Exploring the Wonders of the Atlas Mountains: A Complete Guide to Morocco’s High Atlas Treks and Attractions

Tin Mal, a quiet site now, might seem like an unlikely place for a historical stronghold. Yet, it was here that Ibn Toumert and his lieutenant, Abd el Moumen, initiated the Almohad movement—one of the most significant religious and political movements in Morocco’s history. The movement began as a response to the luxury and perceived corruption of the Almoravid dynasty, which controlled Morocco at the time. Ibn Toumert, who would come to be known as the Mahdi, or “The Chosen One,” believed that Islam had strayed from its core principles.

Born in the High Atlas Mountains into the Berber Masmouda tribe, Ibn Toumert became a scholar and theologian. He studied in the eastern centers of Islam, where he formulated the doctrines that would later define the Almohad movement. The Almohads were radical in their rejection of certain practices in Islam, including the veneration of saints and the mixing of men and women in public spaces. Their slogan, “There is no god but God,” emphasized strict monotheism and a rejection of idol worship, including the excessive luxury enjoyed by the ruling classes.

Ibn Toumert began his mission by preaching in the Atlas Mountains, rallying the Berber tribes to his cause. He argued that the Almoravids had corrupted the true teachings of Islam and were unworthy of leading Morocco. In 1124, after being exiled from Marrakesh, Ibn Toumert and Abd el Moumen launched a campaign to unite the Berber tribes under the banner of Almohad doctrine. Those who resisted were often branded as “hypocrites” and subjected to brutal purges, the most infamous being the Forty-Day Purge, in which many tribes in the Atlas Mountains were massacred.

By 1130, the Almohads had secured control over much of Morocco. Their movement spread rapidly, and within a few decades, they not only controlled Morocco but also southern Spain. The Almohads would eventually face the challenge of the Merenid dynasty, which sought to replace them, but the legacy of Ibn Toumert and the Almohad dynasty left a lasting imprint on the history and culture of Morocco and the broader Islamic world.

This period marked a significant moment in Morocco’s history, with the Almohads consolidating power and creating a unified political and religious entity. Today, the site of Tin Mal serves as a reminder of this important chapter in history, offering a glimpse into the past and the remarkable transformation brought about by Ibn Toumert and his followers.

Today, the region is under government control through local caids, though in many villages the influence of the state is minimal. Visitors trekking through the mountains will soon discover the area’s unique culture and traditions. The Atlas Berbers, the longest-established inhabitants of Morocco, never fully embraced orthodox Islam, and the Arabic language has had little impact on their native Tachelhaït dialects. Their music, the distinctive ahouache dances, and village architecture—featuring stone or clay houses stacked on rocky slopes, fortified agadirs (communal granaries), and kasbahs, which once served as castles for community defense—are all unique to the region.

In the Atlas, Berber women enjoy a more visible role compared to rural women in the plains and northern regions. They partake in much of the labor, including farming, herding livestock, and carrying large loads of brushwood and supplies. However, it’s unclear whether they hold more power or status within the family or village. Men typically handle tasks deemed more important, such as trading goods, nighttime crop irrigation, plowing, and building.

Despite the tough life in the mountains, visitors are often struck by the Berbers’ friendliness and openness. Many are multilingual, speaking French, English, or both. In popular trekking areas like Jebel Toubkal, however, the presence of tourism can sometimes lead to a sense of exploitation, particularly with children seeking attention in exchange for small favors.