morocco , Location, Geography, and Climate

Morocco is in many ways a country apart. It nestles on the northwestern tip of Africa, separated from the rest of the continent by the towering Atlas Mountains and by the Sahara itself. Its climate, geography, and history are all more closely related to the Mediterranean than to the rest of Africa, and for this reason visitors are often struck by the odd sensation of having not quite reached Africa in Morocco. In the north, its fine beaches, lush highland valleys, and evocative old cities reinforce this impression. Yet, as one moves south and east, into and over the starkly beautiful ranges of the Atlases, Morocco's Mediterranean character melts away like a mirage. The Sahara stretches out to the horizon, and forbidding kasbahs stare.

 Location, Geography, and Climate

 Morocco is situated on the extreme northwestern corner of Africa and is bordered by Mauritania and Algeria, both to the south and east.

 Morocco's varied geography includes no less than four separate mountain ranges, in addition to lush river valleys, beautiful sandy coasts, and wide expanses of desert. The three most prominent mountain ranges, which run parallel to each other from the southwest to the northeast, are the Middle Atlas, the High Atlas, and the Anti-Atlas. The ascent of the country's highest peak, Jebel Toukbal (13,665 ft./4,165 m.), is a spectacular and not particularly difficult High Atlas trek. The Moroccan coastline, which fronts onto both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, offers plenty of great beaches as well as a number of fascinating old coastal cities. In the southeast, Morocco's mountain ranges yield inexorably to the desolate expanse of the Sahara. The rivers that flow down this side of the High Atlas support long, narrow, and lush river valleys that resemble linear oases.


 The climate in Morocco is reliably dry, although small amounts of rain do fall between November and March. Temperature varies considerably by season and locale. While the southern and southeastern desert regions can reach extremely high temperatures during the hot summer months, the higher altitudes of the mountains are cool in summer evenings and freezing in winter. Most travellers find the early summer months to be the most comfortable time to visit, as rain is not a threat and temperatures are warm during the day and pleasantly cool at night.

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History & Culture in morocco

History & Culture



 Morocco's history began with the Berbers, the aboriginal people who have inhabited the country since the end of the 2nd millennium BC Rome extended its rule over the area after defeating Carthage in 146 BC, and testimony to its presence still exists in the fine Roman ruins at Volubilis. As Rome fell into decline Morocco was invaded first by the Vandals and then, in the 7th century, by the Arabs. Although external Arab rule lasted little more than a century, the arrival of Islam proved to be a permanent addition to Moroccan culture. In the ensuing centuries a series of ruling dynasties came to power, including the Idrissids, the Almoravids, and the Almohads, but none seemed capable of long maintaining the critical support of the Berber leaders.

 By the 15th century Spain and Portugal began to intrude into Morocco, after having expelled the Moors from their own lands. Although Morocco successfully repulsed these invasions, the tide of European imperialism eventually proved too great. By the middle of the 19th century Morocco's strategic importance had become evident to all of the European powers, and they engaged in a protracted struggle for possession of the country. Finally, in 1911, France was formally acknowledged as protector of the greater part of the country, with Spain receiving a number of isolated locales. French rule came to an end in 1953, although its cultural influence on Morocco remains strongly in evidence. Today the country is ruled by King Mohammed VI. He appears to be leading Morocco toward both long-term stability and a greater degree of economic prosperity.



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morocco mall ouverture

 

The flagship Aksal Nesk and Investment, Morocco Mall will open its doors Monday to the general public. Guided tour of one of the most awarded malls in the world.


The Morocco Mall is spread over 200,000 m2 with an area of ​​70,000 m2 commercial. It will create 5000 direct jobs and 21,000 indirect jobs.
Countdown to the imminent opening of Morocco Mall. Final preparations for the opening tonight, with the sultry Jennifer Lopez enchant some 3,000 VIP guests. What looks like the project that took more than 2 billion dirhams in investments? Tour.

Firstly, the Morocco Mall is the pioneer of its size, this type of complex in Morocco. A rich and diverse helped place among the top 5 in the world in its class.

More than 350 outlets of clothing (men, women and children), equipment and hi-tech, retail, spread over three levels, took place within the complex. Signs vary consumer brands (Zara, H & M, Fnac ...) to luxury brands. Moreover, on this record, it should be noted that the area is unique luxury mall in Morocco. Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, or Azuelos La Martina did not skimp on the means, in terms of luxurious design of their stores and originality of their facades. To recall, a similar project was to be undertaken by the group in Marrakech Best Real Estate in the mall Almazar but Almazar Faubourg has never emerged.

3D, a musical fountain ... and sharks!

For leisure, Casablancans will be pampered with a unique offering. In fact, 25% of the area of ​​the Morocco Mall is dedicated to recreation. It will include the largest Imax 3D cinema in Africa - what to do Megarama fears. This room will include 365 seats, 8 seats for the disabled. The program will mix between 3D and 2D thematic films and movies playing, and Hollywood blockbusters. Away from the movie theater, children will delight in Adventure Land, an amusement park spread over 5000 m² with 700 m² rink, arcade games and a ballroom.

Not to mention the mall aquarium ranked third in the world like this, after those of Washington and Berlin, an aquarium will have a central panoramic elevator. About 3750 types of coral and 37 species of fish will be placed in the pool, 4 sharks.

Also a fountain on an area of ​​6000 m2 will part with an aquatic show 4 min every 20 min, the rhythm of the songs Moroccan, Arab and international. It is also ranked third musical fountain in the world of this type.

For its part, the restoration has its share of 70 local and international brands (Venezia Ice, Rotana Café, Second Cup, StarBucks, Burger King, KFC, McDonald ...) and 8 restaurants with ocean views. This represents a supply of 1,200 seats. ◆

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morocco mall ouverture

Mall Maroc continue à faire les manchettes mondiales. Après avoir remporté un record du monde Guinness en Novembre 2011, et après la cérémonie d'ouverture spectaculaire avec comme invité spécial Lopez Mega Star Jennifer, le projet a remporté le meilleur centre commercial "le MIPIM Award prestigieuse au MIPIM à Cannes au début Mars 2012. Le prix, l'un des plus important dans l'industrie du détail et de la propriété, est un témoignage de la réussite Mall du Maroc apres, seulement 90 jours de son ouverture au public.

Le Prix, qui a reçu les temoiniage de plus de 50 pays dans 11 catégories, a vu la concurrence féroce entre de nombreuses entreprises d'architecture respectés, parmi eux Foster & Partners, l'Atelier Jean Nouvel et Aedas, qui se sont affrontées à deux tours. Le premier tour a été décidé par un jury d'experts de l'industrie, qui ont choisi 3 finalistes dans chaque catégorie. Dans la ronde finale, le public au MIPIM, quelque 20.000 délégués, ont voté pour leur projet favori du Maroc Mall face a ses deux concurrents en provenance de Hong Kong et Séoul, Corée du Sud. Au cours de la remise des prix à la fameuse «Palais des Festivals à Cannes, Mall Maroc a été félicité pour son architecture exceptionnelle, intelligente combinaison de détail et de la contribution positive du centre commercial à l'économie marocaine et la réputation du pays dans le monde.

Mall Maroc, qui borde l'océan Atlantique sur la côte de Casablanca Corniche, est le centre de destination première et la seule dans le bassin méditerranéen et en Afrique. Il s'étend sur 10 hectares (24,700 acres) avec 250.000 m² (2,691,000 pieds carrés) de la construction, 30.000 m² (323.000 pieds carrés) d'espace extérieur et 14.000 m² (150,694 pieds carrés) de jardins paysagers. Avec 70.000 m² (753,500 pieds carrés) d'espace commercial sur 3 niveaux et 350 magasins, le centre commercial le Maroc réunit 600 marques d'une grande variété, dont beaucoup d'ouvrir un magasin en Afrique pour la première fois, tels que: les Galeries Lafayette, la FNAC et cinéma IMAX.

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Moroccan Cuisine.

A Culture of Eating, Drinking, and Being Hospitable HISTORY AND INFLUENCES Moroccan cuisine is considered one of the most important cuisines

Morocco's reigning monarch, King Hassan II, likens his country to a desert palm: "rooted in Africa, watered by Islam and rustled by the winds of Europe." A poetic description for a place which can appear mystical, magical and foreboding all at once.

