Moroc-co blog

When I began my own exploration of Moroccan cooking some 18 years ago, my Moroccan in-laws and friends convinced me that no Moroccan cookbook in English could possibly be of use to me. Proper Moroccan cooking, they assured me, was learned by watching. And so that’s what I did for many years, until I finally began collecting Moroccan cookbooks as part of my work for About.com. The first book I acquired, Paula Wolfert’s Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco (1973), was an epiphany for me. Not only was I genuinely surprised that good, authentic Moroccan recipes could indeed be found in print, but I was fascinated that Paula’s anecdotal accounts of life in Morocco rang true to some of my own experiences in Morocco some 40 years later. When I moved beyond the stories, there was a wealth of information to digest – so much, in fact, that I keep my now-worn copy of Couscous and Other Good Food on my desk and use it as a reference book. So it was with much anticipation that I waited for...

If you’ve ever seen the movie Casablanca, you were no doubt captivated by the mystique of Morocco. Home to an estimated 34 million people, Morocco is a culturally rich amalgamation of Arabic, Spanish, French and Berber (the original tribes of North Africa that represent a mixture of different ethnic groups) cultures, each infusing the landscape with their own unique traditional cuisine, customs, music and history. In fact, many travelers lovingly refer to Morocco as “a magical and mysterious blend” of cultural influences. Situated just a short ferry ride from the southern tip of Spain, Morocco (with Marrakesh, Fès, Rabat and Tangiers being the major cities) is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Algeria to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the western Sahara to the south. With a backdrop encompassing spectacular mountains, a picturesque coastline, expansive sand dunes and vibrant cities and villages, it’s no wonder it is considered one of the most beaut...

Morocco Museums Discover and learn the rich culture that Morocco offers by visiting Morocco’s museums Essaouira Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdullah: Museum of Art Meknes Dar Jamai Museum: Museum of Art Fez Borj Nord Museum: Military collection Dar Batha : Museum of Moroccan Art, it has a collection of Moroccan crafts, ceramics, jewelry…etc. Tangier Museum of Moroccan Art : a large collection of Moroccan crafts, ceramics, jewelry…etc The American Legation Museum: It was established in 1821, a gift to the United States from the Moroccan Sultan Moulay Suliman. The first piece of property acquired abroad by the U.S. government. The museum has an art collection, and a research library. Forbes Museum: It was founded by the American billionaire and publisher of Forbes magazine. It has a huge collection of lead soldiers. The museum is now the property of Moroccan government. Marrakesh Majorelle Museum: It has a collection of Moroccan and Islamic art. Dar Si Said: Berber art col...

Morocco is famous for its hospitality, and while major Islamic holidays can be a busy time, the sense of hospitality remains unchanged. If your travel plans coincide with Ramadan or Eid Kbir, understanding a bit more about these Islamic holy days will help you appreciate Moroccan culture and customs more meaningfully. Keep in mind that most Islamic holidays are based on the lunar calendar, so they occur at a different time each year. Ramadan in Morocco Ramadan is well-known in the West as a month of fasting: Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunup to sundown. But a part of Ramadan you may not have heard of involves festivities: a holiday celebrating the end of the month – known in Morocco as Eid Seghir – and the joyous family gatherings when the fast is broken at sunset each day. At dusk, Moroccans come together for l-ftour – literally, “breakfast.” Often they gather around televisions to enjoy the Ramadan specials that air each year. As soon as the sundown call to praye...

Exchange Student Experience in Morocco  Four days is rarely enough time to fully experience an entire country, and this certainly holds true for diverse Morocco.  But four days is plenty of time to get an impression and appreciate cultural differences and similarities.  I traveled to Morocco from Madrid, Spain, for a brief tour earlier this month, and the depth of cultural knowledge I gained far exceeded any preconceived expectations.  While I found myself a bit outside my comfort zone at times, specifically in situations involving Turkish toilets, those feelings were exactly what pushed me to broaden my horizons and try to see the world from the perspectives of the various people I encountered. My experience was unique in that I went with fourteen girlfriends and chose a tour that emphasized cultural immersion over sightseeing.  We jumped right into the cultural exchange with our first stop after arriving by ferry into Tanger: coffee with three religious wo...

