Cultural Tidbits for Morocco:

Morocco is officially called the Kingdom of Morocco. Moroccans are 99% Berber-Arab. The official language is classic Arabic.  Although this is the case, Morocco has had a multi-ethnic heritage. Many cultures and ethnicities have populated Morocco over the years from Romans, Moors, Sub-Saharan Africans, to Phoenicians and Jews.  The Jewish minority of Morocco has largely emigrated out of Morocco and is now very small in number.  Morocco is the only African country that is not part of the African Union although it is a member of the Arab League. Most people in Morocco live west of the Atlas mountains which shields Morocco from the Sahara. Rabat is the seat of the government and Casablanca is the center for industry and trade.     

Morocco has been inhabited since 8000 BC and was much less arid than it is today.  The Berbers were part of Morocco’s indigenous people since the classical period.  Morocco and Northern Africa were a part of the Phoenician trading colonies and settlements.  As the Roman empire declined the region fell to the Vandals and the Visigoths.  Throughout this the Berbers still populated the mountain region.  By the 7th century Islamic expansion took hold in Northern Africa.  Islamic general Uqba ibn Nafi moved into Morocco in the year 683 AD.  After adopting Islam Berber dynasties ruled over the country.  Spanish cities such as Sevilla, Granada, Fes and Marrakech hosted scholars that excelled in science, astronomy, medicine and mathematics. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella overtook Morocco and under the Spanish Catholic Inquisition troops persecuted Muslims and Jews.      

Morocco was the first nation in 1777 to recognize the United States.  Morocco’s Sultan Mohammed III declared American merchant ships under protection from the Barbary Pirates.  The Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship is the longest standing friendship treaty in the United States.  Various European countries have had an interest in Morocco over that last two hundred and fifty years for colonization. While a French protectorate King Mohammed was deposed and later reinstated in 1955 with independence negotiations finally completed in 1956.  

The traditional clothing for men is called a djellaba which is a long loose hand made hooded garment.  For special occasions men also wear a red cap mostly referred to as a fez. Most men and women also were soft leather sandals called babouches.  The medieval hustle and bustle of the Moroccan markets are an exciting and wonderful experience.  These Souks (markets) are a way of life for Moroccans.  The artisans of Morocco produce wonderful rugs, jewelry, ceramics and lamps among many other things. They close the Souks down for lunch and on every Friday.  The Moroccans are devout modern Muslims.  They are very friendly and often like to engage in a friendly negotiation.  Moroccans are great hosts and are very gracious when they entertain people.  It is not unusual to be showered with invitations for dinner, coffee or tea.  Etiquette and manners are very important to Moroccans.  Women should travel understanding that this is a Muslim country and that they should dress conservatively.  As long as there is respect in dealing with the Moroccans they will honor and respect you as a default.                 

Consider the following when in Morocco: