Mud City

 29 April - Rest day in Ait Ben Haddou, also known as 'mud city', having had parts reduced to mud in a flood some many years ago. 


The photos above are probably parts of the city that have been used most in movies that have been shot here

The site has been used for movies over the last 70 years:


In its earlier days, Ait Ben Haddou was initially a Berber community but Jewish settlers from Spain arrived in the 17th centrury. We understand that in thise days, there were around 20 Jewish families and about 60 or 70 Berber families occupying Ait Ben Haddou and the Synagogue and Mosque lived happily within a few hundred meters of each other. The two groups lived harmoniously alongside each other although they did not inter-marry nor did they share a graveyard. Below is the Jewish graveyard and Berber mausoleum.
After gaining UNESCO World Heritage status, the UN funded this footbridge connection as well as water supply to the site. No electricity except solar.  
After our walk through the city, we returned to the relative luxury of the hotel and its swimming pool. It's a saltwater pool... interesting tht the river here is saline from its source in the high Atlas where there are also salt mines. Some trees in Ait Ben Haddou, I forget the species, are used for ceiling and door structures in the old city because their saline content makes them resistant to insects.

Back on the bike tomorrow, and apology if you find spelling errors as this had to be written quickly.

Comments

  1. Liz and Ray1 May 2022 at 18:09

    Hi Rae and Ursula: Firstly: Ursula - a happy belated birthday! Hope you enjoyed your day and had energy left over to celebrate!!
    Your pictures are stunning!!! What an adventure you guys are having .... although ..... I think you are working hard for it! Good for you! I guess there are people around, but the land always seems so quiet and relatively untouched ... then as you say some human structure/s appear like a mirage!! Continue to enjoy and keep posting! I love seeing where you are and what you are doing ... well, apart from riding the hills!!! Hugs and love! Liz and Ray

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