Moroccan Culture
Moroccan culture has a centuries-old tradition of openness to the world due to its geographical position at the crossroads of continents that is not new but dates back to ancient times. But Islam that has a profound personality shaped Moroccan culture and made it intimately linked to religion that permeate the rules of conduct, ethics and exchange based on a genuine sense of moderation, reserve and modesty .
Although modernity is taking over, as adopting the model of Western life seems to be gaining ground at the risk of intimidating and provoking the fundamental secular culture. It remains that this opening should not be construed as an abandonment of the Moroccan cultural exception, but more as a kind of existential search that is not slow in desperation to return to the roots, which is true and deep in every Moroccan whatever his or her degree of modernization.
I might sound a bit exagerating here but I can not stress enough how a respectful attitude is important. People might look modern but this is Moroccan culture, a different culture.
An alien who comes to work, visit or INVEST in Morocco is to understand the psychology of Moroccans and do not be misled by appearances, and must remember that one is in a foreign country and should respect, and not be considered vulgar, with language and gestures. taghazout
It is not a no man's land where one would come with the pretentious condescension to despise the culture, habits and customs of others.
The tolerance that characterizes Moroccans is part of the Moroccan culture and does not mean permission to insult their culture, rape their objection or exploit their talents. As it is useful to recall that Morocco is a large country in history and memory where you can learn if you have the ability to listen , respect and admire.
Language
Moroccan culture is also praised for language diversity. apart from classical Arabic, the language of education, administration and media, the daily language in Morocco is Arabic dialect, Tamazight (Berber) which spoken in the Rif, the Atlas, and the Souss and it varies by region. Most Moroccans speak French, many speak Spanish and English.
Learn Moroccan Arabic! Click Here!
Religion
Islam is the official religion of Morocco, but the coexistence with other religions is perfect (the practice of other revealed religions is also guaranteed by the constitution). The day is punctuated by five calls to prayer.HassanMosque It is the Muazzin who announces them at the top of the minaret. During the month of Ramadan, the Moroccans fast, stop drinking and smoking from sunrise to sunset. Obviously, their day is modified. Most governments, utilities, buildings and stores adjust their schedules.
However, non-Muslims are to eat in certain restaurants, particularly in hotels. The days drag on but the nights are beautiful!
Kitchen
Moroccan food elegantly accommodates vegetables and fruits bursting with sunshine, rare spices and fragrant, delicate, tasty fish and meat couscous... The best of oriental cuisine, famous throughout the world, put your taste buds to feast.
The main Moroccan dishes to taste absolutely: Skewers: at the entrance of a souk, a place near a road is cooked before your eyes. It is delicious, quick and economical.
Couscous: it's the traditional family lunch on Friday, but you will find it every day in the restaurant. During your trip you can enjoy many couscous dishes because it varies by region and creativity of the cook. Try not to use a spoon to eat, but rather your fingers, experience Moroccan culture. Mechoui lamb: roasted on a spit or baked. The meat melts in your mouth!
Pastilla: a thin pastry stuffed with pigeon and almonds: the famous sweet to savory Moroccan dish.
There are variations in fish, chicken and even pudding for dessert.
Dishes of Ramadan at sunset the fast is broken (f'tour) with the rich and tasty harira, soup meat, lentils, chick peas, with beghrir, small pancakes honeycomb served with melted butter and honey, shebbakias, cakes fried in oil and coated with honey. This is "light" snack but wait for the real dinner that takes place later in the night.
Tagine: this word refers to both the container (flat earthenware decorated with typical conical lid) and content (stew of meat, poultry, fish and vegetables cooked in, crushed). Taste? you will understand why the tajine is the national dish of Morocco.
Moroccan tea: it quenches thirst, warm, riveted, to drink in the morning, after meals, at any time. A pleasure never refuse. The baking cakes with honey, horns of gazelles, Feqqas almonds, raisins, almonds ghoriba, sesame ... Irresistible!
Know Moroccan Culture
Showing respect to local customs is to demonstrate a basic courtesy to a welcoming country.
To avoid any embarrassing situations and misunderstandings, be nice. Here are some basic rules:
In Morocco, access to mosques and holy places is forbidden to non-Muslims. Some exceptions: Mosque Hassan II in Casablanca, Mohamed V Mausoleum in Rabat Mausoleum, Moulay Ismail in Meknes, Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum at Rissani.
Avoid provocative outfits. Avoid unnecessary attention. Unless you are on the beach ofcourse.
Accept the mint tea, a gesture of hospitality. Moroccan Tea
If you are invited to share a family meal, you need to symbolically wash your hands in the ewer they will give you. The meal will begin after the householder has pronounced the "bismillah" in praise of God.
Eat with your right hand, taste everything, but do not think you have to finish whatever is on your plate, it is usually impossible!
Avoid drinking, eating and smoking in public during the days of the Ramadan. You might attract unnecessary attention.
The henna is essentially already known to the pharaohs used by women. In Moroccan culture, it has many uses: Cosmetics (its flower provides a perfume, cleaning and dyeing of hair), pharmaceutical (anti perspirant, anti mycosité regulator of sebum secretion,...), Ceremonies and religious holiday s (Ramadan, weddings, baptizing , circumcision). It is an aesthetic temporary tattoo.
If you want to photograph someone, do not forget to ask permission. people will be happy you asked.
