Moroccan Culture

The kasbahIn the South, you will meet in the middle of the palm groves these superb fortified adobe buildings. Formerly the residence of the lord, the kasbah played a fundamental role for centuries. She served as both a shelter for crops and shelter to the oasis of the desert when the looters became threatening.Like all traditional houses of southern Morocco, the kasbah are built of adobe, but on stone foundations.The kasbah include three levels: the ground floor is devoted to animals, with a barn and a room for agricultural activities; the first floor is the central space, reserved for women, with its open kitchen; 2nd floor consists of reception room, for men, the whole being crowned with a terrace.Some of them, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in the late 1980s, are the subject of a conservation program.The riad and darThe riad term actually means "walled garden", while dar means "home".The riad is always one level. It's sort of the middle-class house of the medina. In a dar, there are two storeys high, a reception room on the ground floor and terrace.By abuse of language, the riad term is used to describe the traditional houses built around courtyards.Family life is organized around these courtyards. The various parts do not necessarily communicate. The windows open onto the courtyard while the walls facing the street have no window.The Berber tentIt is the habitat used by nomadic transhumance with their herds.The tent (khaïma) brown is woven sheep wool or goat hair. We find the space for women and children, and another reception area, that men use to sleep. The floor is covered with mats, carpets and cushions.Music and danceMusicPopular musicVaried and imaginative, popular music is constantly changing. They are light songs in dialectal Arabic.There are three main types: griha is a poetic improvisation, in purely vocal origin, which then discreetly accompanied by oud (Arabic lute sort of) or violin before leaving instead percussion. The procession of music gives pride to a kind of oboe, the Ghaita and drum tabala. Finally, ghounia is a light song that uses topical themes.Alongside the latter, rai, of Algerian origin, has been emulated in Morocco.It should also be made of Nass El Ghiwane group that rose to prominence by engaging lyrics sung to traditional rhythms.Classical musicKnown as the Arab-Andalusian music, it is a court music played and sung generally in large cities of the North. It is especially fun for the men of letters and scholars, the texts are always of high quality.Classic also is the inspiration of sacred music which falls Sufism. Sufism has developed the art of sacred song (for male voices).The Berber or rural musicThe rural music, including Berber, is often inseparable from dance and poetry, and kept in his pastoral isolation, its authenticity. It is inspired by the Moroccan countryside; songs and dances of the peasants are magnificent spectacles. They very often have a religious function.The music of the Arab worldMorocco is very open to major Egyptian and Near Eastern singers like Oum Kalthoum, Fairuz and Mohammed Abdel Wahab.The dancesIt will certainly give you attend some folk dances, often collective. The most widespread in the Middle Atlas region, is ahidous, bringing together dozens of men and women around a playmaker.In the High Atlas in chleuh countries, one can observe the ahouach, danced by women while men set the pace by hitting bendir.In Guelmim and part of the Saharan region, there is the guedra dance which takes its name from the pot or pots on which stretched goatskin.The Gnawa have retained their African rhythms. We can attend their demonstration in Essaouira or Marrakech. Too bad, these "performances" are increasingly devoid of authenticity.

10 reasons to visit MOROCCO

Morocco is a hot destination and I am not referring to the climate, but because people have realized that it is a must to visit countries in 2015! But what makes it so popular? Here are my top 10 reasons ...
1) The great value

You do not always need to spend 10 hours in a plane to an exotic destination. Morocco is just a few hours, but it has the same feel as a long-haul destination. It also offers excellent value for money, if you want to travel on a budget using simple accommodation and public transport, or offer you a stay in traditional riads where you can relax in the sumptuous palace without breaking the bank. Let's be honest, who does not love a bargain?

2) Marrakech

The "Red City" of Marrakech, called after the ocher walls surrounding the medina and its sandstone buildings, continues to fascinate its visitors. One of the busiest and most emblematic cities of Africa, Marrakech boasts of having some legendary sites such as the Djemaa el Fna atmospheric, complex souks, the magnificent Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia mosque, a point distinctive landmark that can be seen from every corner of the city!

3) Fés

The most impressive feature or "West Mecca" is its medina; a maze of narrow streets with a myriad of stalls divided into retail areas - copper, leather, carpets, spices, pottery, jewelry, fish, meat, dried fruit ... not to mention the oldest tanneries in the world.

4) The desert

Leaving behind the buzz of cities you can rent a 4 × 4 and driving through the snowy mountains and reach the desert in a matter of hours. A night of camping under the stars and a camel ride on the dunes of golden sand of the Sahara are an absolute must!

5) The Kasbah

 Palm strewn valleys, gorges and fortresses characterize the area around Ouarzazate. Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village built of mud bricks, is perhaps the most dramatic example of the architecture of southern Morocco. The site illustrates perfectly how the Berbers have adapted their construction techniques for the climate, living in harmony with the environment.  

6) Essaouira

 Essaouira has a relaxed atmosphere and is known for its white walls and the typical blue portals. Spend time walking around the old city and the port or attack the waves at surf paradise!

7) Mountains
 
The Atlas mountains dissect the country by forming a barrier that results in a dramatic contrast in climate between North and South. Whether you just want to visit for a day and take a walk or relaxed you want to try to climb Jebel Toubkal majestic (4167 m), this is a step not to be missed!

8) Cooking

Moroccans make sure they spend on food the time it deserves. Homemade bread, fresh salads, tagines, couscous and delicious pastries are always on the table. The food is often offered to welcome you as a guest anywhere you go. Before you knew it, the mint tea and biscuits will become an indulgent habit!

9) The Riads

Moroccan traditional houses with a typical inner courtyard with a fountain. This smart and traditional architecture, often decorated with mosaics, geometric patterns and calligraphy, has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many beautiful old buildings have been converted into hotels and restaurants that offers impressive authentic Moroccan experience.

10) Good people

The Moroccans are very friendly, welcoming and graciously present their fascinating culture and customs.
In remote villages of the south in particular, the people are very simple and genuine, they always try to make you feel welcome. Language can be a barrier, but smiles, gestures, food and, of course, the ubiquitous mint tea can compensate!