Culture & tourism

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Culture

Morocco is endowed with a rich and diverse cultural heritage resulting from the marriage of traditions, habits and customs of different cultures and civilizations: Amazigh, Carthaginian, Roman, Arabo-Muslim, Hassani, Jewish, Andalusian, Mediterranean and African. Each region has its own peculiarities, thus enriching the cultural diversity of Morocco.

The history of architecture in the Kingdom’s different cities continues to influence Moroccan imagination and education.

Morocco is also known for its great tradition of theater and storytelling as well as poetry reading, that influence the original artistic and cultural works such as those narrated daily in Jamaâ el Fna Square in Marrakech. 

Music in Morocco is classified as a specific art, distinguished by its religious songs, Andalusian and popular music.

The singularity of Moroccan imagination and creativity, combining modernity and tradition, Moroccan photography, visual arts and cinema are also among activities at which Moroccan artists and intellectuals are excelling.

The diversity of creations encourages the development of a particular cultural heritage that has an impact on the Mediterranean, Arab Muslim and African environment.

Moreover, the richness of Moroccan culture has firmly reinforced the principles of social cohesion, dialogue, tolerance, justice and peace, and has made Morocco a country deeply involved in the dialogue between religions and civilizations.

Besides, Morocco joins and participates in all initiatives that promote dialogue among cultures and mutual understanding among peoples, through the various instruments and structures created for this purpose, including the Committee Averroes, the Anna Lindh Foundation and the Three Cultures Foundation.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI has always demonstrated this willingness and advocated on the basis of a new approach Morocco’s cultural role in its environment:

"The state of the new millennium should not just be the alchemist of national consensus. It should also be, and above all, the organizer of a fruitful dialogue among cultures and civilizations (...)"     Excerpt from His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s Speech at George Washington University, on June 22, 2000.

Moreover, Morocco is fully involved in international and regional forums, including the UN, UNESCO, ISESCO, ALECSO and the Francophonie for the establishment of a new international cultural order based on common values ​​of tolerance, respect of others, in addition to rejection of all forms of extremism and terrorism. 

Concerning tourism, Morocco’s rich geography in terms of landscapes, mountains, desert and coastline make it a must-see destination, especially being located at a mere two and a half hour flight from Europe’s major cities. Not surprisingly, the country attracts ten million tourists annually, contributing by 7 per cent to Gross domestic product (GDP) and acting as a driving force for economic, social and cultural development.

Over the last two decades, the Kingdom has adopted a tourism strategy firmly focused on developing the infrastructure that has made it a benchmark for sustainable development throughout the Mediterranean region.

With the 2020 strategy launched, the Kingdom of Morocco ambitions to double the numbers in the tourism sector in order to reach 18 million tourists by 2020

Portals to the Past

In the early 1930s, when the writer Paul Bowles first visited Tangier, Morocco, where he would end up living for more than a half-century, he described its medina, or old city, as “ancient, its passageways were full of people in bright outlandish costumes, and each street leading to the outskirts was bordered by walls of cane, prickly pear and high-growing geranium.”

Today Morocco’s medinas are much the same. The photographer Ambroise Tézenas visited medinas in the Moroccan cities of Tangier, Tetouan and Chefchaouen, which is known for its striking buildings painted bright blue. They “aren’t just tourist playgrounds like you have in downtown Paris,” Tézenas says. “What I was interested in is the fact that it’s not just nice and pretty. You still have people working in little shops. It’s like stepping back in time, and nothing has changed.” Julie Bosman

Tourism

Morocco is a country of dizzying diversity with an outstanding balance between dynamic landscapes, colorful architecture and vibrant cities.

The cultural diversity of Morocco is reflected in the varied architectural beauties that can be found all across the nation. From majestic mosques to traditional riads and from brilliant palaces to sublime centers of religious study, Morocco has many fabulous buildings to admire. Many buildings feature the traditional tilework, known as zellige, as well as decorative carvings, woodwork, and plasterwork.

