Iffiyi (ⵉⴼⵢⵢⵉⵢ) is the original Amazigh name for the oasis, still used by locals today. However, this authentic name has been largely absent from official documents due to past linguistic policies that side-lined the region’s Amazigh identity. The names Figuig or others are derived from the original term, translated into Arabic but not fully reflective of the deep-rooted history of the area, which remains one of the oldest Amazigh cities in North Africa.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The oasis is home to thousands of palm trees that provide shade along its winding paths and support a thriving local economy based on traditional agriculture, particularly high-quality date production. Between the fields and ancient irrigation channels, visitors can find historic Ksour (fortified villages) such as Igherman (ⵉⵖⵔⵎⴰⵡⵏ), Ksar El Abidat, and Ksar El Maiz, which preserve their original architectural charm and showcase Amazigh desert craftsmanship. These Ksour once served as both protective enclosures and social centers, where families lived in self-sufficient communities, safeguarded by thick earthen walls designed to withstand both climate challenges and historical invasions.
Water plays a crucial role in the life of Iffiyi, as the oasis relies on an ancient and sophisticated distribution system for each ksar. Most of the water comes from underground sources, emerging through natural geological openings known as springs. This reflects the deep-rooted Amazigh knowledge of water management, particularly through the foggara (ⴼⴳⴳⴰⵔⴰ) system, an ingenious method that ensures the fair and efficient distribution of water across the oasis.
Beyond its natural beauty, Figuig boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. Historical sources suggest that the first inhabitants of the area were from the Amazigh Zenata and Sanhaja tribes, who settled in the oasis centuries ago, taking advantage of its fertile land and abundant water resources. Traces of their ancient presence remain visible today, particularly through rock engravings discovered in the 19th century on a small mountain called Tadrart N Hemmo Heggo Shayt, located west of the oasis. These engravings depict animals such as rams, leading researchers to estimate that they date back approximately 3000 BCE. Others suggest they belong to the Neolithic period (10,000 BCE – 2300 BCE), a time when human societies transitioned from hunting to agriculture and animal domestication. This discovery supports the theory that Figuig was not just a transit point but also a permanent settlement during this era.
Other remnants of this ancient past include petroglyphs and karakirs (stone shelters), found in various locations such as Jebel Krouz, Jebel El Maiz, El Haitma, Dweisa, Lakhnek Bzenaka, and Zouzzafana. These rock engravings depict animals that once roamed the region, along with symbols and inscriptions believed to represent religious or social beliefs of early inhabitants.
Visitors to Figuig step into a world of timeless beauty, where they can explore vast palm groves, discover hidden springs such as Ain Nassim and Ain Tawashia, and experience the refreshing contrast of water and desert. The Zouzzafana Gorges offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, featuring unique rock formations shaped by centuries of erosion.
Beyond nature and history, the people of Figuig are known for their hospitality and strong cultural traditions. Travelers can immerse themselves in local customs, taste traditional dishes such as COUSCOUS OF FIGUIG (a unique local couscous), and observe skilled artisans practicing crafts like pottery and weaving, which continue to be preserved using ancestral techniques.
The best time to visit Figuig is during the spring or autumn, when the weather is mild, allowing for a more comfortable exploration of the oasis and its surroundings. This destination offers more than just a scenic getaway—it is a journey into a world where nature and tradition exist in perfect harmony, far from the distractions of modern life.