Morocco Festivals Theater Festival Where: Casablanca. When:March Cotton festival Where: Beni Mellal. When:March Rose festival Where: Mgnoua. When:May Folk festival Where: el badi palace, Marrakesh. When: June Cherry festival Where: Sefrou. When: June Camel festival Where: Guelmim. When: June Honey festival Where: Immouzer. When: July Water festival Where: Tetouan. When: July International art festival Where: Asilah. When: August Sidi Allal festival Where: Chefchaoun. When: August Moulay Abdessalem festival Where: El Jadida. When: August African Music festival Where: Tiznit. When: August Apple festival Where: immouzer. When: August Fantasia festival Where: Meknes . When: September Moulay Driss II festival Where: Fes. When: September Sidi Ahmed Ou Moussa  festival Where: Agadir. When: September Marriage festival Where: Imilchil. When: September Date festival Where: Erfoud. When: October Music festival Whe...

In Morocco the marriage celebration includes several well organized ceremonies that can last from 3 days to a week, depending on the family and region of Morocco. These festivities are always the ideal opportunity to bring Moroccan families together and show the richness of Moroccan customs and traditions through clothing, art, music or cuisine which is represented via a cocktail of delicious dishes. Moroccan women still attend in the traditional ways.  The wedding dress is usually a caftan, a sort of long robe made of silk, satin, chiffon, silk or other rich fabrics, and covered with a jacket.  The dress is often open on the bottom and may have embroidery or sequined details, and may be retained by a wide belt at the waist that adds a stunning touch to the moment. Pre-Marriage Customs The future bride and groom start formalities for the marriage about a year prior to the celebrations. Sometimes it is a simple agreement signed in the presence of witnesses and Adoul (Morocc...

Moroccan Jelaba Moroccan jelaba, jellaba or djellaba is a unique Moroccan item of clothing.  It is worn in most Moroccan cities and towns by both men and women, and is basically a long, loose fitting hooded robe with full sleeves.    The jelaba is available in multiple colors and fabrics, and as can be expected, there are more choices for women who can select from a wide range of designs, colors and shapes.  Styles also vary depending on region within Morocco.  Married women in Morocco typically wear more conservative, less colorful jelabas than those worn by single women.    A white jelaba is the dress code for men during Friday prayers throughout the mosques and for special occasions such as marriage ceremonies and holidays celebrations.  It is usually baggy with one plain color. Every single Jelaba includes a “cob” hood which is usually used for protection against rain, sun, and wind.  Jelabas are made of cotton or coarse wool, ...

morocco culture Etiquette in Morocco Moroccan people are among the most hospitable people in the world. They are warm, open and make fast friends with everyone. It is not unlikely to receive an invitation to their home just moments after you meet them. However, Moroccans, like all other people have their customs and taboos. It is good to know how to interact with them and follow proper etiquette while moving about the country. Dressing & Public Behavior in Morocco Morocco is a Muslim country, and modest dress is the norm. While there has been some significant Westernization of clothing styles, even the latest fashions are given a modest take in this country. Many women wear the traditional djellaba and headscarf, yet it is common to see younger girls and women who wear jeans and T-shirts. As a visitor, you certainly aren’t expected to wear traditional dress, but covering up your shoulders and upper arms, not wearing anything above the knee, and keeping all parts of your mid...

morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco 1 kg de semoule à couscous 500 g de jarret de boeuf 300 g de navets 300 g de carottes 300 g de courgettes 300 g de chou 300 g de pommes de terre 300 g d’aubergines 300 g de potiron 300 g de tomates 2 oignons 1 petite cuillère à café de safran 1 cuillère à café de piment doux 1 bouquet de coriandre 200 g de beurre sel poivre Découper la viande de boeuf en morceaux. Les mettre dans la marmite à couscous. Couvrir de 5 litres d’eau froide Ajouter les oignons coupés en morceaux, le safran, le piment doux, le sel, le poivre. Porter à ébullition et laisser cuire à petits bouillons pendant une heure. Mettre la semoule à couscous dans un saladier et verser dessus un peu d’eau tiède salée. Mélanger et détacher les grains avec une fourchette. Mettre la semoule dans le panier du couscoussier et le poser sur la marm...

morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco 2 poulets fermiers 8 oignons 2 gousses d’ail 10 brins de persil plat 10 brins de coriandre 1 citron confit 1 cuillères à soupe de jus de citron 1 cuillères à soupe de safran 1 cuillères à soupe de piment doux 1 cuillères à café de cumin huile, sel, poivre Dans une cocotte, faire revenir a l’huile les poulets entiers avec leurs foies et gésiers, les oignons émincés, l’ail pressé, le safran. Saler, poivrer et mouiller de 3 petits verre d’eau. Laisser mijoter a feu moyen 30 minutes, à couvert, en retournant de temps en temps les poulets. Ajouter le piment, le cumin, la coriandre et le persil haché, et l’écorce du citron confit émincée. Faire cuire encore 15 minutes. En fin de cuisson, verser le jus de citron. Bien mélanger et laisser mijoter encore quelques minutes, pour que la sauce soit onctueuse.

The Culture of Morocco Morocco Cultural Overview As an Islamic country, Morocco stands out distinctly for a significant reason. Due to the bold and strenuous efforts by King Mohammed VI, Islam in Morocco is rapidly turning out to be a tool to modernize and democratize the country. A revolutionary effort is on the way to reinvent the religion with a tolerant interpretation of the Koran. To aid this mission, the government has launched a website, a radio and a TV channel. Apart from this, religious dialogues are also held inviting the participation of elite public and religious heads. The recent efforts of the government strive to fuse Islam, modernization and civil rights. Moroccon Languages Morocco 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 widel...

DUBAI: The Moroccan Pavilion at Global Village gives visitors an amazing family entertainment and cultural destination and a chance to experience the rich and varied culture of Morocco. Visitors looking for the very best in traditional Moroccan souvenirs will savour the sights, smells and sounds of the colourful pavilion that will brighten up a visit to Global Village, as families look through the great selection of ornaments and tables. Stepping into the Moroccan Pavilion gives a sensation of walking among one of the country’s world famous souks in Fez, Meknes, Rabat or Marrakech. The hustle and bustle of this packed pavilion creates a unique atmosphere as visitors search through this colourful pavilion and find great selections of chairs, tables, and pottery. One of the most popular ceramic items on display is the traditional Tajine, an earthenware pot that is used during the cooking process for some of the country’s most famous dishes. Traditional Moroccan clothing is also a...

Manama-Jan27(BNA)Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa received Moroccan Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister in Charge of Civil Service and Administration Modernisation Mohammed Mebdaa and School of Administration of Morocco director Nadia Al-Barnoussi and discussed bilateral relations. Moroccan Ambassador to Bahrain Ahmed Rasheed Khatabi attended the session which spotlighted festivities marking Manama Year of Art 2014 and Manama Capital of Asian Tourism2014. The Moroccan delegation commended the role of the ministry in promoting culture, hailing Bahrain's landmark cultural milestones, particularly Bahrain National Museum and the National Amphitheatre. The delegation outlined their Government's keenness on promoting culture, emphasizing the tourism strategy which was drawn up in the presence of Moroccan Mohammed VI. The minister paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa for the royal keenness on promoting culture, stressing Bahrain'...

Police disrupted the launch of a new album by rapper Mouad Belghouat, an outspoken voice of Morocco's February 20 pro-reform movement who spent a year in jail, witnesses said. Belghouat, released from prison last year after serving a one-year sentence for defaming the police in his songs, had planned to present his album Walou (Nothing) at the Karama bookshop in Casablanca on 13 February. But dozens of police were deployed nearby, and shortly before the event they ordered the bookshop shut, said Abdou Berrada, one of the organisers. "They then told those who had come for the launch to leave," he added. The interior ministry declined to comment on the incident. "This ban proves once again that the authorities are determined to prevent politically engaged artists from expressing themselves," Belghouat said. He said the album, his first since being released from jail, had taken him a lot of time and effort. The rapper, who goes by the rap name Al-Haqed...

Five kilometers (3 mi) south of the cape are the so-called Caves of Hercules are a popular and harmless tourist attraction tied to the region's relationship with the mythical hero, who was said to rest here after his famous labors. Inhabited in prehistoric times, the caves were used more recently to cut millstones, hence the hundreds of round indentations on their walls and ceiling otherwise attributed to Hercules' clawing fingers. The caves are known for their windowlike opening in the shape of the African continent, through which the surf comes crashing into the lagoon and lower cave. Here you can buy souvenirs and have a camel ride in the parking lot. EXPLORE TANGIER, TETOUAN AND THE NORTHWEST Tangier The Caves of Hercules East of Tangier Asilah Larache Ancient Lixus Ksar el Kebir Moulay Bousselham Ceuta Tetouan The Tetouan coast: Fnideq to Oued Laou Chefchaouen Ouezzane The Caves of Hercules (Les Grottes d’Hercule) are something of a symbol for Tangier, wi...

