Monday, May 7, 2012

Chapter II: Life in Douar Amzouro

A dam under construction for allocating water among the Douars
Mohammed's house in Douar Amzouro
The room, wonderful match of colors between the green walls and this amazing blue carpet (we sleep on the carpet) 
Women of the Douar cultivating the fields
Zara
Djamila and her daughter Zara
Mohammed serving mint tea
Ancestral method for plowing
Palm Grove
A Douar is a village that is primarily a "group of houses, fixed or mobile, temporary or permanent, bringing together individuals who share a relationship based on common ancestry in the paternal line"(needless to mention the inbreeding). Historically, a Douar is a type of nomadic camp arranged in a circle, made it possible to store the herds in the free space in the center of it. 

Mohammed, Camille's father associate, invited us to his place at one hour by car from Taroudan. After an energic drive on what should not even be called a road, we arrived at the heart of the Atlas. A green paradise which appeared like a mirage in the middle of an arid desert landscape.
Douars are not included in the official geographic coding and administrative services, we were literally lost in the middle of nowhere !!! It was like stepping into the fourth dimension where time had stopped in the XII century. Women break argan nuts while men plow the fields with mules. They all live very happy in total autarky. For me,who has always wanted to belong to ancient times, this place struck me as the Garden of Eden.
I will always remember how kind people of Douar Amzouro have been with us and will keep them in my heart ! 
Chapter III tomorrow !

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