Figuig is a fairly large town close to the Algerian border in North Eastern Morocco. Once a thriving gateway between the two countries it is now an isolated outpost. Since the closing of the border in 1994 there has been a decline in the towns prosperity, with many people choosing to leave. Consequently parts of the historic quarter of the town have started to fall into disrepair. Despite this decline some of the traditional crafts remain and the dates from the palms are revered, so that the old waterways have continued to be used and maintained, and the town hasn't lost its integrity.