Painted Tiles

Chefchauoen, Morocco | July 13, 2019

The city of Chefchaouen in Morocco is famous for its blue painted walls for which it has received the nicknames ‘the blue city’ or ‘the blue pearl of Morocco.’ Although the original reason for why the first walls in Chefchaouen were painted blue is disputed, as the city became a more popular tourist destination, locals business owners started painting their shops blue as well to attract more tourists. The wall that is the subject of this photo caught my eye not for its blueness ironically, but for the area of tiles not yet covered. It is a bit sobering to see such beautiful tilework be covered by the famous blue paint but it is a fascinating look at the ways in which tourism has changed the complexion of Chefchaouen and the daily lives and routines of its residents.