Culture of Morocco

Culture of Morocco


Since its independence, Morocco has witnessed deep socio-cultural mutations like all other countries in the second half of the XX century. It is within these changes that arts are being organized for several decades.
It was also decided to allocate 1% of the local councils budget to the building in each prefecture or province of a culture compound, that comprises a theater, and to the sponsorship of artists. It is likewise projected to create in each region, two drama companies that local councils will finance and supplywith the appropriate means.


Morocco has two institutes :
-The higher archeology institutes, created in 1986;
-The national institute of drama arts and cultural entertainment, created in 1987.
Literary and Artistic Prizes
The state holds every year the Moroccan book prize and the Grand Prize of National Merit. Several Moroccan figures from culture have been rewarded by Moroccan and foreign prizes.
Feasts and Festivals
Mobile date to commemorate the "Aid Al Mouloud" : in Sale, the procession of candles (decorated candles), Moulay Ibrahim festival (road of Asni, 50 km southwest of Marrakesh), 2nd week following the "Aid Al Mouloud" ; El Aouina festival (18 km southwest of Marrakesh), one month after the "Aid Al Mouloud".
In March : Festival of Moulay Aissa Ben Driss in Beni Mellal.
End of May : In Kelaat-Mgouna (Dades Valley) festival of roses.
May or June : Festival of Moulay Bousselham (south of Larache)
Beginning June, for ten days : in Marrakesh National popular arts festival.
In June: sherry festival in Sefrou.
Beginning July: Mdiq moussem (15 km northeast of Tetouan).
End August, for three days: Setti Fatma festival (Ourika valley, south of Marrakesh).
End August: Festival of Moulay Abdallah (10 km south of El Jadida).
In August: festival of Moulay Driss Zerhoun (north of Meknes), one of the most important ones with the largest audience.
End September: Festival of Sidi Moussa Ou Quarqour (near Kelaat-Seraghna, north of Marrakesh).
Third week of September: in Imilchil (middle Atlas), bethrotal festival.
First week of October: in Fes, festival of Moulay Idriss.
In Tissa (46 km northwest of Fes) horse festival.
End October: in Erfoud, dates festival.
Changing dates : festival of Tangiers, Tetouan, Fes, Agadir.


Morocco is a country with a multiethnic society and a rich culture, civilization, and etiquette. Throughout Moroccan history, Morocco has hosted many peoples, in addition to the indigenous Berbers, coming from the East (Phoenicians, Jews, and Arabs), South (Sub-Saharan African), and North (Romans and Vandals). All of these have had an impact on the social structure of Morocco. It has also hosted many forms of belief, from Paganism, Judaism, Christianity to Islam.
Each region possesses its own uniqueness, contributing to the national culture. Morocco has set among its top priorities, the protection of its diversity, and the preservation of its cultural heritage.
In the political world, Morocco is referred to as an African state. The majority of Morocco's population is Arab by identity. At least a third of the population speaks the Amazigh language. During the Islamic expansion, some Arabs came to Morocco and settled in the flat regions, such as Tadla and Doukkala. For example, there are groups called Charkawa and Arbawa who settled in Morocco from Arabia. The Charkawa claimed to be descended from Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the second caliph of Islam.


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Explore Morocco’s Mediterranean Coastline

Explore Morocco’s Mediterranean Coastline



The Mediterranean coastline of Morocco includes the important seaports of Tangier and Tétouan, as well as a host of spectacular beaches and seaside towns popular with locals and visitors to this beautiful North African country. Visitors traveling from Europe by ferry will land in Tangier which is located a mere 20 miles from Spain across the strait of Gibraltar. Offering a curious blend of Spanish, French and North African culture, Tangier has long held a special allure and been the inspiration for talented and famous people, including French artist Henri-Émile-Benoît Matisse, American artist and decorative arts designer Louis Comfort Tiffany, and citizen of Tangier Antonio Fuentes, as well as writers Paul Bowles, William Burroughs, Tennessee Williams and Moroccan literary figures Mohamed Choukri, Abdeslam Boulaich, Driss Ben Hamed Charhadi, Mohamed Mrabet, and Ahmed Yacoubi.

