Discovering Morocco: Facts about Moroccan culture.

Discovering Morocco: Facts about Moroccan culture, its varied landscapes and fascinating cities. Filled with epic adventures, from camel rides through the Sahara to hikes around the Atlas Mountains, this beautiful land reveals its magic along the way.

Morocco is a delightful country with a rich and varied history and a living culture. A magic land where goats climb to argan trees, exotic spices capture your senses, and decorative motifs of striking colours are found everywhere, from textiles to architecture and art. In this article, we would like to share some basic facts about the culture and landscape of Morocco.

Morocco is located in North Africa, right opposite the Strait of Gibraltar in Spain. It borders two amazing stretches of water: the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Despite its primarily mountainous terrain, there is also the mystical lure of the desert in Morocco and lush palm tree oases that are scattered throughout the southern regions of the country. From Casablanca to Marrakesh, from Fez to Ouarzazate, and in the meantime, you will meet the scenic landscapes and friendly people of this fascinating country.

Travelling across the country, you will discover interesting facts about Moroccan culture. From the deep-rooted, indigenous Amazigh/Berber people to semi-nomadic tribes living on the outskirts of the Sahara Desert. Moroccan people are warm, welcoming and welcoming. The Moroccan culture was influenced by many different ethnicities: Arab, Jewish, French and Spanish.

Whether you decide to book a package trip to Morocco, a deluxe trip to Morocco, or simply to improvise, Morocco has a lot to discover. From camel riding to quad biking adventures in the Zagora desert, Morocco is an unforgettable adventure. Let us look at this country, which has many facets and all of its remarkable cultural treasures.

Brief History

Since Neolithic times, Morocco’s terrain was inhibited and the earliest known people were nomadic, originating from the Near Middle East. Morocco’s indigenous people are the Amazigh/Berber. ‘’Berber’’, meaning ‘’barbarian’’ was the name given to these natives by the Romans.

The first people to invade the country were the Phoenicians who came from Lebanon around 800 BCE followed by the Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals and Byzantines. The Arab invasion and conquest in the late 7^th century BCE introduced Islam and many people converted to Islam. Today, Morocco is an international cultural hub with tourism and textiles as its primary industries.

People

The Moroccan people are sympathetic, tolerant and welcoming towards foreigners. You will likely be invited to the home and treated like family. Be prepared to receive excellent hospitality and eat way too much! For hundreds of years, Morocco has been home to a number of ethnic groups:

Amazigh (Berber), Phoenicians, Romans, Carthaginians, Portuguese, Turks, Moors, Arabs, Spanish, and French. Today, the two major ethnic groups are the Imazighen (plural for Amazigh) and the Arabs. Many of the Imazighen still live in rural mountain villages throughout the country.

Languages

While most of the population is of Amazigh/Berber origin, the most widely spoken language is Moroccan Arabic. The Amazigh/Berber language is Tamazight and is the second most commonly spoken language in the country.

Both languages are multi-dialectic and taught at school. The secondary languages of interest are French and Spanish. English becomes increasingly used because of tourism. Learning a few words and basic sentences in Indigenous languages before leaving will help make your journey more enjoyable.

Nature

Morocco is home to many natural wonders which are the heart and soul of the nation. Your trip to Morocco would not be complete without a camel ride across the Sahara, Agafay, Merzouga, and Zagora Desert.

Treks in the Sahara desert are the most breath-taking and popular for a real Moroccan adventure. Looking to explore places of the beaten track? Try ATV adventures and stroll through beautiful scenery and remote villages.

You can experience the breathtaking waterfalls of the Cascades d’Ouzoud, be amazed by the incredible magnitude of the canyon at Todra Gorge, breathe in the exotic plant life that flourishes at Jardin Majorelle and be mesmerized by the tide pools of Essaouria.

Morocco also has two sets of mountains: the Rif and the Atlas. The Rif Mountain Range is composed of limestone peaks that border the Mediterranean and spread across the north.

The Atlas Mountains run from northeast to southwest and are divided into three parts: The High (starting near the Atlantic and include Mount Toubkal (the highest point in all of Morocco) the Middle (rise to the North) and the Anti-Atlas stretch towards the southwest.

Cuisine

Moroccan cuisine bursts with aromatic flavours and draws on influences from Amazigh, Arabic, Jewish, Andalusian and French cultures. Famous culinary dishes include couscous and tajines, meats and vegetables cooked slowly in a clay pot with a conical cover.

Sardines are another basic commodity and are prepared in a variety of ways, all delicious. Enjoy a cup of fresh, sweet Moroccan mint tea with your new local friends.