Friday, 21 February 2014

Tuesday, 11 February 2014 – Ait Ben Haddou & Telouet, Morocco

Ait Ben Haddou is a fortified village, or Ksar, along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech.  Ait Ben Haddou has been featured in many films including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Kingdom of Heaven.

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The Ksar consists of a number of houses surrounded by high defensive walls and towers, all built from red moulded clay blocks.

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Views of the Ounila River and surrounding desert from the top of the hill

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Only eight families live within the Ksar – the rest of the town's inhabitants now live in the modern village on the other side of the river

Some of the remaining residents

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It was a scenic drive through the Ounila Valley from Ksar Ait Ben Haddou to Telouet

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along narrow winding roads

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past tiny red mud villages nestled in the hills amongst lush green valleys

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Many of the earthen walls and towers of the Telouet Kasbah had fallen into complete disrepair

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In contrast to the crumbling exterior the reception rooms were in amazing condition with lavishly tiled walls and floors and ornate plaster ceilings and archways

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