Today, I'm excited to welcome Hassan Dahmane to our Bewildered in Morocco team! Born and raised in the mountain town of Amizmiz nestled in the Atlas Mountains, Hassan brings something special to our stories - the authentic voice of a local explorer who knows Morocco's hidden corners like the back of his hand.
From Construction Technician to Award-Winning Photographer
Hassan's journey is fascinating. Originally trained as a construction technician, he developed a unique eye for Moroccan architecture and structural beauty. But since 2007, his passion has expanded beyond buildings to capturing the heart and soul of Morocco through photography and storytelling.
What makes Hassan's work truly special is how he blends his technical knowledge with a deep love for Moroccan culture. When he photographs an ancient kasbah or a village home, he sees beyond the surface. He understands how the thick walls keep out the summer heat, how the small windows create patterns of light, and how generations of craftspeople have shaped these spaces.
"In Morocco, many old houses have small windows and thick walls. This helps keep them cool in summer," Hassan often explains when we explore together. His knowledge turns a simple walk through a village into a fascinating lesson about Moroccan ingenuity.
An Award-Winning Eye for Morocco's Beauty
Hassan isn't just any photographer - his talent has earned international recognition! Recently, his work ranked in the top 11% of the prestigious 35AWARDS Cultural Events photography contest. This is no small achievement - his photographs stood out among 21,066 submissions from 5,245 photographers across 130 countries!
His portraits like "The Silent Gaze of Strength" and "Yaniss" have ranked among the top 8% to 20% globally. When you look at Hassan's photography, you don't just see Morocco - you feel it. Each image tells a story of the land, the people, and traditions that make this country so special.
Capturing Morocco's Hidden Gems
What I love most about working with Hassan is his knowledge of places most travelers never discover. Just last month, we traveled together to his hometown of Amizmiz. While most tourists rush straight to Marrakech's famous souks, Hassan took me on a different journey.
"Most people visit the famous blue streets of Chefchaouen," Hassan told me as we walked through a quiet village path, "but few know about the hidden valleys just outside Amizmiz where families still harvest olives the traditional way."
He's introduced me to tiny cafés where locals gather to play music, ancient paths used by mountain traders for centuries, and viewpoints where the Atlas Mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. These experiences don't appear in guidebooks - they come from a lifetime of calling this magnificent country home.
The Multifaceted Creative from Amizmiz
Hassan Dahmane is more than just a photographer. He's what we might call a true Moroccan renaissance man! His creative talents extend to filmmaking, web design, and marketing - all focused on showcasing the beauty of Moroccan culture and landscapes.
His photography vividly portrays Moroccan life with special attention to Amazigh heritage, traditional architecture, and the natural beauty of regions like Marrakech, Chefchaouen, and Dakhla. Looking through his portfolio reveals a deep appreciation for Morocco's diverse cultural tapestry.
Beyond his camera work, Hassan has developed a strong digital presence where he shares his love for Morocco. You can explore his world through multiple platforms:
- Website: amezmiz.com
- Instagram: @hassan_dahmane_
- YouTube: Hassan Dahmane
- YouPic: Hassan Dahmane
Each platform offers a different glimpse into his creative vision and passion for Moroccan culture.
A Writer and Cultural Explorer
As our newest team member at Bewildered in Morocco, Hassan contributes thoughtful writing about lesser-known Moroccan destinations. His articles offer readers a glimpse into the country's hidden gems and cultural richness that only a local could reveal.
I remember asking Hassan why he joined our team. His answer was simple: "I want to show people the real Morocco - not just what tourists see, but what we Moroccans experience every day."
His writing style is exactly what we love at Bewildered in Morocco - personal, warm, and filled with real insights that can only come from someone who calls this place home.
Walking Through Morocco with Hassan
If you're lucky enough to explore Morocco with Hassan as your guide, prepare for an experience that goes beyond tourism. He approaches each journey with curiosity and respect, taking time to connect with locals and listen to their stories.
"Don't worry if you don't speak Arabic," he reassured a nervous traveler recently. "Moroccans are very friendly! A simple 'Salam' (hello) and a smile will help you anywhere."
This approachable attitude makes Hassan the perfect bridge between visitors and locals. He doesn't just translate words - he translates culture, helping travelers understand the meaning behind traditions, foods, and customs that might otherwise remain mysterious.
