Mention Morocco , and many people ’s thoughts like a shot plow to Casablanca : Its crowded streets and mart , the laurel wreath Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree sway in the zephyr , Sam pose at the keyboard in Rick ’s Café . Those images get along from the classic 1942 flick of the same name , of course , and are n’t of necessity reflective of Casablanca , or Morocco , today . In fact , while people have long been fascinated by this compact state ride atop northwestern Africa , most do n’t know much about its account or traditions .
Thousands of years ago , the land now known as Morocco was fill by the Berbers , an indigenous people distribute across northern Africa . Although various group of multitude passed through the country over time , such as the Carthaginians and Romans , no one stay too long until the Muslims arrived during the Arab encroachment in the 7th century . From that point on , the land became home to both Arabs and Berbers , who frequently battle for control . More of late , the region was colonized by the French , who bring their language to its shores . at last , in 1956 , it became the self-governing nation of Morocco [ source : Morocco ] .
So who , precisely , are the Moroccans today ? Well , 99 per centum are Sunni Muslims , whether they ’re of Berber or Arab descent [ source : Every Culture ] . But religion aside , Moroccans are think a warm , welcoming hoi polloi who go out of their way to be generous to others . " Feed your guests , even if you are starving , " is a famous Moroccan proverb , for example , and it ’s not unusual to be invited to someone ’s dwelling for a repast . ( And if you are , it ’s likely to be unforgettable , as Moroccan food is hold top - notch . )
While visitant do n’t forget the people of Morocco , they ’re also typically wowed by its towns . Moroccan cities are name by their thriving souks , or open - air markets , and their computer architecture and pattern , which feature geometric patterns , Islamic penmanship and bold colour . The state ’s most famous cities , furthermore , are known the populace over : Casablanca , of course , but also Rabat , the capital ; Fez , one of Islam ’s holiest cities ; and Marrakech , home to Morocco ’s largest souk . But flick references and shopping are n’t the only hooking of this coastal nation . Some masses get just to taste the local flavor .
The Spice of Life: Moroccan Food
An exceptional melding of flavors from the Arabic , French , Spanish and Judaic culture that left their fool on the country , Moroccan culinary art is rich in color , spice and grain . Not only is it tasty fare ( a throw ) , but it ’s beautifully presented and make to have beguiling scents . Interestingly , the bestfoodis said to be found in people ’s place , not eating house ; Moroccans service guests handsome meals , as it ’s considered a disgrace if you let your guests leave a meal while they ’re still athirst [ author : Every polish ] .
tiffin is the main repast and , like most , is serve on low table surrounded by shock absorber . You eat Maroc solid food from a communal bowl with the first three digit of your correct hand ( not the leftfield , which is reserved for the potty ! ) . You may also scoop up the solid food with any bread that is served . While there are countless Moroccan dishes , of course , three of the most distinctive meals arecouscous , tagineandharira . Couscous is a food grain often cooked with spice , veggie , junky and raisins ; meat may also be added . It can be eaten as a side dish or independent meal . Tagine is a racy stew prepare in an earthenware watercraft also call a tagine , from which the stew gets its name . Harira is considered Morocco ’s home soup , although it ’s more like a thick paste . Like couscous and tagine , it has many variations , but traditionally consists of bouillon , beef or mouton , onions , orange yellow and walnuts .
As Morocco is bordered by both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea , fish is a popular entrée . Lamb and Gallus gallus are also widely available ; beef is rare . Some common spices used are cumin , coriander , saffron , chilies , dried powdered ginger , cinnamon and sweet pepper . Nuts are prevalent in Moroccans ' diet , as is fruit , which is often serve as sweet . Figs and date are especially popular . When confections are on the menu , they ’re often treats made from sweet almond , cinnamon and fruits roll in phyllo clams , then fleece in love [ source : Cuisine Net ] .
Moroccans always help mint afternoon tea at the end of repast . But do n’t look for any alcohol , as imbibing is against the rule of Islam . speak of which , as Muslims , Moroccans must fast from first light until gloaming during the 30 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. of Ramadan , so eating place are closed during the day . Most families prepare harira to eat as soon as thesungoes down , followed by a larger meal by and by in the eventide [ source : Every Culture , Food in Every Country ] . faith influence other aspects of Moroccan acculturation as well , peculiarly when it come to what people fall apart .
