Morocco’s changing coastline

This project examines the cultural transformation of Tamraght and Taghazout, two Moroccan coastal towns, catalyzed by the surf and skate tourism boom. Once quiet fishing villages, these areas have grown into thriving international hubs, driven by attractions such as the Taghazout Skatepark and a dynamic surf culture.

As tourism brings more liberal attitudes toward lifestyle and clothing, the local community faces a cultural shift that introduces tension between modernity and tradition. Visitors' more relaxed behavior—such as wearing swimsuits and engaging in open social interactions—contrasts with Morocco’s deeply rooted conservative values, where modesty and religious practices are central to daily life.

This tension raises important questions about whether such cultural changes are beneficial or harmful. On one hand, tourism brings economic growth, job opportunities, and infrastructure development, as well as exposure to new ideas and ways of life. On the other hand, it challenges local traditions and the societal fabric, potentially eroding cultural values and creating divisions between generations. The project explores whether the adaptation to tourism in Tamraght and Taghazout is a natural evolution of culture or a problematic shift that risks diluting local identity, leaving open the question of whether this transformation is ultimately positive or negative for the community.