Cultural Heritage of MoroccoCulture of Morocco - Morocco is a country of multi-ethnic groups with a rich culture and civilization. Through Moroccan history, Morocco hosted many people coming from both East (Phoenicians, Jews and Arabs), South (Moors and Sub-Saharan Africans) and North (Romans and Vandals). All of which have had an impact on the social structure of Morocco. It conceived many forms of beliefs, 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 Arab state and sometimes as an African state. The majority of Morocco's population is of Berber origins. 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 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 Omar Ibn Al Khatab Facts and figures The following figures are taken from the CIA factbook [1]. 1 French often the language of business. You can follow your host’s example in this regard. judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of Supreme Court The almost medieval-like hustle and bustle of Morocco is for most travelers a world away from their own cities and towns. Art The art of this country is truly special. Berber (spoken language by some 30%). you will usually take off your shoes when entering a house. government. and calligraphy. You can often get good bargains here. You may find. Literacy: (definition: age 15 and over can read and write) total population: 52. other 0.757. you should consider buying some of the local artwork. Culture Souks are a way of life in Morocco and you usually wont have to go far to find one. Not only will it provide you with a little memento of your trip. More modern examples are on display at art galleries and in souks.Population: 33. The culture and people are usually so completely different from what they know that they often find themselves in situations to which they have no idea how to react.1%. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this country. carving. Also it is a good idea to take a gift of 2 . but it will help out the local people who are usually quite poor. if you are friendly and courteous enough. clothing. jewelry.175 (July 2007 est.3% (male: 64.2% Languages: Classical Arabic (official. painting. Beware of cheap imitations though! There are so many different ways that the people express themselves – in carpets.) Ethnic groups: Berber-Negro-Arab 98. They even hold an international art festival once a year to showcase all their talent. that you will soon start to make friends with the locals. If this happens and you are invited to a meal. military and diplomacy.7%. The following brief explanation of Moroccan art and culture is designed to help you get the most out of your stay in this amazing country.7% / female: 40. Many historical examples are on display at the local museums. it is good to keep in mind some of the local customs. though not used in daily speech). Darija-Arabic (spoken by some 70%).6%) (2004 census) Legal system: based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law system. For example. but remember that most Moroccans will have a lot more experience than you will when it comes to haggling the price so you will seldom find yourself able to get better than that which is offered. sculpture. ceramics. Jewish 0. the closest you will likely get to the inside of a mosque in Morocco is if you visit some ruins or disused mosques such as Tin Mal and Smara. you will likely be invited into a café for some tea or a meal. The people are friendly and the place is colorful. Taking a photograph of someone with out their permission – especially in rural areas – can cause offense. Though this is allowed in other parts of the world. it would be wisest to ask their permission. If you are invited to join someone for a meal. You should not be unfriendly about this as it usually does not result in you paying for the picture or any further harassment. This may result in them demanding money from you – even if you only intended to take a scenic shot of something. Others insist on the Berber-African identity of Morocco. When taking photographs of the local people.some sort with. This means that you will not often find woman in cafés or restaurants. On the other hand. you will likely be invited to the person’s home or to a hamman (bath) for further association. if you are a man or a man and woman traveling together. If you are a woman and you strike up a friendship. Any plans to visit mosques will usually meet with failure as these are considered to be very holy places that only Muslims are allowed access to. Traditionally the men take to the streets and the women are in control of their homes. taking photographs of someone you have become friendly with is usually very welcome. Hospitality is really a part of their culture so you can strike up friendships virtually anywhere if you have the right attitude. Most Moroccan food is eaten with the hands. About 42% acknowledge a Berber 3 . In contrast. In general. If you are in a home in the city you might take some pastries or some sugar with you. Often people with whom you’ve become acquainted will take you to a place where they can get a photograph taken with you for themselves. you should always eat with the right hand as the left is supposed to be used for the toilet. A home invitation is perhaps the most authentic way to sample Moroccan dishes. If you are in the county it would be better to buy a live chicken for the household which is likely to not be quite so well off. Ethnic groups and languagesEthnic groups and languages Morocco is considered by some as an Arab-Berber country. Most other monuments are on view to the public for a price and you can also observe certain celebrations such as the Imichal wedding Fair. Usually this results in further association with these dynamic and interesting people and a real taste of Moroccan life. Moroccan culture can be an exiting and worldly experience. Tarifit is spoken in the Rif area of northern Morocco in towns like Nador. The state owned TV station RTM (now TVM) has started broadcasting a daily 10-minute long news bulletin in the 3 Berber accents since the mid 90's. Newsstands and bookstores in all the major cities are filled with new Amazigh magazines and other publications that provide articles about the Amazigh culture and art. Although Berbers were eventually converted to Islam. The state still refuses or ignores these demands. though French (the colonial language) is.identity. Tamazight and Tarifit (Also called Thamazight by its speakers). Al Hoceima.such as the distinctive music and dances. The three main accents used in Morocco are Tachelhit. Agadir in the north and Marrakech and the Draa/Sous valleys in the east. Berbers don't identify themselves by blood ties. Berber language (Also called Amazigh) is not yet officially recognized in Morocco. Tangier and Taourirt. 