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Exploring the Rich Culture and Heritage of the Berber People in Morocco


Horses in the Middle Atlas

The Culture


No visit to Morocco is complete without recognizing and appreciating the rich culture and heritage of the Berber people. They're the largest indigenous tribe in Morocco and are native to North Africa. There are also Berber communities in Egypt and Burkina Faso.


In Bahlil cave pouring mint tea

The Berbers are also known as the Amazigh, which means "free people" in their native Tamazight language. Morocco – is a land of diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures, from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert; some are nomadic, some are sedentary, and they're a mix of Muslims, Christians, and Jews. The Berber's deep historical roots in North and sub-Saharan Africa go back about 20,000 years.


The Berbers, skilled nomads of the Sahara desert, deeply understand camel husbandry. For centuries, they have herded and traded livestock, and today, many Berber tribes maintain their nomadic lifestyle within the Moroccan desert. Camels serve as transportation and provide milk, meat, wool, and hides.


Berber Dwellings



During my recent visit to Morocco, I hired a driver to take me about 30 miles from Fes to the unique Bhalil village. This small and quiet village has a population of around 12,000 people. Although you won't find Bhalil on many Morocco itineraries, this town is well worth a visit.


On my journey from Fes to Bhalil, I was captivated by the beauty of the landscape. The road was lined with the most beautiful fields of olive groves, a testament to Morocco's long-standing love affair with olives. The country's passion for olive oil production, a tradition passed down through generations, is a unifying force that brings people together over the values of hospitality.


Olive Groves in Morocco
Olive Groves in Morocco

Berber town Bhalil is famous to outsiders because of its caves (troglodyte dwellings). I had the opportunity to experience two cave homes during this visit, but my first cave visit was the Hercules Cave in Tangier, Morocco. However, the only way to enter the caves in the Middle Atlas is with a local guide. Yet it was the gravity of this experience in the Middle Atlas because it was like stepping into a hidden world frozen in time, and each step revealed the resilience and ingenuity that has sustained these communities for centuries, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.



All Good Things Come To An End


My journey through Morocco was a physical exploration and a journey of the heart. It was a transformative experience, filled with encounters that left a lasting impression. One such encounter was with the Amazigh people, whose rich heritage dates back millennia. I explored their remarkable troglodyte homes in the serene village of Bhalil, nestled just miles from Fes. Carved into the mountainside, these homes were a testament to their resilience and ingenuity. As I traveled through lush olive groves, I felt the Moroccans' deep connection with their land, especially in their passionate cultivation of olives. This experience, enriched by the warmth and hospitality of the Amazigh, deeply touched my soul and revealed a hidden world preserved through the ages.


Check out my other Morocco blogs for more inspiration. You can also find my videos on YouTube.

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