Amizmiz (in Amazigh: ⴰⵎⵣⴻⵎⵉⵣ) is a town in Morocco, located 55 kilometers south of Marrakech. It is known for its lush natural landscapes and is administratively part of Al Haouz Province. Nestled at the base of the majestic High Atlas Mountains, the town has a timeless charm, thanks to its striking geography and historical significance.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Amizmiz High Atlas Mountainsis one of Morocco’s oldest towns. Over the centuries, it has been home to diverse communities, including Christians and Jews, who contributed to the region’s cultural richness by introducing various crafts and trades. However, the town has faced challenges, such as poverty, marginalization, and a lack of infrastructure, which persist to this day.
Climate and Natural Beauty
The region boasts stunning natural beauty, located behind a chain of mountains with diverse vegetation and abundant water resources, including streams and springs. Despite its potential, only a small fraction of these resources are utilized. The area has also experienced periods of drought, negatively impacting its agriculture and causing significant losses for farmers who rely on rainfall for their crops.
Services and Infrastructure
Amizmiz is home to various administrative services, including:
- Local government offices (district headquarters, municipal offices).
- A royal gendarmerie station and agricultural center.
- Utilities offices for water and electricity.
- A healthcare clinic, student residences, a youth center, and secondary schools established in 2002-2003.
- Several primary schools serving the town and its surrounding villages.
Economy
The economy of Amizmiz is predominantly agricultural. The region is known for its walnut, olive, and pine trees, as well as its traditional crafts, including pottery and weaving. Beekeeping is also popular, supported by local civil society organizations. Many residents work in public sector jobs, while others are engaged in various traditional trades.
Administrative Division
The Amizmiz district is part of Al Haouz Province and includes several rural communes, such as:
- Amizmiz Commune: Includes the town itself and Amghras.
- Kadmiwa Leadership: Includes communes like Azgour, Ankal, Tazgine, and Dar Jamaa.
- Wazgita Leadership: Includes communes like Oulad Mtaa, Sidi Badhaj, Wazgita, and Lalla Takerkoust.
The administrative structure was formalized in 1959 under Decree No. 1834-59-2. The district now serves as a key administrative and commercial hub for nearby villages.
Neighborhoods
Amizmiz features distinct urban and rural areas, such as:
- Urban Areas: Includes the administrative quarter, neighborhoods like Amdel (an ancient area with modern buildings), Sour Jadid, Shaabat Raml, and Dar Al Souq.
- Rural Areas: Includes villages like Tkanzwin, Sidi Hassain, and Waddakir.
Each area has its own unique characteristics, such as the administrative quarter, which houses local authority buildings, schools, and infrastructure, and Amdel, known for its historical significance and contemporary development.
Traditional Crafts
The town of Rakraka, near the administrative quarter, is famous for its pottery and weaving, where local women actively contribute to preserving these artisanal traditions.
Amizmiz’s population, according to the latest census, is approximately 13,750 residents. The town continues to serve as a vital link between the rural highlands and urban centers like Marrakech, embodying the spirit of Moroccan resilience and tradition.