A Day in Amizmiz with Hassan
Last week, I spent a day with Hassan in his hometown of Amizmiz, and it gave me a perfect example of how he sees Morocco differently.
We started at the weekly souk (market), where Hassan greeted nearly everyone by name. While I saw colorful stalls selling fruits and vegetables, Hassan pointed out how certain produce was arranged according to traditions dating back centuries. When we stopped for tea, he showed me how the tea seller poured from different heights to create the perfect foam - a small detail most visitors would miss.
"If you want to visit the Atlas Mountains, take a shared taxi from Marrakech," he advised as we watched travelers passing through. "It's cheaper than a private car and a good way to meet locals. Just remember—shared taxis leave only when they are full!"
These practical tips come from a lifetime of traveling these roads, not from reading guidebooks.
Hassan's Unique Architectural Insights
With his background in construction, Hassan sees Moroccan buildings through a different lens. As we walked through Amizmiz's older neighborhoods, he explained how homes were designed for the harsh mountain climate.
"In Fez, houses are famous for their beautiful tilework, called 'zellige,'" he explained, "but here in the mountains, notice how the houses use local stone and have smaller windows. This design keeps them warmer in winter when snow covers the Atlas peaks."
He showed me how modern builders are adapting traditional techniques for today's needs - a fascinating blend of old wisdom and new technology that reveals Morocco's evolving story.
Finding Magic in Everyday Morocco
What makes Hassan's perspective so valuable is his ability to find beauty in everyday moments. While leading a small group through a village, he stopped suddenly, smiling at what seemed like an ordinary scene - an older man teaching his grandson to fix a bicycle.
"I remember my first trip to the Sahara," Hassan shared with us. "The sand was golden, and the silence was deep. At night, I sat by the fire with a Berber guide, drinking sweet mint tea under a sky full of stars. It was magical."
But then he added, "This moment right here - a grandfather passing knowledge to his grandson - this is just as magical. This is the real Morocco."
Through Hassan's eyes, even simple moments become meaningful glimpses into Moroccan life.
Collaborative Spirit: Amplifying Moroccan Voices
Hassan doesn't work alone. He collaborates with artisans, storytellers, and local guides who are keepers of ancestral knowledge. Everything he creates—whether photographs, articles, or videos—aims to honor their stories and traditions.
His recent work documenting traditional crafts in the Atlas region has helped preserve techniques that might otherwise be forgotten. By sharing these stories on digital platforms, Hassan connects ancient traditions with modern audiences, ensuring these cultural treasures continue for future generations.
This collaborative approach perfectly matches our mission at Bewildered in Morocco - to tell authentic stories that go beyond tourist experiences and reveal the heart of Moroccan culture.
A Travel Philosophy: Slow, Local, Authentic
If there's one thing I've learned from Hassan, it's the value of slowing down. His approach to travel reflects a deeper philosophy about how to truly experience Morocco.
"Many tourists try to see Marrakech, Fez, and the desert in three days," he once told me with a shake of his head. "But Morocco isn't a checklist. You need time to feel the rhythm of a place."
Hassan believes in:
- Taking time to connect with people and places
- Supporting local communities through thoughtful tourism
- Looking beyond famous sites to find authentic experiences
- Learning from local wisdom about history, nature, and culture
This philosophy turns travel from a series of photos into a genuine journey of discovery.
Join Us in Exploring Hassan's Morocco
Now that Hassan has joined our team at Bewildered in Morocco, we're excited to share more of his unique perspective with you. In the coming months, look forward to:
- Photo essays capturing hidden corners of Morocco
- Stories about Amazigh culture in the Atlas Mountains
- Practical travel tips from someone who knows the real Morocco
- Insights into architectural traditions across different regions
Hassan's contributions will help us continue our mission of sharing Morocco's authentic beauty—one untold story at a time.
Your Turn to Connect
Have you visited Amizmiz or the Atlas Mountains? Are there specific aspects of Moroccan culture or places you'd like Hassan to explore in future articles? We'd love to hear your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
And don't forget to follow Hassan's work on Instagram (@hassan_dahmane_) and through our Bewildered in Morocco channels to stay updated on his latest discoveries and photography.
Morocco has countless stories waiting to be told, and with Hassan Dahmane as our guide, we're ready to uncover them together. Join us on this journey of exploration, one photograph and story at a time.