I had planned to continue my posts of the Fall road trip we did in 2021. But on the night of September 8th there was a crushing 6.8 earthquake in Morocco. Twenty minutes later an aftershock hit at 4.9 magnitude. The toll of the dead and injured is still being counted. The main area of destruction was in the city of Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains.
I traveled to Morocco in 2016 on a photo trip. Truth be told, I didn’t know what to expect but it sounded very exotic, especially the famous Casablanca. I was intrigued with the stories I had heard of the medinas (a city’s historical center), the souks (stalls or marketplaces) in places like Fez and Marrakech and the wonderful shopping ahead. It is one of those places that I would revisit in a heartbeat because of the gracious people, beautiful scenery, delicious food, and rich history. And shopping. I could not believe the shopping.
The Atlas Mountains
The epicenter of the Moroccan earthquake was in the Atlas Mountains. It’s a beautiful diverse area and perfect for photography because of its stunning landscapes. The photo at the top of the post was taken there. The changing light and colors throughout the day offer endless opportunities. It is a region with many Berber communities. The Berber family we visited for lunch one day was gracious and eager to share their culture and cuisine. I wonder how this tragic event will affect the tourism opportunities for Moroccans since tourism is a major contributor to the Moroccan economy.
A popular site in this region is Ait Ben Haddou. It’s been the location for filming many movies over the years including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Visiting it was like going back in time. No wonder it’s a location scout’s dream. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also suffered some structural damage but not extensively.
Marrakech
The major city most effected by the earthquake was Marrakech. Marrakech is a shopper’s paradise. The souks in the medina are filled with a dizzying array of goods, including carpets, textiles, pottery, leather goods, spices, and jewelry. The merchants expect you to bargain, and I admit I really suck at it. I knew before I left home I wanted a rug. I bought a beauty for my condo. Did I get a good price? I have no idea but I love the rug.
Sadly, the earthquake in Morocco not only resulted in a human toll but also a huge loss of the cultural and stunning architectural heritage of this African country. It has been a major economic center since the 11th century. The medina is another UNESCO Heritage Center and suffered severe damage. The iconic Kutubiyya Mosque has a crack but is still standing. The other structure, the Kharbouch Mosque, is smaller in size. It overlooked the square and is heavily damaged. Its minaret collapsed. It’s hard to imagine what this famous square looks like now. Buildings farther away are relatively intact.
The square in the old city center is called Jemaa el-Fnaa. Here are some photos I took when I visited:
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