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archatlas:

Chefchouen “Blue city”, Morocco by Basia Asztabska

In the words of the artist

Basia Asztabska:

My name is Basia Asztabska I was born in 1985 in Gliwice, Poland. Currently living and working in London, UK. My interest in photography began in 2007, and in a short time, developed from a hobby into a passion and a way of live. I am a professional freelance photographer, ready to take risks and challenges to capture the perfect moment. My biggest desire has been to discover new places, cultures and people. Combining my travels with my passion for photography is like living a dream to me.

Chefchaouen or Chaouen, as it is often called by Moroccans, is a popular tourist destination because of its proximity to Tangier and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The name refers to the shape of the mountain tops above the town, that look like the two horns (chaoua) of a goat. “Chef Chaouen” derives from the Berber word for horns, Ichawen. Chefchaouen’s blue walls are a popular subject of interest. There are several theories as to why the walls were painted blue. One popular theory is that the blue keeps mosquitos away, another is that Jews introduced the blue when they took refuge from Hitler in the 1930s. The blue is said to symbolize the sky and heaven, and serve as a reminder to lead a spiritual life.

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