This Is the World’s Largest and Probably Oldest Beehive Complex: The Apiary of Inzerki

If you are a honey lover or a bee enthusiast, you should definitely consider a visit to the Apiary of Inzerki, a remarkable site in the Souss-Massa region of Morocco.

The Apiary of Inzerki is considered the largest traditional apiary in the world, and probably the oldest still standing. It is a testimony of the ancestral art and ingenuity of the Berber tribes of Souss, who have been practicing beekeeping for centuries.

The apiary is built on a complex of terraces on a southern slope at an elevation of 980 meters, overlooking a green valley. The terraces are home to thousands of cylindrical hives made of woven reed or tree bark, covered with mud and plugged with wooden discs. Each disc bears the emblem of the owner, and has a small hole for the bees to enter and exit. The hives are placed inside ventilated huts called Tizghatine, which protect them from the elements and predators.

The Apiary of Inzerki has many advantages for beekeeping: it has a sunny and relatively stable climate, and it is surrounded by a rich flora of almond trees, palm trees, mountain flowers, thyme, lavender, and argan trees. These plants provide abundant nectar and pollen for the bees, and give the honey a distinctive flavor and quality.

The ancient beehive complex produces some of the finest honey in Morocco, which is sold by a cooperative of local beekeepers. The honey is highly valued for its medicinal and nutritional properties, as well as its taste. The honey is harvested twice a year, in spring and autumn, following a traditional method that respects the bees and their environment.

The Apiary of Inzerki was built in 1520 using wood, rock, and adobe by a Shilha beekeeper who sought blessings and guidance from a Sufi Sheikh in the nearby village of Tafilaft. The Sheikh prayed for the beekeeper’s success and advised on where to place the first beehive. After harvesting honey from the hive, the beekeeper gifted it to the Sheikh, who then shared it with his students and prayed for Allah’s blessings on the beekeeping endeavors.

Following the hive visit, the Sheikh recommended the beekeeper build an adobe hut to accommodate multiple hives. Upon hearing about the Sheikh’s visit, local villagers were enthusiastic about settling and constructing their own huts to join the venture.

Apparently, the Sheikh’s prayers were heard, as by the 19th century the apiary had over 4,000 active hives, reaching its peak. However, in the 20th century, it faced several challenges that threatened its very existence. The apiary suffered from floods, diseases, pests, urbanization, and competition from modern beekeeping methods. The number of hives declined drastically, and only eight families still use the apiary today.

In 2005, with the assistance of USAID, a restoration program was launched to repair and rehabilitate the apiary. The program aimed to preserve the cultural heritage and biodiversity of the site, as well as to improve the living conditions and income of the local community. The program also involved training and awareness-raising activities on sustainable beekeeping practices.

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The Apiary of Inzerki is located 82 km north of Agadir, on the borders of the Eastern High Atlas. It is easily accessible by national road or highway. The road to the site offers scenic views of ocher reliefs, lush vegetation, and traditional villages.

To get a full taste of the Inzerki experience, you can contact Brahim Chtoui, President of the Taddart Inzerki Association, who will guide you through the apiary and its secrets. You’ll also get to savor local delicacies such as mint tea, Tafarnout bread, Amelou (a paste made of argan oil and almonds), and, of course, delicious honey.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4