Morrocan Culture - Experience Centuries of Tradition
The almost medieval-like hustle and bustle of Morocco is for most travelers a world away from their own cities and towns. The culture and people are usually so completely different from what they know that they often find themselves in situations to which they have no idea how to react. The following brief explanation of Moroccan art and culture is designed to help you get the most out of your stay in this amazing country.
Art
The art of this country is truly special. Many historical examples are on display at the local museums. More modern examples are on display at art galleries and in souks. Beware of cheap imitations though!
There are so many different ways that the people express themselves – in carpets, clothing, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, painting, carving, and calligraphy. They even hold an international art festival once a year to showcase all their talent. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this country, you should consider buying some of the local artwork. Not only will it provide you with a little memento of your trip, but it will help out the local people who are usually quite poor.
Culture
Souks are a way of life in Morocco and you usually wont have to go far to find one. You can often get good bargains here, but remember that most Moroccans will have a lot more experience than you will when it comes to haggling the price so you will seldom find yourself able to get better than that which is offered.
You may find, if you are friendly and courteous enough, that you will soon start to make friends with the locals. If this happens and you are invited to a meal, it is good to keep in mind some of the local customs. For example, you will usually take off your shoes when entering a house. You can follow your host’s example in this regard. Also it is a good idea to take a gift of some sort with. If you are in a home in the city you might take some pastries or some sugar with you. If you are in the county it would be better to buy a live chicken for the household which is likely to not be quite so well off. A home invitation is perhaps the most authentic way to sample Moroccan dishes. Most Moroccan food is eaten with the hands. If you are invited to join someone for a meal, you should always eat with the right hand as the left is supposed to be used for the toilet.
Any plans to visit mosques will usually meet with failure as these are considered to be very holy places that only Muslims are allowed access to. Though this is allowed in other parts of the world, the closest you will likely get to the inside of a mosque in Morocco is if you visit some ruins or disused mosques such as Tin Mal and Smara. Most other monuments are on view to the public for a price and you can also observe certain celebrations such as the Imichal wedding Fair.
When taking photographs of the local people, it would be wisest to ask their permission. Taking a photograph of someone with out their permission – especially in rural areas – can cause offense. This may result in them demanding money from you – even if you only intended to take a scenic shot of something. In contrast, taking photographs of someone you have become friendly with is usually very welcome. Often people with whom you’ve become acquainted will take you to a place where they can get a photograph taken with you for themselves. You should not be unfriendly about this as it usually does not result in you paying for the picture or any further harassment.
Traditionally the men take to the streets and the women are in control of their homes. This means that you will not often find woman in cafés or restaurants. If you are a woman and you strike up a friendship, you will likely be invited to the person’s home or to a hamman (bath) for further association. On the other hand, if you are a man or a man and woman traveling together, you will likely be invited into a café for some tea or a meal.
In general, Moroccan culture can be an exiting and worldly experience. The people are friendly and the place is colorful. Hospitality is really a part of their culture so you can strike up friendships virtually anywhere if you have the right attitude. Usually this results in further association with these dynamic and interesting people and a real taste of Moroccan life.
User Comments & Reviews
2010-02-08 11:49:48
Please add this school of English in Education and Studying in Morocco RUBRIC. Thank you very much. I.L.L, School of English, Temara 20, rue Arabie Saoudite, Lot Maâmouri (à côté de la banque Crédit du Maroc et Notaire KETTANI), Avenue Hassan II, Témara Centre. Web: www.languagelabcenter.com E-mail : info@languagelabcenter.com Téléphone et Fax: (+212)537 64 01 82
2010-02-07 23:52:48
I am muslim 6 years , american and engaged to a sister in Maroc . InshaAllah i will be living there and married before Ramadan this year
2010-02-04 00:03:02
This really helped! Thanks!
2010-02-02 12:21:48
any foreigner wants to stay in Agadir for some days..there is a place in my home n heart.just contact me on : stofemi@hotmail.com
2010-02-02 03:22:12
Salam If you are looking for muslim women from Morocco ,I can help you but you must be from Michigan and you have to be mislum too.Thanks
2010-01-27 11:11:28
anyone want to learn moroccan darija and morocan culture for any raison travel, work....... let me konow and contacte me by add email, amazigh2500@hotmail.com gd luck
2010-01-21 20:57:47
this for assif i can help you find a moroccan woman
2010-01-18 17:14:40
We visted in the city of Morocco several years ago..& when I am asked What is a CASBA ? I really don't know. Could someone please tell me the true meaning of this word ? We LOVED the sites & people within the walls of the Casba . . .bought a few treasures to take home as gifts..BUT for peace of mind...I would love to know what this word means ? Thank you Darlene
2010-01-16 02:52:10
Nicole, morocco was since prehistorical times a recognized region, then entity which became nowadays under Morocco (from AmurAukush; a berber term meaning land of god). Morocco was the first country to recognize fully the independance of the United States and was also mostly a major worship of soldiers for France during the second world war, these soldiers were better known as Goumières. Many Moroccans have highlighted history, some of them were : Ibn Rochd, one of the most prominent philosophers in his time; Ibn Battuta, first explorer which achieved the furthest distance geographically; Abbas Ibn Farnes, first conceptor of the modern plane.
2010-01-01 18:50:31
I would like to know more about the culture between a Moroccan man and an english woman.... ie is it accepted, are there any retributions etc? is it acceptable for them to both stay in 1 room in a hotel in Marrakesh
2009-12-26 14:53:09
To Nicole, i think you can start from this page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morocco , and then go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Morocco , hope you'll find what you need
2009-12-20 09:49:06
sousou and mariam: jazakAllah for your willingness to help....is there any way I can contact you??
2009-12-15 10:04:47
i;m malaysian and i 'm here in morocco from 6th to this 16 dec 2009. morroco very nice also the people here truly helper others..... hopefully in next time i'll come again with my children.....
2009-12-12 17:09:35
hi evry body.i 'm so happy to explain more for widding in morrocco certainly in my eria rabat
2009-12-10 00:56:19
please please help me! i need to know when it was named a country,what were some major events that occured in morocco,who lived there that was important,what did they do for recreation and what wars morocco was involved in. please help me i cant even find these answers on google!
2009-12-10 00:13:11
i'm mostapha a moroccan citizen issued from south easterm of morocco and i work as official guide for english ,french and german for those who want to discover this country i'm at disposition .
2009-12-07 18:19:13
This cite really helped me with my project on morocco thank you!!
2009-12-06 04:28:26
hi how can i find someone ( girl ) for marriage in morocco ? please guide me . thanks
2009-12-06 00:43:38
I like to marry a good muslim woman from Morocco. Has to be religious, family oriented. Thank you.
2009-12-02 22:17:22
Thanks Morrcco.com me and my friend are totally going to get and A from all the info you gave us thanks!!!!!!
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