This is one of the TOP TEN places to visit in Tangier, Morocco. The caves of Hercules, located just 14 km west of Tangier, are a place of stunning natural beauty and great archeological significance. The mouths of the caves open up onto the Atlantic and are flooded at high tide. When the tide comes in, water gushes up through these massive holes in the ground and hillside. It’s very impressive.The caves are partly man-made and partly natural.  At low tide, the views inside caves looking out over the ocean are stunning, the colours in particular. The blue Atlantic Ocean and sky above resemble a reverse silhouette of Africa. Also, the Cave of Hercules has a bit of notoriety. On October 23, 1995, British rock group Def Leppard played a concert in the cave I can totally relate with you. We have two young kids of our own and have done so much public transportation. It always ends up with a crazy story with our kids. Life is quite an adventure here. I’m glad yo...

The caves of Hercules, located just 14kms west of Tangiers, are a place of stunning natural beauty and great archeological significance. The caves of Hercules Apparently, this is where the mythical figure, Hercules, used to rest after finishing his 12 labours. The mouths of the caves open up onto the Atlantic and are flooded at high tide. When the tide comes in, water gushes up through these massive holes in the ground and hillside. It's very impressive. The caves are partly man-made and partly natural. It's not exactly sure how the caves were created. It's believed that for some reason, an ancient civilization used to carve millstones out of the solid rock that caused giant caves to form over the years. How these primitive people managed to cut into solid rock with simple and crude tools is still a mystery. The caves of Hercules At low tide, the views inside caves looking out over the ocean are stunning, the colours in particular. The blue Atlantic Ocean an...

The city of Tangier in Morocco is situated on the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar on the North African coast. This city, which went through a period of relative obscurity, has been experiencing an increase in tourism once more. Its close proximity to Europe makes it easily accessible to tourists who want to experience the mystical beauty of this North African city. Tangier Caves According to Berber mythology, the City of Tangier was built by Sufax who was the son of Tinjis, the wife of the Berber hero Antaios. There are also stories of Tangier being founded by the Greek demi-god, Hercules. The Grottoes of Hercules (also known as the Caves of Hercules) are situated 14 km west of the city of Tangier. This cave is a significant tourist attraction - something which often has a lot to do with its association with Greek mythology. Hercules is believed to have slept in these grottoes before attempting one of 12 labors. These 12 labors were given to him by King Eurystheus of...

Caves of Hercules, Tanger The Caves of Hercules is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Tangier and is located 14 kilometres west of Tangier in Cape Spartel, near the summer palace of the King of Morocco. The cave has two openings, one to sea and one to land. Caves of Hercules, Tanger The Caves of Hercules (Les Grottes d’Hercule) are something of a symbol for Tangier, with their strange sea window, shaped like a map of Africa. The name, like Hercules’ legendary founding of Tangier, is purely fanciful, but the caves, 16km outside the city and above the Atlantic beach, make an attractive excursion. If you feel like staying for a few days by the sea, the beach can be a pleasant base, too; outside of July and August only stray groups of visitors share the long surf beaches. Take care with currents, however, which can be very dangerous even near the shore. Africa’s most northwesterly promontory, Cap Spartel, is a dramatic and fertile point, and was known to the Greeks ...

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TUNIC & KAFTAN Looking for the perfect designer kaftan? Discover the fantastic collection of women's designer tunics and kaftans online at Farfetch. Find fantastic styles from high end designers such as Marni, Rick Owens and Missoni. Check out the latest on-trend designs such as Proenza Schouler’s cool oriental printed silk top, Chloe’s striking shirt dress and Victoria Beckham’s bold colour block women’s tunic.

