Morocco is a land of contrasts, where each city and town tells its own story through its streets, architecture, and people.
From the serenity of Asilah, a coastal gem that gazes out over the Mediterranean, to the rich Hispano-Moorish heritage of Tetouan, and the enigmatic blue of Chefchaouen, every corner offers a unique experience that showcases the cultural and natural diversity of this country.
However, not everything is calm and beauty in this North African nation. Recently, the devastating earthquake that shook the High Atlas Mountains reminded the world of the fragility of life and the importance of solidarity in times of crisis.
Asilah: a town that gazes at the sea from behind its walls.
The name Asilah evokes images of winding streets lined by clean, white houses with freshly painted walls that dazzle when they reflect the sun. You can hear the sea from Asilah because it’s lapped by the waters of the Mediterranean – parts of the town are strongly reminiscent of coastal towns in Cadiz. They say that Asilah (or Arcila as it’s also known) has the cleanest and most well-cared for medina in Morocco and it’s true that the inhabitants of this ancient town take great care over every street and Neo-Arabic building as if they were a prized treasure. Almost all the houses are white but many add a dash of colour with borders, doors and windows in indigo or green. Buildings are also decorated with mural paintings by the many artists who have been drawn to Asilah and its town plan dating from the age of Al-Andalus. Other former houses have become attractive shops that you’ll love to visit as you wander the streets and discover the town’s charms alongside a population of little more than 30,000 inhabitants.
Tetouan
Just like its first cousin, Tangier, Tétouan boasts a peaceful atmosphere. Known as the daughter of “Granada,” it’s a city with Hispano-Moorish footmarks. Its medina is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Not far from Tétouan, the seaside resort of “Tamouda Bay” expands on fifteen kilometers of fine sandy bay. Prestigious establishments have settled there, giving a luxury setting to the region. In the crystal-clear blue waters of the Mediterranean, you can only enjoy a peaceful stay while getting to know the art of living of the inhabitants.
Chefchaouen, Morocco’s Blue City – But Why?
Wander the steep streets, souks, and staircases of Chefchaouen, and you will find yourself surrounded by vibrant blue.
Why Blue?
Chefchaouen’s Jews – who long since relocated to Casablanca or Israel – are thought to have been the originators of the blue tradition, using it to replace the green of Islam. Others will tell you that the color is good for warding off mosquitoes or is particularly cooling in the high rig mountain sun.
The First Days after The Earthquakes (09/2023)
In the days since a deadly earthquake rippled through Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains in the night to Saturday, September 9 of 2023, our help is and was so desperately needed. And we did it as doctors. So we went immediately on top of the epicenter of the earthquake.
Atlas Mountains, happened September 9 of 2023. (c) Oliver Weber
About Oliver Weber
Oliver (born September 7, 1970 in Munich, Germany) is a german photographer, physician and professor of visual arts. Currently he lives and works on the Canary Island of La Gomera. His specialty areas are reportage, portrait and what has come to be recognized as street photography. He has become more widely known through numerous features with reputable magazines and publishing houses e.g.: BBC, ARD, Bertelsmann, Die Zeit, Random House, Merian Magazine and Stern Magazine. 2009 an interview with Oliver Weber has been added to the TWO WAY LENS – project. The list of photographers already included is like a “who’s who” of the contemporary fine art photography scene, like Magnum Photos photographer Martin Parr or Alec Soth and Amy Stein.
Oliver Weber is the first german photographer who is included in Two Way Lens. 2011 Oliver published his second book ANALOGUE, which was featured by The Camera Club of New York during its photo book fair July 2011. Weber took part on several “solo” and “group” exhibitions including his work, like the DOCUMENTA (13) in Kassel, Germany (one of the world’s most important exhibitions for contemporary art), the PHOTOKINA in Cologne, Germany (the world’s largest trade fair for the photographic and imaging industries) and LA BIENNALE DI VENEZIA, Italy (2017). 2015 Oliver received his Professor of Visual Arts at California University. [Official Website]