Situated on the northwest coast of Africa, Morocco is one of three countries which make up the maghreb("furthest west"), the other two being Algeria and Tunisia. The Atlantic Ocean is to the west, while the calm waters of the Mediterranean are due north and the harsher sands of the Sahara are to the south. Snaking through the center of the country are a series of mountain ranges, beginning with the Rif mountains in the north and continuing with the Middle Atlas, High Atlas and Anti-Atlas ranges, which nearly split the country in half along a vertical axis. It is these mountainous areas which are heavily populated by the Berbers, the indigenous people of Morocco who still comprise 80% of the population. The Berbers are not ethnically Arabs, but they are Islamic.

The Phoenicians, merchants from North Africa, were the first to establish a series of trading ports along the coast of Morocco nearly three thousand years ago. Along with the increased trade, the Phoenicians brought with them new skills for the Berbers such as masonry, weaving and iron and metalwork. A period of Roman rule followed, leading to the Arab conquest in the 7th century which brought Islam to the people of Morocco. The Arabs ultimately left but the message and traditions of Islam held firm with the fiercely independent Moroccans. The city of Fez, the country's first royal capital, was founded in 799 AD and quickly became the center of cultural, economic and political life. A succession of tribal dynasties proceeded to rule Morocco, culminating with the Alaouites, Arab sultans who seized power in 1668 and hold it to this day.

Despite a reigning monarchy, the Europeans vied for control of Morocco throughout the 1800s, with the French finally prevailing as signaled by the Treaty of Fez in 1912. This document declared Morocco to be both a French and Spanish protectorate, influences which remain strong in the country. The second world war muddied the waters of leadership anew, with the Moroccans finally regaining their independence in 1956. The ruling sultan took to calling himself King Mohammed V in keeping with a new constitutional monarchy. His son, King Hassan II, assumed the throne in 1961.

Today, this rich country of nearly 25 million people is heavily involved in agriculture, although tourism and mining contribute significantly to the economy as well. Spanish, Jewish and Arab influences combine with the native Berbers to create the cultural stew which is the spice of Morocco. To really get to know this country one must look past images of smoky Casablanca (the famous movie wasn't even filmed here!) and exotic, Euro-styled Tangier, although both of these cities are well worth a visit. True Morocco can be found by exploring the medina ("old town") of Fez and the souks ("market") of Marrakech. The unique cuisine of this North African country is yet another way to savor the flavor of Morocco.

The foods of Morocco take great advantage of the natural bounty of a country where eating is both a practical and social ritual. The cooks in the kitchens of the four royal cities (Fez, Meknes, Marrakech and Rabat) helped to refine Moroccan cuisine and create the basis for what we know as Moroccan cuisine today. The midday meal is the main meal, except during the holy month of Ramadan, and abundant servings are the norm. The meal usually begins with a series of hot and cold salads which are followed by a tagine, or stew. The heartiest plate, often a lamb or chicken dish, is next, followed by a heaping plate of couscous topped with meats and vegetables. A soothing cup of sweet mint tea is the grace note to this repast. It is not uncommon for Moroccans to eat using the first three fingers of a hand, and to use bread as a "utensil."

The strong Arab influence found in two of the royal cities, Fez and Marrakech, contributed greatly to Moroccan cuisine, as did the Andalusian sensibilities of Tetuan and the Jewish traditions from the coastal city of Essaouira. Aspects of all of these cultures can be found in four of the best-loved Moroccan dishes: couscous, plumped semolina grains which are served with a variety of toppings; bisteeya, a delectable three-layer pie which is both savory and sweet and wrapped in the thinnest of pastry; mechoui, tender roasted lamb; and djej emshmel, succulent roasted chicken cooked with olives and lemon.

While spices have been imported to Morocco for thousands of years, many commonly-used raw ingredients are home-grown: mint and olives from Meknes, oranges and lemons from sunny Fez, prickly pear from Casablanca and shad from the Sebou river. Also cultivated in Morocco are pomegranates, almonds, dates, walnuts, chestnuts, honey, barley, cherries and melon. Seafood is abundant along the Atlantic coast while lamb and poultry are raised on higher ground.

The Moroccans are quick to point out that the best meals are found not in the restaurants but in the homes. In this land of good and abundant food, the emphasis is clearly on preparing your own. It is worth mentioning that women do virtually all of the cooking in this very traditional country.

All photos courtesy of the Moroccan Embassy in Washington, D.C.

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