The culture of Morocco [Image by sosinda from Pixabay]Nestling on the northwestern tip of Africa, Morocco is separated from other African countries by the Sahara Desert and the striking Atlas Mountains. Within the country are the endless sands of the desert, as well as lush and beautiful valleys and historic and fascinating cities. Read on to find out more about this exotic country and its historic, mixed cultures.
Morocco and its varied landscapes
On the one coast, Morocco has more of a Mediterranean feel than Africa or the Middle East. Here, idyllic sandy beaches are waiting to be explored, as well as the warm waves of the Med. However, in the north of the country green valleys await, while in the south, the Atlas Mountains stand tall over the land.
Morocco’s Mediterranean coast [Image by Abdou • Likes 👍 🥇💙💛💙💛 from Pixabay]Along the way, the sands of the Sahara Desert stretch over the horizon, while the Atlantic coast offers more beaches, but, of course, cooler waters. Throughout, Morocco features a mixture of historic and modern cities, each fascinating to explore. Meanwhile, in the cities, there is a fascinating cultural mix between old traditions and modern living.
The mixed culture of the country
Visit the souks [Image by TheUjulala from Pixabay]Meanwhile, the culture comes from various peoples who have occupied the country over the centuries. The original inhabitants were the wandering Berber people. However, in 146 BC, the Romans took over as they did in so many parts of the world. Even today, the fascinating ancient Roman city of Volubilis is a worthy visit.
When Rome eventually went into a decline, Morocco was taken over by the Vandals, an East Germanic group of tribes. Moreover, the 7th century saw the country taken over by the Arabs, who ruled for just over a century.
Berber culture [Image by Mollyroselee from Pixabay]Next in line saw the arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese in the 15th century. While European Imperialism continued for some time, Morocco did keep its heritage but then France took a turn in 1911, becoming the protector of much of the country, while Spain hangs on to Ceuta and Melilla to this day.
Eventually, in 1953, the French rule was over, although its influence can still be felt in the cities and many Moroccans still speak the language. Nowadays, the country is a kingdom ruled by King Mohammed VI, who has brought Morocco to a level of stability and economic prosperity.
The cities of Morocco
Meanwhile, all the various cultures can still be experienced today in the cities of Morocco, and here is a brief introduction to the major cities worth a visit.
Rabat – the royal city
Morocco’s capital Rabat [Image by Asuz from Pixabay]Rabat is a royal city and the political capital of Morocco and nestles on the Atlantic coast. The city is a fascinating mix of historic and modern cityscapes and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the historic part of the city, the Medina is a fascinating place to explore and haggle with the merchants. Meanwhile, the modern side of the city features the largest urban projects on the continent, including the royal and administrative areas of the city. The city even has a green and pretty side with the beautiful Jardins d’Essais Botanical Garden.
Magical Marrakech
Marrakech [Image by 10776551 from Pixabay]Nestling in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is likely one of the most important of the country’s imperial cities, built by the Berber empires. Of interest to note, in the 1960s and 1970s, the city became somewhat of a hippie Mecca and still retains that vibe in certain parts of the city.
The city is full of museums, palaces, and mosques waiting to be visited, each with evidence of its rich history. Naturally, as with all Moroccan cities, the Medina is a fascinating place to explore the vendors’ wares. On the subject of shopping, the city has 18 souks where the locals make and sell leather, copperware, pottery, and other craftwork.
Casablanca on the Atlantic Coast
Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and is a major port and industrial center. Here, the Ville Nouvelle (New Town) is a fascinating visit, with architecture from the French period. Moreover, this area features modern hotels and administrative buildings, built in a mix of Hispano-Mauresque and Art Deco. Meanwhile, the Hassan II Mosque stands proud on the Atlantic promontory. The mosque boasts the tallest minaret in the world at almost 700 feet.
The largest public park in the city is Parc de la Ligue Arabe, a leafy and beautiful place to explore. Nearby, the Cathédrale Sacré-Coeur, or Casablanca Cathedral, created in the Mauresque style. Returning to a more modern feel, the Casablanca Marina is worth a visit.
Morocco has much to offer travelers with something to suit everyone’s tastes and budgets. Visitors can enjoy the cuisine, shopping, and history while making memories to last a lifetime.
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