268
These challenges were met with technical, social, and agro-ecological developments. Technical measures include the Khettara system to bring water into the oasis
with as little evaporation loss as possible as well as irrigation systems with Saguias
(or Sagias) to distribute the water inside the oasis. Around the resource water a communal management system was formed, which regulates the water supply, distribution, and hydraulic maintenance. In addition, land ownership, rights of use, and
inheritance were also regulated (see Chap. 4). From an agro-ecological point of
view, the three strata cultivation system ensured optimal use of water and soil
resources, created a comparably humid microclimate, and provided a habitat for
insects, birds, and other organisms that perform important ecosystem functions such
as pollination or pest control.
House construction was also optimally adapted to the environmental conditions.
Locally available resources such as loam, stones, gravel, and plants were used,
which were fed into the agro-ecosystem without non-degradable residues during the
decay process. The complex social structures of the Amazigh and their past as
nomads and semi-nomads have created the necessary social cohesion and knowledge
about their living environment, which not only ensured survival under barren and
unsafe conditions, but also enabled cultural progress. For example, earthen
architecture techniques and the art of weaving could develop further, and the
Ahwash could establish itself as an identity-forming ritual, which strengthens the
cohesion of the community and thus contributes to the immediate resolution of conflicts, for example, related to water distribution.
Both from an ecological and social perspective, the oasis can be described as a
fertile and resilient island within a hostile environment that is capable of buffering
shocks such as droughts. However, due to its location on important trade routes of
the caravans (see Chaps. 2 and 3) the system is not self-sufficient or even isolated.
Like many rural regions in the world’s drylands, Agdz is today confronted with the
effects of global change, such as rural exodus and loss of traditions, ecological
problems due to overexploitation of natural resources, and the impacts of climate
change. However, in contrast to other rural towns in Morocco’s hinterland, Agdz is
characterized by population increase and economic growth and there are many signs
of modernization and change (see Chap. 4). New housing estates, new and extended
roads, concreted sewage systems, and an improved energy supply are visible in the
urban area. There are also developments in the agricultural sector, such as the
increasing use of drip irrigation and the concrete lining of irrigation canals. However,
the rural exodus takes place in the small surrounding villages, which are characterized
by an aging population and a weak infrastructure. Here the decay of the old earthen
buildings is particularly striking.
Now the question arises as to what material and immaterial losses are associated
with this modernization process and how they should be assessed. From an
architectural and cultural-historical point of view, the decay of ancient kasbahs and
ksur is a severe loss, especially when considering that in addition to the building
deterioration, the intangible heritage of the traditional building technique is also
lost. However, these earthen buildings have mostly lost their original function, so
that there is no cogent incentive to preserve them since modern steel skeleton
U. Nehren et al.
These challenges were met with technical, social, and agro-ecological developments. Technical measures include the Khettara system to bring water into the oasis
with as little evaporation loss as possible as well as irrigation systems with Saguias
(or Sagias) to distribute the water inside the oasis. Around the resource water a communal management system was formed, which regulates the water supply, distribution, and hydraulic maintenance. In addition, land ownership, rights of use, and
inheritance were also regulated (see Chap. 4). From an agro-ecological point of
view, the three strata cultivation system ensured optimal use of water and soil
resources, created a comparably humid microclimate, and provided a habitat for
insects, birds, and other organisms that perform important ecosystem functions such
as pollination or pest control.
House construction was also optimally adapted to the environmental conditions.
Locally available resources such as loam, stones, gravel, and plants were used,
which were fed into the agro-ecosystem without non-degradable residues during the
decay process. The complex social structures of the Amazigh and their past as
nomads and semi-nomads have created the necessary social cohesion and knowledge
about their living environment, which not only ensured survival under barren and
unsafe conditions, but also enabled cultural progress. For example, earthen
architecture techniques and the art of weaving could develop further, and the
Ahwash could establish itself as an identity-forming ritual, which strengthens the
cohesion of the community and thus contributes to the immediate resolution of conflicts, for example, related to water distribution.
Both from an ecological and social perspective, the oasis can be described as a
fertile and resilient island within a hostile environment that is capable of buffering
shocks such as droughts. However, due to its location on important trade routes of
the caravans (see Chaps. 2 and 3) the system is not self-sufficient or even isolated.
Like many rural regions in the world’s drylands, Agdz is today confronted with the
effects of global change, such as rural exodus and loss of traditions, ecological
problems due to overexploitation of natural resources, and the impacts of climate
change. However, in contrast to other rural towns in Morocco’s hinterland, Agdz is
characterized by population increase and economic growth and there are many signs
of modernization and change (see Chap. 4). New housing estates, new and extended
roads, concreted sewage systems, and an improved energy supply are visible in the
urban area. There are also developments in the agricultural sector, such as the
increasing use of drip irrigation and the concrete lining of irrigation canals. However,
the rural exodus takes place in the small surrounding villages, which are characterized
by an aging population and a weak infrastructure. Here the decay of the old earthen
buildings is particularly striking.
Now the question arises as to what material and immaterial losses are associated
with this modernization process and how they should be assessed. From an
architectural and cultural-historical point of view, the decay of ancient kasbahs and
ksur is a severe loss, especially when considering that in addition to the building
deterioration, the intangible heritage of the traditional building technique is also
lost. However, these earthen buildings have mostly lost their original function, so
that there is no cogent incentive to preserve them since modern steel skeleton
U. Nehren et al.