A short distance inland from Tangier is the charming mountain town of Chefchaouen, known particularly for its winding alleyways, lined with white-washed buildings featuring blue doors and trim, set against the backdrop of the majestic Rif Mountains. Visitors to this Moroccan town can enjoy a hike into the scenic Rif Mountains, or up the Jebel al-Kalaa peak overlooking the town. The Talasemtane national park is also close by. The medina has plenty of arts and crafts on offer, with items made from leather being the specialty of artisans in the town, many of whom will make special request items.

The city of Tétouan is the other major port of Morocco located on the Mediterranean and is an interesting place to explore. The medina is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List and artisans can be viewed working at their chosen trade, including carpet weaving, jewelry making and manufacturing leather items. The royal palace of Tétouan is situated at one of the entrances to the medina. Outside the city is the spectacular new leisure development called Tamuda Bay – a low-lying wetland sanctuary which offers a range of accommodation options and a host of watersport activities.

The Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla are also located along the Mediterranean coast of Morocco. Although on the Moroccan mainland, the two enclaves are part of Spain and subject to the rules and regulations of that country. Border crossings are strictly regulated.


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The Medina – a Testament to Marrakech’s Cultural Heritage

Marrakech’s ancient Medina is an amazing adventure offering a glimpse into Arab and Muslim culture.  A myriad of a lively, bustling jumble is juxtaposed by a haven of tranquility – on the one hand, the exhilarating and lively Jemaa el Fna square and on the other, to the south – a different  face to the Medina.  Here, you’ll savor the peace and serenity of another Medina, where the splendid monuments of Morocco’s ruling dynasties lay – mosques, tombs, traditional architecture and buildings of historic interest.

Djemaa el Fna

Koutoubia Mosque

Koutoubiya Mosque Minaret

The Almoravids built these impressive monuments here to represent their power and influence over the Muslim world.   One of the best examples of Muslim architecture is the Kooutoubiya Mosque, with its 77 m. tall minaret used by the muezzin to call to prayer.  The magnificent Ben Youssef Madrasa is the largest of its kind in Morocco.

Ben Youssef Madrasa

 

The Saadian Tombs, the mausoleum of 66 kings from the Saadian dynasty, built in the 16^th century by the Moroccan ruler Ahmed el Mansour, exhibit sumptuously decorated pavilions.  These include the magnificent room of the 12 columns which house the tombs of Ahmed el Mansour and his descendants.  The El Badi Palace, the splendid residence of Ahmed el Mansour, was stripped of its wealth by the spiteful Moulay Ismail in the 17^th century.  Yet it is a testament to Marrakech’s cultural heritage – its sheer size, position and the aura of surrounding tranquility create a mesmerizing effect.

Sadian Tombs

Bahia Palace

The Bahia Palace, built in the late 19^th century by a slave who became wealthy, offers a wonderful example of 19^th century Alhambrian architecture, as is the Dar el Said Palace, which houses a museum.  Located near the ben Youssef Mosque, the Chrob ou Chouf Fountain, one of Marrakech’s lesser known landmarks, is a not-to-be-missed work of art.  Commissioned by Morocco’s Ahmed el Mansour ruler in the late 16^th century, it was strategically built near the Sahara Valley as a source of fresh water for weary travelers and locals.  The fountain’s breathtaking dimensions make it the most vital in the Medina, recognized as a UNESCO historic landmark.

Ceiling in Bahia Palace

Many of Marrakech’s historic highlights are hidden deep in the Medina, among twisting alleys and the maze of narrow streets.  Discovering these, the Medina with its historic landmarks, structures and buildings reveals the city’s fascinating history and offers a breathtakig glimpse into this city’s mesmerizing cultural heritage.

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