The sight of large dunes and remote oases will linger for a long time. Merzouga, Erg Chebbi, Chegaga, Dakhla and Zagora are some of the best places to venture into the Moroccan Sahara. Ouarzazate, commonly referred to as the doorway to the desert, is a fabulous destination for both culture and film lovers, with one of the country’s most impressive kasbahs that have featured in many movies.

The Moroccan Sahara is like nowhere else on earth. The Sahara speaks to everyone’s imagination. It’s been a decor for most of the fairy tales of 1001 night, and that’s no surprise. The desert is breathtakingly beautiful and very mysterious and gives various ways to enjoy its impressive landscape.

The Kingdom’s rich geography in terms of landscapes, mountains, desert and coastline make it a must-see destination, especially being located at a mere two and a half hour flight from Europe’s major cities. Not surprisingly, the Kingdom attracts more than 12 million tourists annually.

Over the last two decades, the Kingdom has adopted a tourism strategy firmly focused on developing the infrastructure that has made it a benchmark for sustainable development throughout the Mediterranean region.

Breathtaking beaches, bustling souks, vast expanses of desert, imposing snow-capped mountains, wondrous medinas, and mouth-watering cuisine there’s a world of wonder to discover in Morocco. Not many destinations in the world can offer you this much variety, intrigue, and cultural experiences. Morocco has a hundred faces and sounds, all ready to welcome the traveler looking for spice and adventure.

Morocco has beaches along both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Popular holiday spots include Tangier and Agadir, while other unique and breathtaking cities like Asilah, Oualidia, and Dakhla see significant increase of tourists during the summer months. The most popular beaches typically have great facilities within easy reach, and some destinations, such as Essaouria, are perfect for lovers of water sports.

The mystery of Morocco is not only linked to its attractive landscape but also to its gastronomy, which has a long history. Considered as one of the most diversified and sumptuous food, Moroccan cuisine offers a delightful experience. It is said that the history of Morocco can be seen reflected in his cuisine. Indeed Moroccan cuisine draws from a wide range of influences, being at the junction of many cultures all put into a melting pot over hundreds of years to create a distinct style and taste of its own. A Moroccan dish is an invitation for all the senses, enticing our sense of smell, sight and taste.

Things to know before visiting Morocco

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Rainbows of color, spice-market smells, an urban orchestra of sounds: Morocco can be overwhelming at first.

Lying 13 kilometers, or 8 miles, from the coast of Spain, the North African country mixes Middle Eastern magic, Berber tradition and European flair.

Tourism has more than doubled since 2002, to nearly 10 million visitors in 2011. King Mohammed VI wants to increase the annual visitor numbers to 18 million by 2020.

The royal ruler's strategy is underpinned by infrastructure development, making traveling around the country even easier.

Add to this a program of ongoing social, political and economic reforms, and Morocco is one of the most moderate and peaceful countries in the region.

Cafes dominate life in Morocco

Cafes are the key place to socialize, for Moroccan men at least. They gather to drink sweet mint tea and contemplate the scenery or watch people as they go about their affairs.

The northern port city of Tangier has a history of literary bohemianism and illicit goings-on, thanks to its status as an International Zone from 1923 to 1956.

The Interzone years, and the heady decades that followed, saw writers, rock stars and eccentrics flock to the city's 800-plus cafés.

Two must-visit spots: Cafe Hafa (Ave Hadi Mohammed Tazi), overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, was a favorite hangout of Tangier's most famous expat, Beat writer Paul Bowles.

Smoky and slightly edgy, Cafe Baba (1 rue Sidi-Hosni) is the coolest spot in the Kasbah. A photo of Keith Richards, kif-pipe in hand, still adorns the grimy walls.

Most mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims

Nearly 99% of the population is Muslim, and hearing the muezzin's melodic call to prayer for the first time is a spine-tingling moment.

While very few Moroccan mosques are open to non-Muslims, one exception is the towering Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca (Blvd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah; +212 522 22 25 63).

Located on a promontory over the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque was completed in 1993 and can hold 105,000 worshipers inside and out.

