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Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Atlas Mountains, like a secret whispered on the wind, lies the village of Imlil. Far from the bustling heart of Marrakech, Imlil is awakening as Morocco’s hidden gem for adventure. Drawn by this siren song of untouched wilderness, photographer Thomas Lohr ventured into the High Atlas. There, he crossed paths with the men who guarded the mountains’ secrets – the Berber guides.
Clad in flowing djellabas, a timeless symbol of their heritage, these men stood resolute, their worn Salomon boots belying a different story. Intrigued by this unique blend of tradition and technical prowess, Thomas inquired further. The answer was a testament to both practicality and respect for the land. The djellabas, woven from thick wool, offered a shield against the mountain’s bite, while the Salomons, scarred veterans of countless treks, provided the lightness, strength, and surefootedness needed to navigate the unforgiving terrain.
Inspired by this harmonious coexistence of old and new, Thomas envisioned a collaboration. He approached Salomon with a proposal – a visual odyssey that would capture the essence of Imlil through the eyes of five local heroes: Hussein, Abdelhamid, Mohamad W, Mohamad A., and Abdelaziz. The result? A collection of images that transcended mere representation. These were ethereal whispers, a conversation between the timeless beauty of Berber tradition and the innovation that allowed them to commune with their mountain home. Each frame a tribute to the serenity of Imlil’s wilderness, the towering majesty of the Atlas peaks, and the spirit of a people who thrived where others merely dared to tread.
Photos: Thomas Lohr / Salomon