MOROCCO TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Morocco , officially kingdom of Morocco (Royaume du Maroc, El Reino de Marruecos, Das Königreich Marokko), kingdom (1954 est. pop. 40,161,000), 171,834 sq mi (900,050 sq km), NW Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea (N), the Atlantic Ocean (W), Mauritania , and Algeria (E). Principal cities include Rabat (the capital), Casablanca, Marrakech, and Fes. The Atlas Mts., rising to 13,671 ft (4,167 m) in Jebel Toubkal in the southwest, dominate most of the country.
In the south lie the sandy wastes of the Sahara desert, but in the north is a fertile coastal plain, home of most of the population. Agriculture and mining are economic mainstays. Morocco is a leading producer and exporter of phosphates; other important minerals include iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, cobalt, manganese, and coal. Food processing and the manufacture of leather goods and textiles are also important. Half the labor force is employed in agriculture, growing cereals, citrus fruits, and vegetables.
Tourism and fishing also contribute to the economy. Most Moroccans are of mixed Arab-Berber descent and are Muslim; Islam is the state religion. There are small Christian and Jewish minorities. Arabic is the official language; Berber dialects, French (a main language of commerce
), and Spanish are also spoken.


MOROCCO CULTURE :


Since its independence, Morocco has witnessed deep socio-cultural mutations like all other countries in the second half of the XX century. It is within these changes that arts are being organized for several decades.
It was also decided to allocate 1% of the local councils budget to the building in each prefecture or province of a culture compound, that comprises a theater, and to the sponsorship of artists. It is likewise projected to create in each region, two drama companies that local councils will finance and supplywith the appropriate means

Feasts and Festivals

Mobile date to commemorate the "Aid Al Mouloud" : in Sale, the procession of candles (decorated candles), Moulay Ibrahim festival (road of Asni, 50 km southwest of Marrakesh), 2nd weekfollowing the "Aid Al Mouloud" ; El Aouina festival (18 km southwest of Marrakesh), one month after the "Aid Al Mouloud".
In March : Festival of Moulay Aissa Ben Driss in Beni Mellal;
End of May : In Kelaat-Mgouna (Dades Valley) festival of roses;
May or June : Festival of Moulay Bousselham (south of Larache)
Beginning June, for ten days : in Marrakesh National popular arts festival

in june: sherry festival in Sefrou;
Beginning July: Mdiq moussem (15 km northeast of Tetouan);
End August, for three days: Setti Fatma festival (Ourika valley, south of Marrakesh);
End August: Festival of Moulay Abdallah (10 km south of El Jadida);
In August: festival of Moulay Driss Zerhoun (north of Meknes), one of the nmost important ones with the largest audience;
End September: Festival of Sidi Moussa Ou Quarqour (near Kelaat-Seraghna, orth of Marrakesh);
Third week of September: in Imilchil (middle Atlas), bethrotal festival;
First week of October: in Fes, festival of Moulay Idriss;
In Tissa (46 km northwest of Fes) horse festival;
End October: in Erfoud, dates festival;
Changing dates : festival of Tangiers, Tetouan, Fes, Agadir.

MOROCCO FOOD :

Moroccan cuisine has long been considered as one of the most diversified cuisines in the world. The reason is because of the interaction of Morocco with the outside world for centuries. The cuisine of Morocco is a mix of Arab, Berber, Moorish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean African and Jewish influences. The cooks in the royal kitchens of Fez, Meknes, Marrakech, Rabat and Tetouan refined Moroccan cuisine over the centuries and created the basis for what is known as Moroccan cuisine toda

1.COUSCOUS :

Couscous (IPA /kʊskʊs/ - Berber Seksu - Arabic: كسكس[1) is a food from Morocco of Berber origin. Couscous consists of spherical granules which are made by rolling and shaping moistened semolina wheat and then coating them with finely ground wheat flour. The finished grains are about 1 mm or 1/26th inch in diameter (after cooking). Traditional couscous requires considerable preparation time and is usually steamed. In many places, a more processed quick-cook couscous is available and is particularly valued for its rapid preparation time.
The dish is the primary staple food throughout the Maghreb; in much of Algeria, eastern Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya it is simply known as ta`aam طعام, "food". It is also popular in the West African Sahel, in France, Madeira island, in western Sicily's Trapani province, and parts of the Middle East. It is also very popular among Jews of North African descent. It is eaten in many other parts of the world as well.
Couscous is traditionally served under a meat or vegetable stew. It can also be eaten alone flavoured or plain, warm or cold, as a dessert or a side dish.

