ATLAS MOUNTAINS BERBER VILLAGES AND FREEDOM

As you leave Marrakech's colorful souks, noisy squares, and narrow, spice-scented streets behind and set off toward the Atlas Mountains, you enter a completely different world. As you leave the city, the roads narrow, the soil takes on a reddish hue, and the landscape takes on a wild beauty. The hills, which initially appear barren, come alive with olive trees and small villages as you advance. Here's a journey into the hidden Berber villages of Morocco!

In about an hour from Marrakech, we reach the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Mountains rise from the mist, goat herds drift past stone houses, and locals sell their colorful, handcrafted carpets.

Life here is very different from the city. The houses are made of adobe, the streets are narrow and paved with stone, and instead of the sound of cars, the sound of donkeys' hooves echoes. We take a tea break in the village square. A Berber family immediately invites us into their home and offers us traditional mint tea. Tea holds a special place in Moroccan culture, and the taste of tea here is truly unique! They say the higher the strainer, the more respect it conveys.

The Berbers are one of Morocco's oldest peoples. Their roots date back thousands of years and they still hold fast to their traditions. Berbers have lived in Morocco for at least 4,000 years. In ancient times, they interacted with the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Arabs. With the spread of Islam in the 7th century, the majority became Muslim, but they retained their own culture and language. Life in the villages is simple yet peaceful. In the mornings, women bake bread in the tandoor oven, men lead their goat herds up to the mountains, and children play barefoot in the streets. Electricity is new in some villages, but internet access is still a luxury in most places. Interestingly, the area where we spent our time had full internet access. Even without it, no one here complains; on the contrary, they live happily, enjoying the blessings of nature. The houses are simple but functional. Most are single-story and made of adobe. Inside, there are colorful Berber rugs and hand-woven pillows. When you have guests, a table is prepared immediately and served with warm tandoori bread, argan oil and honey.

Berber cuisine is quite natural and healthy; one of the most famous dishes is "tajine," which is cooked over low heat for hours.

Women play a crucial role in Berber culture. From housework to agriculture, carpet weaving to cooking, everything is handled by them. Carpet weaving is one of the most important arts for Berber women. Every pattern, every color has a meaning. Sometimes it tells a family's story, sometimes it carries symbols of marriage or fertility. Women sing songs while working. Music and storytelling hold special significance here. Especially during the long evenings of winter, everyone gathers to tell ancient Berber legends.

This brief time spent in Berber villages reminded me of the value of simple living. I realized it's possible to be happy without the conveniences of technology and city life. If you ever travel to Morocco, don't forget to explore not only the big cities but also these wonderful villages in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. This is Morocco at its most authentic and welcoming.