In a previous post we talked about the respectful tourism that Mandala Tours promotes, trying to bring only benefits to the host population. Therefore, in this other post we give you some examples of ethical tourism experiences that we organize in our trips, which not only enrich the tourist culturally, but also generate economic wealth among the local population, while maintaining ancestral traditions.
Living in the desert with the local population
The desert may seem like inhospitable territory, but it is still inhabited by families who maintain ancestral ways of life. For example, nomads of the Merzouga desert in the process of sedentarization who, despite incorporating modern means (such as all-terrain vehicles), continue to base their daily lives on livestock and the exploitation of resources in their environment. Our agency can also organize meetings with inhabitants of other deserts, such as the Bedouin population in Jordan and the Sinai Peninsula, inseparable from their camels, or in the various oases of the Western Desert of Egypt, such as Siwa or Bahariya, where life seems to flow at a different pace.
Visit to argan oil cooperatives
Argan oil is one of Morocco’s most iconic products, so much so that its production by traditional means has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Therefore, visiting a local cooperative where this precious liquid is produced is a very interesting cultural experience. This is possible, for example, during the journey between Marrakech and Essaouira, where large fields of this native tree are located. Or Agadir, a city specialized in the final processing of cosmetics used in wellness centers located here. In all these places we have trustworthy cooperatives managed mainly by women, who can open their doors for us to learn about their work.
Gnawa music performances
Also in the desert of Merzouga and with the distinctive seal of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Mandala Tours brings you closer to the Gnawa music, one of the most characteristic folkloric expressions of southern Morocco. And we can do this through live performances, mainly in Khamlia, also known as the ‘black people’s village’ because its population is mostly of sub-Saharan origin, descendants of former slaves. Their intense percussion rhythms and genuine stringed instruments go to the beat of the exciting chants and synchronized dance of its members, composing a most unique show.
Visit to handicraft workshops in Cappadocia
On our trips to Turkey, the Cappadocia region features prominently, of course. And during the days that the circuit passes through here, we spend part of the time discovering the traditional craftsmanship of its people. For example, in Avanos we visited a pottery workshop where we were shown the techniques used to make red pottery, so famous in the country. In textile workshops they show us masterpieces in the form of kilims, smaller and lighter items than carpets, but no less masterful than the latter and, moreover, easier to transport back home. And we also usually stop at goldsmith workshops where local jewelry is made with the most fascinating local raw materials. An example of this is zultanite, a stone that changes color depending on the light source it receives.
But this is just a small sample of the ethical tourism activities that Mandala Tours can organize on your circuit, as we can adapt to any preference and request. Contact us if you wish to surround yourself with local people to learn about their traditional ways of life, in a wide variety of destinations in Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey or any other country in our catalog.
