Moroccan Youth Culture and Global Style: A Photographer's Lens on Marrakech's Barbershops

This compelling photographic series by Zaineb Abelque offers a profound look into the lives of young Moroccan men in Marrakech, highlighting their distinctive stylistic expressions. Through a journey into local barbershops, Abelque uncovers a fascinating subculture where fashion and grooming serve as powerful tools for self-identity and community building, especially in a landscape marked by limited public spaces and employment opportunities. The project underscores how these young individuals creatively adapt global trends to craft their unique visual narratives, celebrating their pride and resilience.

Photographer Explores Youth Style and Barbershop Culture in Marrakech

In the bustling city of Marrakech, a dynamic cultural phenomenon is unfolding within the local barbershops, captured through the lens of London-based Moroccan photographer Zaineb Abelque. Her latest endeavor, an insightful and ongoing photographic series, seeks to unravel the intricate ways young Moroccan men, colloquially known as 'masharmen,' assert their individual identities through sartorial choices and distinctive hairstyles. Abelque, who grew up in south London and is deeply connected to her Moroccan heritage, initiated this project by immersing herself in the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech's barbershops, not with her camera initially, but by engaging in heartfelt conversations and collecting personal stories.

These young men, inspired by diverse global influences ranging from Brazilian footballers to punk rock aesthetics and Tecktonik dance, meticulously curate their appearances. Abelque observes how a simple tracksuit is color-coordinated with trainers, impeccably finished with a fresh haircut, forming a "visual language" that is as rich and expressive as any found in global fashion capitals. This practice, she discovered, is far from superficial; it is a profound act of self-creation and joy in a society where economic prospects are often scarce and public recreational spaces are limited. The barbershop, therefore, transcends its primary function, transforming into a vital community hub—a public extension of a young man's bedroom, adorned with football posters, streetwear logos, and personal selfies, reflecting their passions and interests. It becomes a sanctuary where identities are forged, friendships are solidified, and a sense of belonging flourishes.

Abelque's work not only documents these striking aesthetic contradictions, such as an Arab man sporting a flamboyant mohawk, but also captures the undeniable pride these young men exhibit. Their enthusiasm to be photographed, to share images of their favorite styles and cuts, speaks volumes about the validating power of recognition and attention. This project sheds light on a subculture that often goes unnoticed, providing a platform for these voices and celebrating their vibrant expressions of youth and creativity.

This exploration into the masharmen subculture highlights the universal human desire for self-expression and belonging, even in challenging environments. It demonstrates how fashion and personal grooming can become powerful cultural signifiers, enabling individuals to construct and communicate their identities. Abelque's work invites us to look beyond superficial appearances and recognize the deeper social and psychological functions that such cultural practices fulfill, fostering a sense of community and pride among young people.