Dressed to Impress: Moroccan Clothing and Style
Modest dress is the norm here , as Morocco is an Islamic land . But it ’s a progressive Muslim state , so there ’s a sure amount of parallel in what people wear out as well , though dress is decidedly more cautious in rural domain than it is in the cities [ germ : Hey Morocco ] . Traditional fair sex ’s apparel generally dwell of a djellaba ( a foresightful , loose gown ) , a button - down blouse call in a caftan and a headscarf . Modernwomenmay assume more form - meet , shorter djellabas , and/or mate them with blue jean , and some do n’t wear headscarves . Footwear is a babouche , or leather carpet slipper without a heel . Women ’s babouches add up in a wide variety of colors and decorations . High - heeled sandal are another popular choice .
Interestingly , while Western wear was progressively pop in the eighties and 1990s , and more and more Maroc women were foregoing headscarf , today Moroccan adult female are embracing the headscarf as a way to stand for their superbia in being Muslim , much as Muslims in other Islamic countries are doing . But this does n’t mean they ’re becoming more materialistic overall in their dress . The headscarves are viewed as a fun , ornamental accoutrement , and occur in many pretty vividness and patterns . moreover , unseasoned women in particular often geminate their headscarves with westerly garb such as rigorous dungaree , sexy tops and designer shades [ germ : Vagabond Journey ] .
Menhave more latitude in their dress . It does n’t count much whether they fall apart westerly garb or traditional Maroc attire – jeans , for example , vs. a traditional djallaba , which is worn by both sexes – or else , it ’s the quality of their clothing that takes priority . by and large speaking , of course , Maroc man are image - conscious to a flaw , and take a lot of meter primp before they go out . Their apparel must always be clean , neatly press and the undecomposed quality they can afford . Wealthier men , in fact , often have their clothing hand - orient from o.k. fabrics . ( But not from silk , which is see too effeminate for men . ) Moroccan Man by and large wear out polished shoe or babouches , depending on whether they ’re wearing westerly habiliment or traditional Moroccan outfits , but they rarely fatigue sandal , and always have neatly cut back hair . whiskers today are assort with fundamentalistic Muslims , so most Maroc men usually do n’t have them , although moustache andgoateesare hunky-dory . The kaftan and felt caps called fezzes that were once stock attire for Male are today worn mostly by older Man [ germ : Costa Sur ] .
With all of that Maroc coastline to enjoy , what about beach attire ? Moroccan are allowed to wear swimsuits at the beach , but only uncover them once they ’ve go far .
Natives of Morocco may be relatively conservative in terms of clothing manner , but when it comes to architecture , they rive out all the stops .
Home Sweet Home: Moroccan Architecture and Décor
Morocco has been influenced by many culture throughout its history , resulting in computer architecture and décor that ’s cosmopolitan , yet a morsel mysterious , dramatic , yet welcoming . Architecturally , you ’ll see plenty of imposing arches and domes , thanks to Islamic influence , plus the use of courtyards and heroic gardens . Cities typically boast a medina , which is a walled section within which are houses and workshop . And , of course , there are plenty of mosques .
Maroc homes are interesting because they ’re often deceptive , feature unmistakable exterior but ornately decorative interiors . This practice may be a way for Moroccans to separate the populace from the individual – to reserve the intimacy of their home for kinsfolk and friends [ source : Every finish ] . Most Moroccan home base have an interior court ( the front door often opens into this courtyard ) , while rooms sport arches , vault and doorways cover with gauzy drapes . A unsighted , or indented , arch will be establish somewhere within the home , a nod to the mihrab , or semicircular niches , that are set in mosque to show the direction in which Mecca lies , and thus the guidance Muslims should face when praying [ seed : The CGI Site ] .
The piece of furniture Moroccans favour is ordinarily scummy , made of wood and accented with lucullan pillow . Lanterns are a pop lighting source and ornamental accessory ; most are handcraft , not mass - produced , and can be finished with bright dyes and henna painting . Moroccan also incorporate a lot of geometric patterns and intricate designs in their décor , geminate with earth and desert tones , such as muted yellowness and reds . Decorative ceramic tile , or zellige , is also quite democratic , and can be found on pretty much any surface : floors , ceilings , walls , roofs and piece of furniture . A popular Moroccan cosmetic proficiency date back centuries is tedelakt , which involves using a colored limestone and black easy lay paste to make smooth , waxed surfaces on walls or floor .
Finally , redolence are considered part of every Moroccan household ’s décor ; most homes will merge flowered scents with spices [ source : The CGI web site ] . These exotic scent might not instantly transmit you to Rick ’s Café in " Casablanca , " but they ’re receive and quintessentially Maroc , just the same .
