TIZNIT

town, provincial capital, and province, Sud region, Morocco. The town lies near the Atlantic coast and the Tachilla and Ouarzemimene mountains of the Anti-Atlas range. It was founded in 1882 during the reign of Maulay Hasan as a military base from which he launched expeditions to subdue the peoples of the Oued (river) Sous region and the neighbouring mountainous areas. Tiznit was eventually occupied by French troops (191756). Enclosed by 4 mi (6 km) of walls, it is now a market centre where irrigated orchards, dates, vegetables, and barley are cultivated. Artisan industries include jewelry, engraved silver, and inlaid weapons. The town is connected by road with Agadir. Tiznit province has an area of 2,687 sq mi (6,960 sq km). It is bounded by the provinces of Agadir to the north, Tata to the east, Guelmim to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Cereals, sheep, goats, and cattle are raised. There are iron deposits in the mountains. Pop. (1971) town, 11,391; (1981 est.) province, 353,000.