Taferdoust: la meraviglia del meandro e il Douar arroccato sul "calcaire-corniche" (Medio Atlante, Marocco)

The geomorphosite of Taferdoust is located in the region of Fez - Boulemane - Skoura (Middle Atlas), in the wide and sometimes winding Oued Guigou valley, far away from the main roads. The scientific interest of the site, combined with its aesthetic and scenic value, make it a unique geological site little known if not ignored, not only by tourists but also by the local population. The small fortified town of Taferdoust is located in the axial part of the Skoura syncline, where are found the various formations of the central Middle Atlas Dogger, which fill the Middle Atlas trench. The Douar is built on top of the calcaires cornice", a deposit of limestone epi-reef platform (Recifa Fm.). Above, there are calcareous marl and marl deposits originating from fluctuations of the marine platform environment (Bou - Akrabène Ich Timellaline Fm.). The Douar is located on a rocky outcrop forming the lobe of the Oued Guigou meander, accessible only by a narrow path. It was built with materials available on the site: stones, wooden beams of cedar, water, earth, straw. The NE view of Taferdoust gives a first panorama of this picturesque Douar, surrounded by steep cliffs originated by the "calcaires-cornice" erosion. The only access route to this site naturally fortified is a narrow bridge climbing on the right bank. A second perspective, from SW, allows a view of the Douar and of the cashed meander in their geological context. This fortress village is not an isolated case in this region of Morocco. Many other sites of high interest for scientific, educational, landscape and geo-touristic features are present in the valley (Ouarzazate, Boulemane, etc.), and have a potential of attraction that can be used to implement "geo-scientific ecotourism" initiatives and projects, associated with other sustainable development initiatives, suitable for this region, located outside of the great traditional tourist routes.