Mnoud, the Beautiful
MNOUD إمنود
M'noud: A small beautiful rural village in the east of Al-Hoceima city at a distance of about 30 klm. in Northern Morocco. It is surrounded by many high hills of the Rif Mountains and green hills such as Faoon, Al-Rabdha and Abdounen. Mohamed bin Abdel Karim Al-Khatabi Dam is one of its prominent sites. In the spring season the place is covered with green flora and colored by plenty of flowers. The village was founded by Beni Ouryaghil, one of the Rif tribes to which Abedel-Karim Al-Khatabi is descended. Al-Khatabi is a famous Moroccan chieftain who fought for liberty and independence against Spain.
Ait Ichou, Ait Ali and other tribes live also in Mnoud.
I visited M'noud in 1998 for the first time. I used a taxi from Al-Hoceima. We passed through small towns Agdir, Imzouren and Beni Bouayach crossing several wadis (dry valley) such as wadi Saftoula , wadi Bou Gheis and Wadi M'noud, where the village is located.I was impressed by the beauty of the village and its hills. Officially M'noud is a "douar" or locality, and it is called Douar M'noud, which is part of Nkour Community, Province of Al-Hoceima.
I was welcomed warmly by some friends in the village. They took me up to the hills surrounding the tiny white-blue coloured houses and the scattered shops and Qahwas (cafes) along the highway to Rabat and Casablanca via Taza. From there you can see a wonderful view of the whole area of Greater M'noud and its sroundings, Mount Touzine arises high on the southern horizon. Down the hills we embarked at fields or Nkours as they are locally called. There, they plant: potatoes, beans, onions and many kinds of fruits and vegetables. At night these cafes are crowded by the inhabitants most of them are young men. You never meet a lady there, because M'noud is a traditional society,where women stay behind the doors after they are married.
I was told that thousands of M'noud inhabitants have immigrated to Western Europe seeking new future.
Above the hill you can see a mosque with its minarets and down and beyond it you see the green and brown colored plantations, farms, a small school and the clinic which are the most prominent sites at Mnoud. And so Mnoud is a traditional Moroccan village with its souq(market), hammam(public bath house) and the mosque. Far away among the high mountains a Mourabiti site is situated. Local people use to visit his tomb for cure. They bring with them presents to him usually poultry or small ammount of money(some coins). If the wish is fulfilled and the cure turned to be effective another thanksgiving visit may be appreciated with a gratitude present.
Along the road to Al-Hoceima you see some young men heading to the city on foot: marathon exercise?!
A friend from Mnoud, whose name is Samir, told me that he travelled walking on foot from Mnoud to Tetouan city in the utmost Northern of Morocco. It was about 333 klm. It took him only three days walking through the mountains!. Starting from Mnoud to Imzourne, Al Hoceima, Targuist, Tizichen, Issagen, Sebtamourout, Bab-Erred, Cherafat, Bab-Taza, Derdara, Chefchauen, Zeinat, and Tetouan. It was a beautiful trip. You can enjoy the landscape beauty of the countryside. A visit to Chakrane may be worthy and adventuresome.
The best time to visit Mnoud is between March and May, as the village celebrates its seasonal festivities, weddings and enjoying family reunions especially those arriving from Europe to spend their summer vacation in their homeland.
The village has undergone many changes during the last decade. Many buildings and facilities have been
raised. The nights of Mnoud are illuminated by electric lamps. The Qahwas are renovated. Though emigration is still the illogicality of the village. Abandoned dwellings are clearly to seen among the new bricks, cements and iron bars.
Beni Bouayach, the fuel station
The landscape of Chakrane, Mnoud vicinity(with courtesy)
Mnoud virgin landscape
A classroom in Mnoud School (courtesy)
The road to M'noud, coming from Al-Hoceima
Links:
H.Bouaouioich blog
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