Clothing retailer takes store on the road Borrowing from the success of many chefs, Pursuit goes mobile to connect with young clientel Now that food trucks are almost everywhere, it’s time for something completely different. How about a suit truck? Pursuit — originally a temporary shop in the University District that has turned into a permanent store — is branching out with a “suit store on wheels” in what was once a Cape Cod potato-chip delivery truck. “It certainly is a fun project,” said Nate DeMars, owner of Pursuit. “We’re hoping the novelty of it can help give us more exposure to potential clientele.” Like a food truck, Pursuit will take its wares to the public, except in a little more targeted way. Operators expect to hit events, like the Columbus Young Professionals Club event at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion on Saturday, as well as making various kinds of appointments. The truck makes its debut tonight at 7:30 at Pursuit’s brick-and-mortar store, 1572 N. High St. “I don’t...

A community effort in Harrisonville is keeping kids warm this winter from the frigid temperatures and snow that has graced the Midwest in recent months. The new Cat’s Basement within the Harrisonville School District is a place where students in search of clothing, shoes, winter coats, or school supplies can have their needs fulfilled. This year, the district has been able to assist by providing 71 students with winter coats and clothing for 195 students. Located in the basement of the district’s alternative school, the Cat’s Basement is set up like a store with shelves and racks fitted with clean clothing for students unable to afford even the most basic of necessities. “I’ve brought kids down here and they’ve picked out their own stuff, or if they didn’t have time, I would come down, grab a few things and take them back (to the school),” Harrisonville Middle School Counselor Valerie Holmes said. The closet utilizes a variety clothing sizes to fit a variety of students -- from the ver...

Major Australian clothing companies are under pressure to publicly state where their products are made, as consumer advocates accuse them of leaving customers “in the dark” when it comes to making ethical purchase decisions. The Just Group – which includes Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Portmans, Jacqui E, Peter Alexander and Dotti – and Best & Less have both failed to sign the Bangladesh accord, according to a report on ethical clothing manufacturing by Choice, Ethical Fashion. The accord – announced in May 2013 in response to a series of fatal disasters in dangerous Bangladesh factories – is a legally binding agreement seeking to improve safety conditions by, in part, requiring companies to reveal the locations of factories in their supply chain, so they can be audited by independent inspectors. The accord also requires companies to finance safety improvements. Kmart is the only Australian clothing retailer to publish a list of its Bangladeshi factories. Target has committed to it but has...

U.K. retail sales fell more than economists forecast in January with the biggest drop in almost two years, led by lower demand at food and clothing stores. Sales including fuel plunged 1.5 percent from December, when they surged 2.5 percent, the Office for National Statistics said today in London. The decline was the biggest since April 2012 and exceeded the 1 percent median forecast of 19 economists in a Bloomberg News survey. The slide, in a critical month for retailers as they clear winter stocks with seasonal discounts, highlights the risks to Britain’s recovery. The Bank of England raised its economic projections this month and forecast that household-spending growth will accelerate to more than 3 percent this year from 2.25 percent in 2013. “This has to be viewed in the context of the surge in sales in December,” said James Knightley, an economist at ING Bank in London. “With consumer confidence on a strong upward path, employment rising and wage growth starting to show some hint...

Kim Kardashian looks chic while stepping out to do some shopping at the Sweet William Baby Clothing Store on Thursday afternoon (February 20) in New York City. The 33-year-old reality star was joined by her PR guru pal Simon Huck and another friend for the afternoon outing. That same afternoon, Kim‘s fiance Kanye West was seen leaving their apartment and covering his face with his scarf to keep warm in the cold weather. “Couldn’t be more excited!!! Our 1st baby collection Kardashian Kids [is] launching March 15th at Babies ‘R Us,” Kim wrote on her Instagram account that day. Make sure to check it out!

Over the period of time dressing up properly is becoming very important to look well groomed. The sense of wearing also boost up our confidence and make us stand out in the crowd. In 2013, the revolution for the need of wearing hijab being the part of our dresses has evolved and Hijab has become a part of our wardrobe. Hijab is the modesty which reflects the one’s iman and devotion to Allah. Hijab has the decency to show the essence of beauty which is the awareness of the way we dress in the public. Tying up a Hijab in a right way is very necessary to be learned and practice because the Hijab which is neatly assembled on our head has thousand times more beauty than a crown on our head. Therefore, Here are some 50+ Trendy Hijab Styles Tutorials of 2013 where you will find the complete solution of tying up the hijabs in a different way daily which will make your personality more modest and you will compelled to say that “ I Love my Hijab”. Note : Pictures credit goes to their respective ...