MOROCCO
Among all the countries of West Africa, Morocco maintains in an impressive way,
the elements of ancient traditional culture.
MOROCCO The country occupies an area of 745,000 km² and its coasts cover 2,800 km in the Atlantic and 600 km in the Mediterranean. The northern side of Morocco is only 16 kilometers from the Strait of Gibraltar and Spain. Morocco has landscapes in the hinterland and its coasts. The sandy areas are alternated by plains and lush plains, on sandy plateaus and mountains. However, this geographic shifting of landscapes has its effect on the temperament of the population, the blue desert inhabitants, known as "TOYAREG", the blond blue-eyed mountain inhabitants and the brown inhabitants of the urban centers. Every city, every place has kept its traditions, dialect, traditional costumes, cuisine, customs and tradition. TUAREG Much has been said about the origins of these Berbers, whom they regarded as descendants of crusaders who had been repelled within the desert, or even of the inhabitants of the mythical Atlantis and Queen Anneas. The "capped men" or "blue men," as they are said to have been, since the very old age, have been the subject of the most imaginative interpretations. Their religion, a very loose Islamism mixed with local elements, leads to strange results. TUAREG men always have their face covered, while women do not. And on the origins of the cover, several theories have been developed. The hood is a strip of fabric about three meters long, wraps around the head and mouth and covers even the nose. The cloth is dark blue, painted with a bangle, as well as broad mantles. This dye leaves a blue trail on TOYAREG skin, which for this reason is also called "blue men". Several myths regard the use of the cover as a fact due either to military reasons or to the effort of the Tuareg not to show their face during the robber raids they once conducted. But these reasons do not justify such a generalized habit that is kept so strict that it is not infringed during food and sleep. Like the use of the cap, the position of the woman Tuareg is a completely separate exception to the world of Islam. Indeed, women of this strange and peculiar race enjoy great respect, absolute freedom and full parity with male gender. These privileges are worthy of women because they are the guardians of the most pure traditions, oral literature, songs and myths. And the marriage ceremony also ratified the respect with which the race surrounds the woman. There is much talk about a "yard of love" (ahall is the name in the local dialect) and it is a local custom. In order to participate in the "ahall", Tuareg is worthy to make many miles with the camel, they wear their best clothes. There, many young people engage in erotic relationships, but the events may not go beyond the rules of cosmicism. For centuries, Morocco has received many cultures such as the Phoenicians, the Carthage, the Romans, the Vandals, and others. The Arab occupation from the 7th century AD will overturn the country's historic flow, with the founding of dynasties such as: Idriss, Almoravides, Almohades, Saudis and the glorious Alaouites. It is a French-speaking country, where French courtesy has affected its inhabitants. The "Polisario" guerrillas, Algerian guerrillas who were operating at the border with Algeria in southern Morocco, are now virtually eliminated. Outside of the big cities, the same image of the beggars (even though charity is forbidden), the poor peasants and the small-scale traders who are constantly in search of customers always come alive. They often pull tourists from the sleeve to encourage them to enter their shop and there are endless bazaars. What impresses is the beauty and elegance of women. Perhaps they are the most charming women on the African continent. They usually have the face covered, although the younger ones have begun to abandon this anachronistic habit. But they are always elegant with an amazing harmony of colours between the veil, the long Arabic clothing and the clothes that are distinguished through the openings of the long overcoat. Despite all the dangers and despite the high prices, Morocco maintains a great charm due to its old Arab cities, the whitewashed states and its characteristic human types: the Snake Wizard, the one who reads the "Quran" , the writer, the sword swallower, the open-air barber that shaves the head, in the women of the Berbers with the children on their backs, the women who sells the soup, the water sellers with the bells and the thousand-year traditions. Plus, there is also the magic that you feel close to the rivers gazing at the beauty of the cranes, the swans, the flamingos, who look like oblong sculptures of Giacometti. Moroccan life still has its roots in the old traditions, though the customs have changed, because the country has been slow to become paralyzed and despised. The population, most of them Berber, is famous for its pride, its ironic mood, its sarcasm and especially its deep dignity. Formally, Morocco is a Muslim country: the march to the mosques is permanent and Friday, the day when the green flag in the minaret announces the time of great prayer, imposing: the fasting month, Ramadan, is strictly adhered to. The monarch bears the title of the "prince of the faithful" and the pilgrimage to Mecca, facilitated by modern transport means, is considered a great event. The intense religious feeling of Bedouin is even apparent in the formation of numerous heresies. Morocco's national dish is "couscous", made from steamed steamed pasta mixed with various herbs, chickpeas and dried currants and boiled chicken or chicken. All this is poured with a lot spicy broth. Genuine folkloric folklore will be seen in the local dances of the south (the "gentle" in Gulimene and the "chaus" in the bells of the Upper Atlas) or in the "museum" these religious feasts that take place in many parts of the country, of the people wearing colorful clothes. THE CITIES OF MOROCCO MARRAKECH: The pearl of the south! Here the traveler finds everything. The city is full of wonderful sights, from good shops, to make cheap and good shopping and great nightlife and entertainment. The city is well-known, few will have heard of Marrakech and attract numerous tourism. Here Jackie Kennedy has built her villa. La Mamounia, one of the most famous on earth, hosted the most famous customers. |
VOULOUMPILIS: Ancient Roman city with remarkable archaeological sites and ruins of houses, theaters, baths, palaces and museums.
MEKNES: Morocco's most historic cities with breathtaking sights such as the city walls and gates and Moulay Ismail's mosque.
WARZAZAT: Built on the shores of Coutlong, it was a fortress of the French Legionnaires, a particularly distinctive city of the south.
KAZAMBLANKA: The famous city, which is the commercial and economic "capital" of Morocco. Today it has over 3 million inhabitants. With a pleasant and cool climate, Casablanca is a modern city with large avenues and beautiful parks, built on the Atlantic coast.
RABAT: The modern capital of Morocco. An impressive city with the palace of King Hassan II,
Mohammed's 5th Mausoleum and all government buildings.
FEZ: The old capital with the enormous Medina, the old Muslim Priests (Medreses), the Dar Bava Palace and the museums.
THE GREAT SOUTH: A stunning area of Morocco with impressive landscapes and pictures. Desert with oases, green valleys and canyons, snowy peaks and forests, bazaars and medieval Casbians.
AGANTIR: Miami of Africa! Tourist resort with large and luxurious hotel units, built along the Atlantic coast. The ideal city for a combination of holiday and excursions in the southern region of Morocco.
MEKNES: Morocco's most historic cities with breathtaking sights such as the city walls and gates and Moulay Ismail's mosque.
WARZAZAT: Built on the shores of Coutlong, it was a fortress of the French Legionnaires, a particularly distinctive city of the south.
KAZAMBLANKA: The famous city, which is the commercial and economic "capital" of Morocco. Today it has over 3 million inhabitants. With a pleasant and cool climate, Casablanca is a modern city with large avenues and beautiful parks, built on the Atlantic coast.
RABAT: The modern capital of Morocco. An impressive city with the palace of King Hassan II,
Mohammed's 5th Mausoleum and all government buildings.
FEZ: The old capital with the enormous Medina, the old Muslim Priests (Medreses), the Dar Bava Palace and the museums.
THE GREAT SOUTH: A stunning area of Morocco with impressive landscapes and pictures. Desert with oases, green valleys and canyons, snowy peaks and forests, bazaars and medieval Casbians.
AGANTIR: Miami of Africa! Tourist resort with large and luxurious hotel units, built along the Atlantic coast. The ideal city for a combination of holiday and excursions in the southern region of Morocco.