Jbel Lakhdar Explained

Jbel Lakhdar
Photo Size:275
Elevation M:687
Map:Morocco
Map Size:250
Label:Jebel Lakhdar
Label Position:left
Location:Morocco
Range:Atlas Mountains
Coordinates:32.49°N -8.14°W
First Ascent:Unknown
Easiest Route:From Douar jbel Lakhdar

Jbel Lakhdar[1] is a small mountain or hill in Morocco.

Geography

Its name means "the green mountain". Its summit is 687 meters high. During the French protectorate, there was a triangulation pillar marking that the height at the top was 893 m.[2]

This mountain forms the natural border between regions of Doukkala to the west and Rahamna to the east.[3]

Jbel Lakhdar may be considered as a low, distant foothill of the Atlas Mountains in the direction of the Atlantic Ocean towards El Jadida.

Local traditions

The neighbouring tribes of Oulad Ahmed, Oulad Jerrar and Rahamna used to climb to the summit for a minor pilgrimage on the Day of Arafa. Known as "pilgrimage of the poor", this custom ended in 2005.

Economy

Pastures for cattle and sheep are used by neighboring rural communities and by shepherds from Rahamna. Limits for grazing are agreed by communities, but can be disputed in the years of drought. As its name suggested, Jbel Khedar is the last "green point" when rainfalls are scarce. Nearby villages are deserted by their inhabitants.

No touristic venture exists in the area, though there are mountain leisure opportunities and also historic centers to be seen in the area such as Dar Caïd Tounsi.

File:Djebel Xhedar Had Lawounate.jpg|Seen from the SouthFile:Djebel Xhedar Dar Cayid Tounsi2.jpg|Seen from the NorthFile:Djebel Xhedar pus près.jpg|Closer view, from the WestFile:Djebel Xhedar montêye.jpg|ClimbingFile:Djebel Xhedar Vuwe Bijhe.jpg|Summit, view in the Northern directionFile:Dris Reda Jbel Xhdr1.jpg|Same, a little more easterly

Climbing

Climbing is rather easy, although there is no trail. It lasts one hour and a half. The summit line is horse-iron-shaped and one can follow it easily. Views on four sides are:

References

Notes and References

  1. Orthography from Moroccan pronunciation of the jim letter; other Latin orthography: Djebel El Akhdar.
  2. Guide Bleu du Maroc, 7th ed., Hachette, 1950, p. 180.
  3. http://www.getamap.net/maps/morocco/doukkala-abda/_lakhdar_jbel/ Jbel Lakhdar - GetaMap