A Place Where Houses Turn into Fortresses

I visited the Koutammakou, which is the homeland of the Batammariba people and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Batammariba people are well known for their remarkable architecture that includes houses shaped like towers, so-called Tata Somba. These structures are low-rise, three-story buildings made of mud and straw, designed to repel invasions and can protect its residents from bullets if properly built. The houses and communities feature intricate wooden carvings that depict local stories and animals. The architecture blends perfectly into the surrounding mountainous landscape, forming an exceptionally beautiful and unique scenery. But I was struck by how well adapted these structures are to the environment. They are designed to capture and save water, as well as to regulate heat for the comfort of its occupants. Furthermore, in this region of Togo, we learn about the history of the ancient kingdom of Koutammakou, which dates back to the 16th century and reflects the resilience and creativity of its people. Walking through the complex layers of history, culture, and geography in Koutammakou, I felt as though I had discovered another dimension of Earth that I had not previously known.