The sand dunes that surround the village are more important than the village itself. Merzouga is commonly used to refer to the entire desert area, which includes major villages such as Hassi Labied, Takojt, Tanamoust, Tiharyin, Taboumyat, Khamlia, and many others. There are two different stories behind the village’s name. For starters, some people believe that in the past, there was a family called Merzoug, and that this is the origin of the word Merzoug. Second, some people believe that the name originated in Arabic because Merzouka means “rich land” in Arabic.
Another unique myth that the majority of the Berbers in Merzouga believe in. It is said that in the distant past, there was a wealthy tribe who lived in peace in Merzouga. When they had finished their meals (mostly Couscous), they began to fight with it. Because they were wasting food, God punished them with massive sand dunes and storms until they were completely engulfed in dunes.
The sand dunes are known as Erg Chebbi and are approximately 30/15 km long. However, if you travel further east, you will come across other sand dunes such as those in Znigui, Jdaid, and Ramlia.
