Morocco is a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, it is distinguished by the Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. Morocco is also bordered by Algeria and Western Sahara to the south and east respectively. The high Atlas Mountains separate the mild coastline from the harsh Sahara. The mazelike medieval quarter and Marrakesh’s medina offers entertainment in its Djemaa el-Fna square and souk (market places) selling ceramics, jewelry and metal lanterns. The capital Rabat’s Kasbah of the Udayas is a 12th century royal fort overlooking the water. Morocco is an Islamic country with over 34.3 million people. The economy of Morocco is considered a relatively liberal economy, governed by the law of supply and demand. The major resources of the Moroccan economy are agriculture, phosphate minerals and tourism. Morocco is the world’s third largest producer of phosphates after United States and China.
TRENDING FASHION IN MOROCCO
ACCESSORIES IN MOROCCO
TRIBES IN MOROCCO AND THEIR FASHION
The Amazigh/ Berbers
They are the ethnic group indigenous to North Africa, specifically Morocco. The men wear wrapped cloth turbans and the women cover their hair with scarves and their faces with veils called mandeels. Under their haiks, many Berbers wear ankle-length tunics or loose trousers called chalwar. Berbers are known for jewelry, weaving, pottery and leatherwork, all largely created by women, though men also produce decorative and functional objects.
TOURIST AND HISTORICAL PLACES IN MOROCCO
Dades Valley – this valley runs between the Jebel Sarhro and High Atlas mountain ranges and is frequently visited by globetrotters as it offers spectacular views to the surrounding area.
Chefchaouen – it is also known as blue city, a small town in a huge landscape, known for its famous blue and white painted houses.
Casablanca – the city’s stunning Moresque buildings, which merged the French-colonial design with traditional Moroccan style.
Asilah – situated on Morocco’s North Atlantic coast seaside is popular amongst tourists and citizens as a hot summer spot.
Ait Ben Haddou – an ancient village that is home to a number of houses that has been built on a hillside. It is one of the most beautiful places that one has ever seen.
Agadir – a thriving seaside resort town with a beautiful waterfront and a chilled out vibe.
Meknes – a 9th century medina and also one of the country’s previous capitals.
Tinghir – Morocco’s crown jewel that sits snugly in the center of the Todra Valley.
Sahara Desert – this is one of the finest places to travel in Morocco, from watching the gorgeous sunset over the dunes to gazing at the sky full of bright stars. Every experience in the desert is captivating.
Rabat – a city with wide boulevards and outdoor cafes and the old town or medina, with fortified walls.
Oudaias Kasbah – it is a peaceful and quaint vibe, which made it a big crowd puller.
Ouarzazate – it is beautiful pace captured in Hollywood filming and one of the best places in Morocco.
Marrakech – it is a bustling city with large medina and one of the popular Morocco tourist attractions.
Essaouira – a great city to get away from the heat and monotony of the big city’s lifestyle.
Dakhla – it is 40 km stretch sitting on the sandy peninsula of the Tropic of Cancer. The desert spread as far as the eye can see is a significant part of this spot in Morocco.
MUSIC IN MOROCCO
Moroccan music varies greatly between geographic regions and social groups. It is influenced by various musical styles including Amazigh, Andulusi, Arab, Mediterranean, Sahara, West African and others. Moroccan music is celebrated worldwide and has worldly influences, only a small portion of Moroccans listen to modern music. With 99% of Moroccans practicing Islam, many favored music styles are religious and traditional forms.
Some musicians in Morocco
Hassan Hakmoun
Najat Aatabou
Some art work in Morocco
MEAL IN MOROCCO
Rfissa – spectacular presentation of stewed chicken and lentils fragrantly seasoned with fenugreek, saffron etc
Kofta – a meal made of seasoned ground beef or lamb with cumin, paprika and herbs
Fish Chermoula – a meal topped up with cooked or fried fish.
Chebakia – it has a distinctive shape, covered with honey and sesame seeds.
Khubz – a baked in wood-fired oven and make a nice companion to the Moroccan cuisine and flavors.
Zaalouk – vegetable salad scoops up with bread.
Rfissa
Kofta
Fish Chermoula
Fish Chermoula
Khubz
Zaalouk
Maghrebi mint tea – a tea made from preferred beverage, sweeten with sugar.
Tagine – Moroccan traditional meal prepared with a clay cooking pot. The meal is made of veggies and sauce.
Couscous – a popular Moroccan dish, which is unique to friday.
Briouats – deep-fried sweet puff pastrytriangles filled with almond paste for a dessert.
Pastilla – a dish made with shredded pieces of pancake and chicken.
Msemen – a square and crunchy Moroccan bread made from layers of thin semolina dough and butter.
Maghrebi mint tea
Tagine
Couscous
Briouats
Pastilla
Msemen
Harira – a tomato based soup laden with lentils and chickpeas.
Bissara – a rich and hearty soup made from dried fava beans commonly served during breakfast.
Harira
Bissara
ENIVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND HABITAT PROTECTION IN MOROCCO
According to Food and Agricultural Organization, Morocco is forested; by 621,000 ha of planted forest. Morocco lose an average of 4,100 ha or 0.08% per year. Between 1990 to 2010, Morocco gained 1.6% of its forest cover.
The government of Morocco’s environmental programs include the National Municipal Solid Waste Management, National Sanitation and Wastewater Treatment, Collection and disposal of Plastic Bags, Environmental Upgrading of Rural Schools and Prevention and Fight against Industrial Pollution. These agencies are set for environmental conservation and protection. There are zoos in Morocco where wildlives are protected.
EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN MOROCCO
Climate variability is expected to put pressure on water resources in Morocco. Projections indicate 10-20% decreases in precipitation across the country, with the most severe in the Saharan region by 2100. Additionally, climate change will reduce snowpack in the Atlas Mountains. Climate change in Morocco is expected to have a significant impact. The main effects will be felt in agricultural system and fisheries. It also results to loss of lives and properties.
GENDER EQUALITY IN MOROCCO
Moroccan women now have protections against male guardian requirements, rape-marriages allowances and sexual harassment. The government passed all these laws after 2004, with one as recent as 2018. Yet, there are still a few loopholes in the legal system.
Leila Benali – Moroccan economist and politician, currently Minister of Energy Transition and sustainable development.
Fatim-Zahra Ammor – Moroccan politician of the National Rally of Independent and current Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social Economy of Morocco.
Touriya Jabrane – Moroccan theatre director, actress and politician and former Minister of Culture.
Rkia Derham – Moroccan politician who served as Secretary of State for Foreign Trade.
Leila Benali
Fatim-Zahra Ammor
Touriya Jabrane
Rkia Derham
Nadia Fettah Alaoui – Moroccan entrepreneur and politician, who currently is the Minister of Economy and Finance.
Nawal El Moutawakel – first Moroccan to become ab Olympic medalist.
Nabila Rmili – moroccan medic and National Rally of Independents politician, currently elected as the mayor of Casablanca.
Jamila Karrakchou Karrakchou – first Moroccan woman to have PhD in Mathematics