Marrakech, Morocco is a city full of culture, color, and life. While many flock to the north African city based on the IG photos, there is much more to experience.
The people that inhabit this city are what truly bring it to life. While there can be thousands of tourists in the area at any given time, to see the locals carry on with everyday life is something that we tend to look past.
Jonathan Cooper, a Charlotte-based photographer, traveled to the city back in March 2017. During his visit, he was able to capture the city through his lens.
He was inspired to travel there after learning how accessible it was while traveling through parts of Europe. He decided to make the short trip to see what the city had to offer.
Upon arriving, he was met with lots of orange trees, dirt roads, mopeds, and vendors at every corner. Women in hijabs, and men in Djellaba (loose fitted traditional hooded robe).
“Marrakech is a city where everything made from hand, was made out of love,” Cooper told Travel Noire. “At any given moment, you’ll see someone welding a bathtub, making jewelry, sewing, or performing any craft with their hands.”
“When traveling and observing people, I always wonder where they’re going, what is home like for them, where are they coming from, and what was the last thing that brought them joy.”
He reminisces on taking in the smell of grilled lamb while walking through the Medina. “Lamb seemed to be the city’s favorite thing to eat, so that smell was all over. Since most of the cooking was done outdoors, you can always smell something being prepared.”
Journeying through Marrakech reminded him of being in a maze. The twists and turns of the narrow alleys felt never-ending.
Pastel walls with dirt paths, several dark tunnels, with passageways that looked as though you needed a password to enter. Walls that have been designed with intricate details that will lead you to what seems like a different world.
Related:Cooking For A Cause In Marrakech
Marrakech is definitely a place that must be experienced at least once. Like Jonathan, be sure to get your camera ready. There is so much to see and you’ll want to hold on to the memories forever.
You can catch more of Jonathan’s work via his website www.coopernicusphotos.com or his Instagram: @iamcoopernicus_.
If you’re eyeing Morocco as your next travel destination, you should become a TN Plus member to access our 7-day city guides for Marrakesh, Fez, and Essaouira. They’re full of recommendations for hotels, restaurants, events, and more. Plus as a member of TN Plus, you’ve got access to travel deals and discounts you can’t get anywhere else.
