The southern regions of Morocco was once known as the Western Sahara. The history of this region is a complex relationship of agreements and treaties involving the Spanish, French, Mauretanian, Algerian and Western Saharan countries. Essentially, Western Sahara is today regarded as a ‘Disputed Territory’, where some 70% is claimed by Morocco and 30% claimed by the former Western Sahara government now known as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. A large fortified mud wall constructed by Morocco stretches for 2,700 kilometres and keeps the opposing sides apart.
I will add image galleries and more history as I proceed.
30th March : From Marrakesh to Laayoune
This journey began at 6am and ended at 9pm, something of a dream. Images, strange colours and composition of the journey through the dirty window of the coach.
Laayoune. : 1st April : Accidental Paintings ( title courtesy of Charlie Holt )
The fabric of buildings, local colour, the wall art, the censure of graffiti and the intense light combine in Laayoune.
Gallery 1
Gallery 2
Gallery 3
6th April. : Smara
A four hour journey from Laayoune across hamada desert.
7th April. : Smara
Gallery 1
Gallery 2 : Smara Periphery
