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Morocco has been influenced by several civilizations since Antiquity. Each has marked the land with an indelible imprint. This has produced an incomparable historical heritage. The different civilizations which have followed on from each other in Morocco have each influenced our identity. Which undoubtedly explains the tolerance and open-mindedness of Moroccans. There are no culture clashes here, just meetings and sharing. According to legend it was Hercules who created Morocco when he opened the Strait of Gibraltar. Whatever the case, the presence of mankind here has been shown to date back 300,000 years. Originally inhabited by Berbers, the country opened up to Phoenician and Carthaginian influences, before submitting until the 5th century to the Romans. They would leave relics, such as the site at Volubilis, testifying to the prosperity which came from agricultural production. From 647, the Arab and Islamic conquest began. In 788, Idriss I, contesting the power of Baghdad, founded the Idrisid kingdom in Volubilis. There followed the Almoravid dynasties, the Berber conquerors of the south, then the Almohads whose power extended into Muslim Spain, and finally the Merinids, Berbers from the high plateaus. Religious tolerance, Andalusian heritage, and the prosperity of these dynasties created treasures which now constitute the cultural, artistic and architectural richness of the country. From the 16th century, the empires of Arabic, Saadian then Alaouite origin ensured the unity and independence of Morocco. Today, Morocco is ruled by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, crowned on July 30th, 1999; he is the 23rd king in the Alaouite dynasty which came to power at the beginning of the 17th century. The monarchy ensures the unity of the country, and the reign of Mohammed VI is marked by a desire to build a unified and modern democratic state, which respects its traditions and its identity.
Rich Tradition and Culture
Language and key vocabulary Arabic is the language used in Morocco, but you will also be understood in French and Spanish in many places. Spoken Moroccan Arabic is the product of the country's historic and cultural influences. It includes expressions and words of Berber origin in everyday language. Modern Arabic is used by government, the media, the justice system, culture, religion as well as politics. Geographical proximity and history make Spanish and French languages known by many Moroccans. In Tangier, Tétouan and Chefchaouen, the language of Cervantès is widely spoken. Meanwhile French is the country's first foreign language and is spoken throughout the country. A few common words in Moroccan Arabic :
Moroccan Cuisine
Route to Treasures No matter which road you take from Ouarzazate, you will come upon marvels of Southern Morocco. Enjoy the adventure and meet the unspoiled people and their culture.
Health and Safety
Morocco is an easy destination. In terms of health and safety, a trip here only requires the same rules to be observed as back home. When traveling the body can be more sensitive before it soon adapts. Remember to wash your hands frequently, do not consume water which has not been opened in front of you and avoid ice cubes. As everywhere else in the world, stomach upsets come from water or food which is not cooked enough or badly washed. Whereas Morocco is resolutely committed to the path of progress, the modern customs of young people should not make them more familiar and less respectful. Contact should occur with a spirit of openness and respect for traditional customs. As for any journey, prepare photocopies of your identity papers and keep them separately. Also keep a list of useful telephone numbers, in case you loose your credit card for example. It is always useful to know the details of diplomatic contacts for your country. They can point you towards health professionals. Respect customs, and, of course, applicable laws and regulations. Safety rules to be observed are common sense. Your valuables and money must be discreet – always try to keep them in pockets close to your body. The safety of tourists is a priority here. The vigilance of the police and the severity of prosecutions represent an effective and highly dissuasive system. Morocco knows how to take care of its guests.
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The Kingdom of Morocco is a melting pot
of cultures made diverse by successive newcomers. Communities here
live in harmony, each respecting others' differences. The numerous
migrations that Morocco has experienced have created a spirit of
tolerance and openness. Today Islam, Christianity and Judaism enrich
one another spiritually and intellectually through the sharing and
transmission of their culture. Down the centuries, Morocco has been
able to encourage cohabitation between cultures. Mutual respect
between religions practiced here has given birth to a peaceful society
which shares traditions and values. Moroccan Islam's capacity to adapt
to the constant evolution of society and to scientific, social and
cultural progress ensures it a long-term future and respect.
Like the country, it is rich in flavors,
aromas and colors. Its scents and sweet-and-sour combinations are
famous around the world. A Moroccan meal is an experience which
requires all the senses. The friendly atmosphere is complemented by
the scents of saffron, cumin and coriander. And every region will
reveal to you its specialties, traditions and its welcome. Of course
you will taste the international star: couscous, or rather a whole
range of couscous, for there are many depending on the time of year
and the region. You will taste a subtle balance between spices and the
rich combinations of meat and vegetables. You will savor the jewel of
Moroccan cuisine: the pastilla. A delicate pie which wonderfully
combines finely chopped pigeon, parsley, hard-boiled egg, almonds and
honey. And then sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. A real feast for
the senses! You will also find this dedication to pastry in chicken or
beef briouats. You will discover soup including harira, with a base of
lentils and chick-peas. And how could you resist the pleasures of the
tajine? This meat, chicken or fish stew, accompanied by vegetables and
fruits, is traditionally cooked in a covered terracotta dish which has
given it its name. And finally, Moroccan patisseries: pancakes with
honey and sesame seeds, cakes made with almonds or raisins, etc. And
accompanied, of course, by traditional mint tea...
The
Dadès Valley runs from Ouarzazate to Boumaine. It is dry and lined
with kasbahs and unique fortified villages. From time to time, you
must leave the road and discover traditional Berber adobe houses.
Take a cool break at the Skoura palm grove. After leaving Tinghir
you arrive at the magnificent Todra Gorge. It narrows as its faces
tower higher and higher (up to 300m) above your head. A trail,
passing through the Dadès Gorge, leads to Boumalne. Depending on the
lighting the rocks seem to be red, pink or mauve. The Sahro djebel
(mountain) is situated south of Boumalne where one can observe some
of the 150 varieties of birds already spotted in the Valley of the
Birds.
By
continuing your trip along the Dadès, you pass through the rose
country, El Kelaât M'Gouna, where rose water, so vital for
complexions, is made. In May, the rose has the place of honour in a
three-day festival held throughout the area. Further on, the Dadès
Gorge opens up and then the Todra Gorge whose cliffs can be 300m
high.
