzouga at Wikimedia Commons
