The ksar has been fortified since the 11th century, during the Almoravid era, though existing structures date mainly from the 17th century, built using traditional methods. Its strategic location in the Ounila Valley placed it on a key trans-Saharan trade route, leading through the Tizi n'Tichka pass between Marrakech and the Dra'a Valley. Other fortified sites, like Tamdaght, also lined this route. Today, only a few families live in the ksar, as its importance declined in the 20th century. Most locals now reside across the river in modern homes, relying on farming and tourism. A pedestrian bridge, built in 2011, connects the old ksar to the village, aiming to improve access and possibly revive its use. The ksar sustained damage in the September 2023 earthquake, with early reports noting cracks, partial collapses, and ongoing structural risks.