The town was founded in the 13th century by an Islamic traveller and scholar named Sidi Said Ahansal, whose legend was claimed that his mentor told him to establish a religious school.
Today, the town is mostly inhabited by a group of nomadic Berber peoples, including the Aït Atta tribes.
Weekly Market
The weekly market that draws all the people of the area is held on Mondays near Zaouiat Ahansal.
The Weekly Market held on Monday in Zawiya Ahansal in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, June 2019
NGOs
The Atlas Cultural Foundation and Les Amis de Amezray, based in France works closely with the people of Zaouiat Ahansal to provide developmental aid to the area.