Miscellaneous
Most Moroccans, whether they are still in the country or are living abroad, share the same culture, languages and ancestral history. There are two main languages, namely Berber and Arabic, as there are two significant ethnic communities within Morocco, the Arabs and the Berbers. Berbers made up the original community of Morocco, with the Arabs arriving in Morocco during the eighth century. Many Arabs married Berbers, so it could be said that most Moroccans are of Berber descent. It is difficult to distinguish between the two today, because of centuries of co-existence and the amalgamation of many communities.
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Miscellaneous
Zellige is popular form of art and has been in existence in Morocco for centuries. Zellige tiles were once used to decorate fountains and certain areas of a home as a symbol of money, royalty and power. The art has been passed down from generation to and was first recorded as far back as the tenth century. By the seventeenth century the tiles had become more colorful. The two main centers known for producing Zellige are Meknes and Fes.
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Miscellaneous
Under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and under the watchful eye and guiding hand of Founder and General Director, Dominique Serra, the 2011 Rallye Aicha Des Gazelles Morocco continues to operate by the founder's values of 'commitment, audacity, determination, courage, generosity and solidarity'. The event, which is open to women only, was started in 1990. In the twenty years it has been running, more than 2,000 'gazelles' between the ages of 18 and 67 years, from 36 different countries, have risen to the challenge of conquering the demanding terrain between Meknes and Essaouira, while building lifelong friendships and encouraging others to join them.
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Miscellaneous
Each year the Asilah Arts Festival is hosted during the month of August, however, the 2010 edition of this historical event was hosted from the 10th to the 15th of July. It has become a vital part of the cultural expression of the town of Asilah. Visitors, as well as artists, travel from various destinations around the world to attend this artistic extravaganza. The Asilah Arts Festival was first held in 1978, and now in its 32nd year it is as popular and well attended as it has ever been.
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Miscellaneous
Ahmed El Bidaoui was a talented musician and singer who has been widely credited with being one of the pioneers of modern Moroccan music. His music is often associated with the Independence of Morocco in 1956, because it was at this time of strong nationalistic sentiments that he began to be recognized for his musical talent, with his lyrics striking a responsive chord in the hearts of many Moroccans.
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Miscellaneous
Moroccan contemporary artist, Fouad Bellamine, was born in Fez in 1950 and was raised amidst varied artistic and creative influences in the Medina of his home town. Bellamine came from a family of skilled craftsmen, and he learned many of his painting techniques from his father who was a talented artist. From an early age he was intensely interested in light and space, an interest which influences his work to this day.
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Miscellaneous
Situated in the Kingdom of Morocco’s capital city, Rabat, the Royal Institute of the Amazigh Culture (IRCAM) is an academic institute devoted to the safeguarding and promotion of the Amazigh (Berber) culture and languages. The institute was founded with full legal capacity and financial independence, under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, on 17 October 2001.
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Miscellaneous
There have been many changes within Morocco in recent years, especially the way music is viewed and received. Bands have been modernizing traditional music to lure the younger generation into appreciating their rich heritage. These youthful styles have been referred to as electro-chaabi, rai-hop and metal-gnawa. Mixing traditional lyrics and instruments with the beat of modern music and use of electrical instruments, such as the guitar, has become more accepted over time, and given rise to the popularity of bands such as Hoba Hoba Spirit.
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