contents :
1-location and languges
2-traditions
3-Places to visit
4-Traditional cuisine
1-Location and languages :
Morocco is a sovereign state located in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The capital is Rabat and the largest city Casablanca. Morocco spans an area of 710,850 km2 (274,460 sq mi) and has a population of over 35 million.
Morocco's predominant religion is Islam, and its official languages are the Moroccan dialect of Arabic, referred to as Darija, and Berber, the latter achieving official recognition in 2011.
Morocco is a member of the Arab League, the Union for the Mediterranean and the African Union.
2-traditions:
With a population that’s made up of Berbers and Arabs, each ethnic group has contributed to the country’s wealth of rituals, celebrations, and cultural traditions. Since most Moroccans are Muslim, there are influences from Islamic custom, but there are some things you’ll only find in the kingdom.
Clothing: Djellaba
Djellabas are a type of loose long item of clothing that can be worn by people of both sexes. They have long sleeves and usually, a pointed hood as well. The item of traditional clothing most commonly associated with Morocco, it has Berber roots, and thus can be found in other North African lands where Berbers settled, for example Algeria and Tunisia.
Clothing: Takchita
Similar to a kaftan, a takchita is a long and loose item of clothing worn by women in Morocco and is commonly worn for celebrations and special events. It is made of two pieces: a fairly plain dress and a beautiful over-garment richly decorated with beads, sequins, buttons and embroidered details.
Music: Malhun
This music was born in the communities of Morocco’s artisans in the south of the country. With influences from Andalusian musical styles, malhun is a type of sung poem, with lyrics that often relate to social and cultural issues.
Decorations: Zellige
Zellige is the name given to the ornate and colourful tilework that can be found in many elegant buildings around Morocco. The craft originated in Fez, and it still practised today by master artisans. Small pieces of colourful tile are shaped by hand, using a fine chisel, and then set into white plaster to create intricate designs. In keeping with Islamic principles, designs are generally of geometric formations or flower-like patterns.
Celebrations:
Celebration is an important aspect of Moroccan culture.Morocco is an exciting and entertaining country that lays claim to cultural, historical and religious holidays and festivals. Visiting Morocco during festival season will offer a first hand opportunity to explore the country and experience Moroccan Music first hand.
At any given point of the year there is a Moroccan city or Berber community hosting glorious festivities. Moroccan celebrations can last anywhere from a few days up to two weeks. The exception is Ramadan which lasts for thirty days. While Moroccans celebrate numerous Muslim and national festivals through the year, the dates for most of their religious festivals are based upon the lunar calendar. Therefore it is difficult to predict when religious holidays will fall within the western calendar utilized by most people in the world.
During Moroccan festivities, one can expect to encounter fasting, dancing and feasting - all depending on the type of holiday being celebrated. The Muslim festivals and religious holidays are traditionally observed by all Moroccans regardless of how long they last. They are also often observed by foreigners living in Morocco.
Some famous festivals are: the Almond Blossom Festival which marks the time when these trees bare their leaves in splendid shades of pinks and whites; the Festival of Roses in El Kelaa M'Gouna which gives way to thousands of blooming roses whose scents lingers all during the festival whereby the annual Ms. Roses is chosen; the Fes Festival of Sacred World Music, the Gnaoua Festival, the Timitar Festival of Agadir celebrating Amazigh (Berber) music and the Sufi Festival. Morocco’s leading festival that commands top attendance is The International Film Festival of Marrakech; for its attraction of film makers from around the world who flock to show their feature films and shorts.
3-Places to visit
1-Marrakesh :
Situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, the imperial city of Marrakesh is noisy, atmospheric and full of history. There's a lot to see and do, from sampling traditional Moroccan street food at the nightly market in Djemma el Fna; to shopping for spices and artisan jewelry in the atmospheric souks of the medina. Attractions like the Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace give an insight into the city's rich history. For the most authentic Marrakesh experience, consider staying in a traditional riad within the medina walls.
2-Fez :
Medieval Fez served as Morocco's capital for more than 400 years and is still an important religious and cultural center. The old walled part of the city, known as Fes el-Bali, was founded in the 9th century and is recognized by Unesco for the historical importance of its Idrisid dynasty architecture. It is best explored on foot and includes the Quaraouiyine mosque and its Associated university, which is the oldest in the world. Other highlights include the Chaouwara Tanneries, the Merenid Tombs and the Mellah .
3-Essaouira :
Situated on Morocco's Atlantic coast, Essaouira is a great place to get away from the heat and bustle of the bigger cities. In the 1960s, the seaside town was a popular hangout for icons like Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley. The beach itself is a well-known kitesurfing hotspot, while the town charms with narrow streets, red-and-blue-painted houses and ramparts that overlook the busy harbor. Essaouira is known for its quality seafood restaurants and hosts the three-day Gnaoua World Music Festival in June.
4-Chefchaouen :
Nestled amidst the scenic peaks of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a small town in a big landscape. It is a center for creativity, attracting painters and photographers with its clear light, serene blue-painted houses Browse local arts and crafts in the quaint shops of the medina, enjoy a drink amidst the architecture of Uta el-Hammam square or sample fine Moroccan cuisine at a riad restaurant. The surrounding countryside is full of beautiful hiking trails.
