AMAZZER THE OASIS
#PLACEtamtzir, izri (artemisia herba-alba), mkhinza, mint, wormwood, sage, cotton, green peas, opuntia,
cultivated or growing wild by the glittery dry banks of the seasonal river
the rhythm of which has already been disrupted for several years.
the sand around the seasonal river is shining like glitter under the moonlight.
accompanied by the full moon light we are visiting fields cultivated by Hicham Ounamir’s family. we taste green peas. it is so delicious, sweet, and refreshing. yet, there is only a small piece of land cultivated now. since 2014 there have been droughts and floods so it’s more challenging to grow anything.
the thread of the river connects with the threads of global food market chains of late capitalism – creating gaps and distances.
water is excessively used for nearby plantation of watermelons cultivated for export, bringing challenges for local communities.
the area is also affected by the nearby cobalt mine in Bou-Azzer, whose adverse environmental and social impacts are carefully denied.