Tradition and technology sit side by side, with colorful zellij (mosaic tiles), intricate stucco and carved cedar complementing the retractable roof and heated flooring.

If you can't make it to Casablanca, Marrakech's 16th-century Ali ben Youssef madrassa-turned-museum (Pl Ben Youssef; +212 524 44 18 93) is open to all and also features impressive Islamic design.

Multilingual Moroccans will put you to shame

Moroccans switch languages mid-sentence, reflecting the cultures -- Berber, Arab, French and Spanish -- that have crisscrossed the country.

Arabic is the official language, and you'll hear the Moroccan dialect, Darija, spoken on the street.

French continues to be widely spoken in cities; foreigners are often addressed in this first. Spanish is still spoken in Tangier.

There are also three main dialects spoken by the country's Berber majority: Tashelhit, Tamazight and Tarifit.

You'll be able to get by with English in the main tourist hubs, although "La, shukran" ("No, thank you" in Arabic) is one phrase to master

There's much more than Marrakech

Marrakech is justifiably popular, but there's so much more.

Fez tops the list for its maze-like medina, fabulous foodie scene and annual Festival of World Sacred Music.

For a slice of the Sahara, there's the desert town of Merzouga, near the impressive Erg Chebbi sand dunes, accessible via camel treks.

Active types can hike between Berber villages in the High Atlas or head to the blue-hued Andalusian town of Chefchaouen to explore the Rif Mountains.

Beach bums will love laid-back Essaouira and Sidi Ifni on the Atlantic coast, while surfers often head south to Taghazout.

For quiet contemplation, Morocco's holiest town, Moulay Idriss, is hard to beat. Plus, you'll have the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis pretty much to yourself.

 Cumin is one of the favorite spices

Cumin is one of the main spices used in Moroccan cooking. This pungent powder is used to flavor everything from tagines to mechoui (slow-roasted lamb).

Cumin is used as a condiment on most Moroccan tables, along with salt and chili. It's also a popular natural remedy for diarrhea.

"Cumin has anti-parasitical properties, so if you've got an upset tummy, a spoonful of cumin knocked back with water will help," said food guide Gail Leonard with Plan-It Fez.

Trains are cheap, comfortable and reliable

Train company ONCF operates one of the best train networks in Africa, making it the easiest way to travel between cities.

It's worth paying extra for first class, which comes with a reserved seat and A/C.

First class carriages have six-seat compartments or open-plan seating. Stock up on snacks, or buy them onboard, as it's customary to share food.

When it comes to traveling to smaller towns and villages, buses and grand taxis, usually old Mercedes sedans that can seat six (at a squash), are best.

 Al Boraq Train

The fastest train in African, Al Boraq, was the first train launched along the Moroccan high-speed railway. If you travel a lot, you might mistake it for a French TGV high-speed train at first. The reason is that Moroccans decided to go with something time-tested and reliable instead of inventing something new that might blow up in an unexpected way when designing their trains. The vehicles are even built by the same company, which means that the trains are equipped similarly as well, and you can expect the same level of comfort as you get on Al Boraq's French cousins.

Couscous is served on Fridays

You'll see it on every restaurant menu, but traditionally, couscous is served on Fridays, when families gather after prayers.

This is because the proper (not packet) stuff takes a long time to prepare.

Coarse semolina is hand-rolled into small granules to be steamed and fluffed three times. It's pale in color, deliciously creamy and served with vegetables and/or meat or fish.

Bread is the staple carb and is served with every meal, except couscous.

It's baked in communal wood-fired ovens, one of five amenities found in every neighborhood (the others being a hammam, or bathhouse; a drinking fountain; a mosque and a preschool).

Riad rooftops rock

The traditional Moroccan house (riad) is built around a central courtyard with windows facing inwards for privacy.

They're decked out with elaborate zellij, stucco and painted cedar and are easily the most atmospheric places to stay.

While Moroccans tend to use their rooftops as clotheslines, a riad roof terrace is the place to be come sunset.