5-Merzouga :
Located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dune sea, the small town of Merzouga acts as a gateway to the dramatic wilderness of the Sahara Desert. Many operators offer camel safaris, which last anywhere from a few hours to several days. This is the most authentic way to explore the Saharan landscape of knife-edged dunes, blazing blue skies and rare desert wildlife. Most include a visit to a traditional Bedouin camp. Adrenalin junkies can also sign up for quad bike tours, sand-boarding and sand-skiing.
6-Jebel Toubkal :
Jebel Toubkal, situated in the High Atlas Mountains, is the highest peak in North Africa. At 13,667 feet/4,167 meters, the trek to the snow-dusted summit is no easy feat but the breathtaking scenery makes the effort worthwhile. While you can make it to the summit and back to the town of Imlil in a day, it's a good idea to allow at least three days. This way, you have enough time to acclimatize to the effects of altitude. The mountain is also just 80 kilometers from Ouikaimeden, one of the only ski resorts in Africa.
7-Meknes:
Meknes is smaller and more laid-back than Marrakesh and Fez yet it has all the charms you'd expect of an imperial city including a well-preserved medina filled with easily navigable souks. Meknes was the capital during the rule of 17th-century Sultan Moulay Ismail and is a showcase of Moroccan architecture complete with huge gates and impressive carvings. History buffs will love top attractions like the Royal Stables and the Museum of Moroccan Art, while the Roman ruins at nearby Volubilis are well worth a visit.
8-Tangier :
Tangier is the gateway to Africa for those traveling by sea from southern Europe. While the city doesn't have quite the charm it did in the 1940s and 1950s when you could rub shoulders with the likes of Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams, there's still a lot to see. Highlights include the medina, the Kasbah Museum and the French-inspired Ville Nouvelle. The harbor also offers interesting views of the Strait of Gibraltar and distant Spain, while a short drive away from the city center reveals some pretty beaches.
1-Traditional cuisine :
Tanjia
Tanjia is a traditional Moroccan dish from Marrakesh. The meal takes its name from the stone pot it is cooked in. A meaty dish – spices, oil, and salted lemon are added to cuts of meat (usually lamb) before being slow cooked in embers. It was traditionally eaten by men who worked in the souks; they would prepare a tanjia for their day off on Fridays and take it to the park for a picnic with their friends.
Couscous on Fridays
While couscous is widely eaten in many countries around the globe, this staple food of Morocco is traditionally enjoyed on Fridays. A particular type, seven-vegetable couscous, is the norm on the Islamic holy day. The word for Friday in Arabic means ‘ensemble’ and, as the holy day, it sees a lot of people grouped in mosques. Couscous is typically eaten in groups, such as a large family sitting down together to share a meal from one large dish. Historically, people would gather after the Friday prayers and look forward to a meal that was plentiful enough to make everyone feel full and satisfied.
Moroccan Chicken Bastilla
Moroccan chicken Bastilla is Morocco's famous rendition of a savory pie, and it simply doesn't get better than this. Traditionally pigeons were the birds of choice, but here chicken is cooked with saffron, ginger, pepper and cinnamon, then layered within crispy warqa pastry with an herb-laden omelet and and fried almonds scented with orange flower water. An utterly amazing fusion of flavors and textures.
If sweet and savory is not your thing, then be sure to seek out a spicy Moroccan seafood bastilla.
Tagine
The sky's the limit when it comes to tagine, the famous slow-cooked Moroccan stew which takes its name from the traditional clay or ceramic dish it's traditionally cooked in. Shown here is a Berber tagine with meat and vegetables. It's arranged in conical fashion and left undisturbed to cook until tender, making a delicious, beautiful presentation. Tagines are traditionally eaten directly from the cooking vessel, using pieces of Moroccan bread (khobz) to scoop up meat, veggies and sauce.
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat (you'll need to reduce liquids and cooking time) or try a veggie-only tagine:
Vegetarian carrot and chickpea tagine.
Chicken with Preserved Lemon and Olives
This classic, versatile dish is also one of Morocco's most famous and ubiquitous. And no wonder! It's utterly delicious and works beautifully for any occasion ranging from casual family dinners to celebratory banquets. You'll find it offered in homes, restaurants and even on the street in tiny outdoor dining venues. Shown here is a Roasted chicken with preserved lemons and olives presentation, but the dish is also easily prepared in a traditional tagine or conventional pot. Lots of onions are cooked to a puree-like consistency with saffron and ginger; preserved lemons and olives are tangy additions to finish the dish.
Harira
You'll find all kinds of soups served in Moroccan homes and restaurants, but this one stands out from the crowd for being uniquely Moroccan and very much loved throughout the country. Variations are countless, but typically harira is a tomato-based soup laden with lentils and chickpeas. Rice or fine broken noodles (chaariya) are often added as well, while the stock is usually made with beef or lamb. This authentic Harira recipe does not fall into the quick and easy category, but the effort put into making it won't disappoint.
