Zaouia Khannoufa زاوية الخنوفة
Oulad Amrane, Casablanca-Settat
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Zawiya al-Khanoufa, in the Ajdour commune of the Youssoufia region, is located 8 kilometers from the city of Chemaia on the road to Safi. It boasts a rich and noble history. The zawiya was founded in the 16th century by Sheikh Sidi Ali Ibn Nasser al-Hamri, who, along with his brother Sheikh Sidi Said, established it as a camp to resist the colonial forces of the time. They also founded a school for teaching archery and horsemanship, which later expanded and moved to the city of Chemaia under the name "School of Princes." In past decades, Zawiya al-Khanoufa served as a center of leadership, notably for the late national leader, Haj Larbi Belkouch, who was visited by the late King Mohammed V in 1943. His son, Qaid Mohammed Belkouch, was also a prominent figure, known for his patriotism and resistance to the French colonial authorities, and was exiled in 1953. The zawiya is renowned for its pious men and masters of archery and horsemanship. Throughout the Kingdom, the mere mention of Zawiya al-Khanoufa immediately brings to mind the prestigious Tbourida troupe, led by its leader, Haj Taher al-Khanoufi (may God have mercy on him). Adel Sisi, dated: 28/11/2023