"Zawiya Ahansal and the Atlas Mountains: A Weekend Amideast Excursion in Photos" by Nadia Rassech
Our first excursion with Amideast took us to Zawiya Ahansal, a community located in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. After nearly a full day journey by van — and a fair share of motion sickness — we unloaded our bags at the Sheikh’s guest house, where we were to spend the next three nights. The photos below are only a small attempt to capture the immense beauty that this community and the Atlas Mountains hold!
The central road connecting the four villages of Zawiya Ahansal: Amezray, Aguddim, Taghia and Tighanimin.
Photo credit: Rassech, 2025
View of the surrounding mountains. Fun fact: the Atlas Mountain range is home to the highest peak in North Africa: Toubkal at 4,167m
Photo credit: Rassech, 2025.
At the foot of the mountain you find the river, providing water to the surrounding farmland. Agriculture and tourism make up the largest sectors of Zawiya Ahansal’s economy.
Photo credit: Rassech, 2025.
Photo taken from a house window during our tour of the village of Aguddim on Saturday morning. Some of the structures are over 700 years old. New and restored buildings are constructed in a way which maintains traditional architectural styles, blending the old with the new.
Photo credit: Ressach, 2025.
Another image from Aguddim. Our trip was guided by the Atlas Cultural Foundation – an organization focused on fostering sustainable tourism in Zawiya Ahansal.
Photo credit: Rassech, 2025.
The town was founded in the 12th century, when Sidi Said Ahansal was told to stop his journey through the Atlas Mountains when his cat jumped off his donkey. His shrine is now a place of pilgrimage. Today, one of his descendents, Ahmed Amahdar, is the community-appointed Sheikh for Zawiya Ahansal.
Photo credit: Rassech, 2025.
Here is a restored Ighram—graineries and saint houses, some of which are still used today.
Photo credit: Rassech, 2025.
Cats, sheep, dogs, and donkeys are among the friends you’ll find in Zawiya Ahansal.
Photo credit: Rassech, 2025.
Our itinerary also consisted of visits to the local spring to speak with a member of the local potable water association, discussions with the Atlas Cultural Foundation on community development, Tamazight lessons, a carpet weaving lesson from the Women’s Empowerment Program, and a visit to the tutoring center for primary school students!
Photo credit: Rassech, 2025.
Amideast students enjoying the view from our hike!
Photo credit: Rassech, 2025.
Nadia Rassech is a student at Florida State University and studied abroad in the Fall 2025 on Amideast’s Area & Arabic Language Studies program.