2M. Azilal and Errachidia. Traditional clothing The traditional dress for men is called djellaba. a long. Khemisset. Ajdir. hooded garment with full sleeves. 4 and Laayoune TV. though many more have Berber ancestry. those Berber languages they are known as "Chelha" in Moroccan Arabic and as "Barbaria" in Classical Arabic used in the Middle East. Berber activists are repetedly demanding a 50% share of broadcasting time in standardized Amazigh language on all 5 state owned satellite channels TVM. 3. Linguistically. loose. For more detailed information on this subject see: Berber languages. men also wear a red cap called tarbouche and mostly referred to as Fez. For special occasions. their ethnic and linguistic purity has remained.those soft leather slippers with no heel. Many 4 . Hundreds of Amazigh (Berber) associations were created in the last few years. Larache and Taza. They prefer the word Amazigh. Tachelhit (sometimes known as "soussia" or "chelha") is spoken in southwest Morocco. often in yellow. Berber belongs to the Afro-Asiatic group. Collectively. Nearly all men wear babouches —. and has many accents or variants. in an area between Sidi Ifni in the south. between Taza. Berbers are identified primarily by language but also by traditional customs and culture . Tamazight is spoken in the Middle Atlas. Classical Arabic remains the only official language of Morocco and is used in limited socio-economic and cultural activities and written newspapers but it is never spoken between Moroccans. The terms "Barbar" and "Chelha" are considered by most Berber activists as extremely offending and humiliating. despite the financial costs involved. it is an unwritten rule that Moroccan dress is worn at such events. stitching. The Berber are non-stop claiming their identity to be recognised. Nowadays. Egypt and Tchad. or beading. The production of such garments is relatively expensive. Mali. mauretania. paintings. often in silver or gold tinsel. such as Jewellery. social event. but in vain. Morocco. By origins. All governments of the listed countries above did not recognise the culture and the language as official in the counrty. pottery. while a Kaftan does not. etc To view hundreds of pictures of their handicraft 5 . Niger. as most of the work is done by hand. The berbers have a very attractive and distinctive handicraft. Rugs. neutral colors. normally for a special. such as a religious festival or a wedding. Women are strongly attached to their "Moroccan wardrobe". while men wear djellabas in plainer. Berber people are found the in whole North African countries including Algeria. once known as Numidia. Western Sahara. The women’s djellabas are mostly of bright colors with ornate patterns. Lybia.women do as well but others wear high-heeled sandals. Arabic language is predominant in all state department. the berbers represent the majority in North Africa. Tunisia. The distinction between a djellaba and a kaftan is that the djellaba has a hood. Despite the costs involved most women purchase a minimum of one new kaftan or "tk'chita" every year. 6 . high walls that protect inhabitants from thievery. The passageway opens to a staircase leading to an upstairs reception area called a dormiria. however. [6] Cinema 1944: Establishment of the "Moroccan Cinematographic Center" (CCM/The governing body). to block direct light and minimize heat. Dars are typically composed of thick. creating very vertical spaces. Studios were open in Rabat. the name given to one of the most common types of domestic structures in Morocco. a series of tenets on Islamic domestic life. More affluent families also have greenhouses and a second dormiria. 7 . Dar exteriors are typically devoid of ornamentation and windows. except occasional small openings in secondary quarters. . surrounded by very tall thick walls. they have a much more symbolic value from an Arabic perspective. Most Moroccan homes traditionally adhere to the Dar al-Islam. is a home found in a medina. Service quarters and stairways were always at the corners of the structures.[5] Upon entering a dar. dars are based around small open-air patios.Domestic architecture Dar. and other such hazards. because the regional resources and construction technology typically only allow for joists that are usually less than thirteen feet. painted furniture. such as stairways and service areas. In this culture the exterior represents a place of work. These rooms have to be long and narrow. [1]. accessible from a street-level staircase. or walled urban area of a city. 1958: Mohammed Ousfour creates the first Moroccan movie "Le fils maudit" (The damned son). 1982: The first national festival of cinema. guests move through a zigzagging passageway that hides the central courtyard. which often is the most lavish room in the home adorned with decorative tilework.[4] Intermediary triple-arched porticos lead to usually two to four symmetrically located rooms. animals. and piles of embroidered pillows and rugs.[3] Thus. Consistent with most Islamic architecture. These piercings provide light and ventilation [2]. while the interior represents a place of refuge. Moroccan interiors are often very lavish in decoration and craft.Rabat. In 1955. it was time for Orson Welles to film his "Othello". please refer to List of foreign movies shot in Morocco Many foreign directors were seduced by the beauty and the magic of Morocco. Especially the place Aït Benhaddou has been the setting of many films. Moroccan wedding simulation 8 . The Mediterranean Film Festival in its new version is held in Tetouan. After Louis Lumière. 2001: The first International Film Festival of Marrakech is held in Marrakech Movies in Morocco For main list.1968: The first Mediterranean Film Festival is held in Tangier. The movie won the Palme d'Or prize in Cannes Film Festival. There is also a large cinematographic centre near the city of Ouarzazate. Alfred Hitchcock directed The Man Who Knew Too Much while David Lean did Lawrence of Arabia in 1962. The bride also receives golden jewelry and is sent presents of cloth. 9 . It starts with the paying of a dowry that is spent on household items and furniture for the bride. Usually the entire affair is quite expensive. The courtship period can last from six months to two years. they will pay for these items themselves. clothing and perfume from her groom every feast day. If the grooms parents are very wealthy.Morocco is a place with a very rich cultural heritage and active traditions and many of these can be seen at Moroccan wedding ceremonies. 10 . 11 . 12 .