Aquermoud
Aquermoud is a town and rural commune in the Essaouira Province of the Marrakesh-Safi region of Morocco. Centrally located within the Chiadma tribal territory, it serves as a significant administrative and religious center for the surrounding rural population.
Etymology
The name Aquermoud is derived from the Berber root. In the Tachelhit dialect, the name is associated with the geological and botanical features of the Akermoud plateau. The prefix "A-" typically identifies a singular masculine noun in Berber toponymy. Local oral traditions also link the name to historical figures within the early Islamic tribal confederations of the region.History
Ancient and Medieval Foundations
The region surrounding Aquermoud has been inhabited since antiquity, serving as the agricultural hinterland for coastal settlements such as the ancient port of Mogador. Historically, the area was dominated by the Masmuda Berber confederation.Aquermoud holds a primary position in the history of the Regraga tribes, a maraboutic confederation. According to local hagiography, seven Berber saints from this region traveled to Mecca during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad, converting to Islam and returning to North Africa to spread the faith long before the Arab conquests. Aquermoud is home to the Zaouïa of Taifa, one of the thirteen rural brotherhoods of the Regraga. This specific zaouïa is highly regarded as it contains the tombs of three of the seven founding saints.
Administrative Evolution
During the era of the French protectorate, Aquermoud was established as a rural administrative post. Following Morocco's 2015 territorial reorganization, the commune was transferred from the Marrakesh-Tensift-El Haouz region to the newly established Marrakesh-Safi region to streamline provincial governance.Geography
Aquermoud is situated on the Akermoud plateau in western Morocco. The landscape is characterized by semi-arid plains and extensive forests of argan trees. The plateau is a vital hydrogeological zone, containing a groundwater basin with an estimated capacity of 9 million cubic meters, which supports the region's agricultural and domestic water needs.Demographics
The population of Aquermoud has shown steady growth over the last two decades:- 2004 Census: 15,037 inhabitants.
- 2014 Census: 15,662 inhabitants.
- 2024 Estimate: 15,981 inhabitants.
Economy
The economy is predominantly based on primary sector activities:- Agriculture and Forestry: The commune is part of the UNESCO-recognized Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve. Argan oil production is a major source of income for local cooperatives.
- Livestock: Pastoralism, including sheep and goat herding, is common on the Akermoud plateau.
- Tourism and Trade: The weekly souk in Aquermoud serves as a commercial hub for local farmers and traders.
Infrastructure
- Utilities: The commune is currently being integrated into regional water networks to draw from the Moulay Abderrahmane Dam, reducing reliance on depleting groundwater.
- Transportation: The commune is accessible via the P2201 road and is served by rural bus lines connecting to Essaouira.
- Education: The local government manages several primary schools and a fleet of school transport vehicles to service remote hamlets.