Discovering Tamegroute: 17th Century Manuscripts & Emerald Pottery

Just 20 kilometers south of Zagora along the winding Draa Valley lies Tamegroute, one of the most historically significant spiritual and artistic centers in Morocco.

The Zaouia Naciria Ancient Library

Founded in the 17th century by Sufi scholar Mohammed ben Nacer, the Zaouia Naciria was once a prestigious center of Islamic scholarship attracting students from across Africa and the Middle East. Its historic library holds thousands of rare, illuminated manuscripts dating back to the 11th century, inscribed on gazelle parchment with ink made of ground walnut bark and saffron.

The Iconic Green Pottery of Tamegroute

Tamegroute is equally world-famous for its distinct emerald-green pottery. Using clay collected from local riverbed trenches, craftsmen shape bowls, urns, candle holders, and tiles on traditional manual foot-wheels. The signature olive and turquoise glaze is created using an ancient secret formula composed of manganese, silica, copper oxide, and barley flour, then fired in traditional wood-burning clay kilns.

Visiting Tamegroute on an Ibooksahara excursion allows you to watch master potters at work, explore subterranean mud-brick kasbah alleys, and take home authentic handmade treasures.