Geography of the Middle East and North Africa
"Ahlayn! Hey!
My name is Fatma. It's a really popular name since it's the same as the daughter of the Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him). I'm a university student studying political science in Rabat and I'm really looking forward to traveling with you! Hopefully you will enjoy both the outstanding beauty of North Africa and the complex relationship the people have with their surroundings.
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Ready? Let's start at the top -- Top of the Atlas Mountains, that is! Go ahead and I'll meet you there."
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"The modern port is now a little ways away but just look at all that ancient infrastructure and planning that went into designing one of the world's most famous artificial harbors! Can you imagine how impressive this place was when it was full of water? So happy the Tunisian Government has protected this amazing engineering heritage by designated the whole area a protected park in 1985 and partnering with UNESCO in 2012. Tunisia isn't alone in protecting Maghreb heritage: our next stop is an entire UNESCO city!"
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"I just love the traditional architecture of the Maghreb region - just like this one in Tripoli! The building is designed around a central open-air courtyard where family can gather in privacy and the high ceilings provide space for hot summer air to dissipate. Beautiful AND functional! They can get really chilly in the winter, but, thankfully, winters are short in this part of the world. Look at all that beautiful tile-work around the courtyard! I've heard our nest stop has arabesque mosaics like that all the way up its giant exterior."
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"It can be strange finding so much life in the middle of the harsh Sahara Desert... but isn't it amazing? All these big trees sustained by small ephemeral lakes and shallow ponds. It is incredible how water finds its way into even this sandy landscape---I wonder if this was a full oasis at one time? That's kind of like our next destination: It also used to be full of water -- full enough for boats! -- but isn't anymore."
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"It's just so big out here! It's so beautiful and quiet... To me, the desert is about freedom and peace: just me and Allah -- and you of course! There is so much more than sand in the Sahara desert. Look at those dramatic jagged mountains and wide open sky. I love visiting the small sanctuaries built for those seeking a solitary existence, such as the Ermitage du Père de Foucauld à l'Assekrem on the hill behind us. There is such a deep connection between nature and faith in the Maghreb."​
King Hussein II Mosque, Casablanca
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"Isn't it beautiful! This is the largest mosque in the world outside of Saudi Arabia. It was built out over the water so during prayer, worshipers can see the beauty of the world Allah created. It's also the only mosque in Morocco that welcomes non-Muslim visitors. Even though it's not the Capital of Morocco, this city is the biggest in the country. Bit too crowded for me. Our next spot should be quite different than this bustling metropolis, somewhere a little more peaceful."
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"It took two full days to reach the top of this Atlas giant... My climbing partners tell me it's the #1 mountaineering goal for the entire Atlas complex. Click the pin to join my friends and me at the summit! The shape of the summit marker kind of looks like the monument at our next stop."
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"The hilly perch of the Marinid Tombs is the absolute best place to view the ancient city-scape of Fez, which was the Capital of the Marinid Dynasty (13th-15th Centuries). During the daily call to prayer, you can hear the music and prayers sweep across the city toward Mecca. This city is so important to Moroccan, and global, culture both the old AND new parts of the city are declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the name 'Medinat Fez' - meaning 'The City of Fez'. Such interesting architecture in this part of the world. I hope we get to see more up close at our next stop."
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"This somber pyramid monument was built in 1982 to commemorate Algerian lives lost in the war for Independence. The three towers are shaped like palm leaves representing peace as they shelter the Eternal Flame memorial at its center. I hope it's not too dry to see living trees at our next destination -- It can be otherworldly to see so much green in a sea of sand."
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