Culture of Morocco
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orocco is a country of Multi-ethnic groups with a rich culture and civilization. Through Moroccan history, Morocco hosted many people in addition to the indigenous Berbers, coming from both East (Phoenicians, Jews and Arabs), South (Moors and Sub Saharans 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, Christian 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 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 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.
Islam
Islam is practised by the majority of Moroccans and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives. Islam emanated from what is today Saudi Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad is seen as the last of God's emissaries to bring revelation to mankind. He was distinguished with bringing a message for the whole of mankind, rather than just to a certain peoples. As Moses brought the Torah and Jesus the Bible, Muhammad brought the last book, the Quran. The Quran and the actions of the Prophet (the Sunnah) are used as the basis for all guidance in the religion.
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mong certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening.
During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. Each night at sunset, families and friends gather together to celebrate the breaking of the fast (Iftar). The festivities often continue well into the night. In general, things happen more slowly during Ramadan. Many businesses operate on a reduced schedule. Shops may be open and closed at unusual times.
Moroccans' most cherished possession is their honour and dignity, which reflects not only on themselves but on all members of their extended family.
Moroccans will go out of their way to preserve their personal honour.
Hshuma occurs when other people know that they have behaved inappropriately.
To avoid hshuma, many Moroccans will say or do things publicly because it makes them look good or helps them avoid embarrassment.
In business it is extremely important to verify anything that has been agreed to in front of others as it may not have been a sincere agreement and the person may have no intention of following through.
Moroccan Family Values
The family is the most significant unit of Moroccan life, it plays an important role in all social relations.
The individual is always subordinate to the family or group.
Nepotism is viewed positively, since it indicates patronage of one's family.
The family consists of both the nuclear and the extended family.
The elderly are revered and respected and often exert a great influence on the rest of the family.
Moroccan Languages
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orocco is a bilingual country with Arabic and French as official languages. Arabic is widely spoken by common masses while French is taught in schools. Therefore, French is extensively used in government, business and elite circles. In the city of Casablanca, English is well known and widely used. Spanish is quite popular in the north of Morocco. More than 40% of the Moroccans are of Berber origin. Though Berbers got converted to Islam eventually, their ethnic and linguistic affiliations have remained with them till this day. Therefore, Berber dialects such as Tachelhit, Tamazight and Tarifit are widely used in Morocco, even in journalism and mass media.
Islamic Clothing of Morocco
Costumes differ from town to town in Morocco being influenced by Spanish, Turkish, Balkan, Berber and French traditions. The Moroccan men wear djellaba, a long, loose, full sleeve garment with a hood. A red cap called tarbouche or Fez is worn on special occasions. Also, most Moraccan men and women wear soft, heelless, leather slippers called Baboosh, yellow in color. High-heeled sandals with silver or gold tinsel are also popular among women. The djellabas worn by women are dominated by bright colors and ornate patterns woven by hand, whereas those worn by men are plain in neutral colors. A hoodless type of djellaba called Kaftans is also popular. Despite the high costs of the traditional dress, Moroccans are strongly attached to their dress and purchase at least a new pair every year.
Moroccan Foods
Moroccan culinary traditions are predominantly based on a diet of meat and candies. A rich soup called harira; sweet empanada with meat of dove; couscous made with chicken, lamb and/or vegetables; Tajine made with lamb or chicken; chicken stuffed with almonds, and raisins; the roasted meat of sheep called mchoui; and the candies of the kab-el-ghzal and almond are some of the delicious dishes of Morocco that would enthral any visitor.
Moroccan Social Life
Principles of sound democracy are heralded in Morocco and are already on their way to modernize the country. The new family code adopted by the parliament in 2003 has conferred equal status to women in marriage, children and property. Fighting against religious fanaticism and striving to modernize Islam, Morocco is emerging as a model for democratic Islam.