2.TAJIN :

Fish Stew - Tajine Hout

Method of Preparation :

1/2 cup cooking oil
2 pounds salmon or similar type fish steaks
2 medium size onions, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh
coriander leaves
1 small hot pepper, finely chopped
2 cups stewed tomatoes, puréed with 1 cup of water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 lemon, quartered, then sliced
1/3 cup green olives, pitted
Egg and Almond Stew - Tajine Tufaaya :

Method of Preparation :

3 tablespoons butter
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1 pinch saffron
1 1/2 pounds beef, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 cups water
4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh coriander
4 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup slivered almonds
4 hard boiled eggs, shelled and quartered

Fava Bean and Meat Stew - Tajine M’qualli

Method of Preparation :

1 pound beef or lamb, cut into medium size pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
2 cups water
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups fresh or frozen fava shelled beans
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup black olives, pitted and halved

Almond, Prune and Chicken Stew - Tajine Dajaj bi-Barqooq wa Lawz :

Method of Preparation :

chicken, about 4 pounds, cut into serving pieces
3 medium onions, chopped
8 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
4 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
pinch of saffron
3 cups water
1 cup prunes, pitted
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup blanched almonds


3.HARIRA :

Harira is the national soup of Morocco। During the 30 days of Ramadan, every household prepares this flavorful soup, filling the streets with its aroma at sundown. It's served accompanied by dates or honey cake. There are various versions of this soup, but this is the classic.

Method of Preparation
Broth (tka-taa)

250 g (8 oz.) veal or mutton, in cubes
You can replace the meat with the giblets from 3-4 chickens
4-5 small meaty bones
500 g (18 oz.) fairly small whole onions
1/2 tsp. saffron (half natural, half artificial)
1 tsp. pepper
1 knob of butter
250 g (9 oz.) lentils
Salt
1.5 liters (6 cups) water for the broth

Tedouira
1 bunch of cilantro
1 bunch of parsley
1.5 kg (3 lb.) ground tomatoes or 1 can of tomato concentrate
2.5 liters (10 cups) water
3/4 of a small glass of lemon juice
1 knob of butter
200 g (7 oz.) flour
Salt

MOROCCO CLOTHING TRADITIONAL :

1.KAFTAN (for women) :

2.DJELLABA (for men) :

The traditional dress for men is called djellaba; a long, loose, hooded garment with full sleeves. For special occasions, men also wear a red cap called tarbouche and mostly referred to as Fez. Nearly all men wear baboosh—those soft leather slippers with no heel, often in yellow. Many women do as well but others wear high-heeled sandals, often in silver or gold tinsel.
The distinction is the djellabas has a hood, while a Kaftan does not. The women’s djellabas are mostly of bright colors with ornate patterns, stitching, or beading, while men wear djellabas in plainer, neutral colors. Women are strongly attached to their "Moroccan wardrobe", despite the financial costs involved. The production of such garments is relatively expensive, as most of the work is done by hand. Despite the costs involved most women purchase a minimum of one new kaftan or "tk'chita" every year, normally for a special, social event, such as a religious festival or a wedding. Nowadays, it is an unwritten rule that Moroccan dress is worn at such events.

MOROCCAN TOURIST CITIES :

1.MARRAKECH :
Marrakech is not only a fantastic city, it is also a symbol of the Morocco that once was, and which still survives here. The streets of the old and pink city have been too narrow to allow the introduction of cars, and tourists searching for the "real" Morocco have turned the medieval structures of Marrakech into good business.
The hordes of tourists that come here all through the year have still not managed to change its character. Actually their high number contribute in a postive way to preserve one of the greatest monuments of the Morocco that once was. And the people of Marrakech love their city even more, and Moroccans all over the country would not let down an opportunity of visiting it.
The most worthwhile tourist traps are collected inside a rather small zone, starting in the north with the suuqs, continuing through the town square of Jemaa l-Fna with its crowd of storytellers, musicians and the Koutoubia mosque

which is visible from practically anywhere in Marrakech.
Going beyond this, the Menara gardens- by young Marrakechians considered as the most romantic place in town- is high up on the

list. But don't forget to visit one of the many examples of sights left by the many Europeans and Americans who fell so much in love with Marrakech that they erected their palaces and gardens here.

2.AGADIR :

the reborn city after total ruines caused by the earth quake in february 1960. it was a real catastrophe, the city was holy destroyed, but there was a strong will to struggle against nature and rebuild the city by his Majesty the king hassan II.

at present agadir is among the best cities in the world world with excellent hotels, gardens, splendid beach of golden sand.taghazout is a destinations of camping amateurs it has a nice beach of pure water and nice waves for surfing.far from agadir lays inzgane, a small village known by silver jewels where you can find fantastic sorts of decoration such as daggers, camels and horses made of silver.agadir is not only a city of art and tourism only but also a main fishing port, its sea has a diversity of all sorts of fish.

3.TANGIER :

At the crossroads of civilisation, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean, Tangier flaunts its magnificent bay below lush green hills. From the "Place de la Kasbah", the highest point in the medina, you can visit the sultan's palace where every aspect of

moroccan art can be seen in the rooms round the courtyard.

Or you can stroll down alleyways of the medina to the terrace overlooking the straits of Gibraltar.

Close by, various excursions can be made including Cape Spartel -the extreme north- westerly point ofAfrica, close to the famous Caves of Hercules and Cape Malabata.

Its strategic position making it a crossroads of t civilisations, Tangier, gateway to the African continent, looks across at Europe from the shores of Atlantic and Mediterranean alike. As a meeting-

point of routes to so many different destination, Tangier has inevitably been marked by the of History-Phoenicians, Berbers, Portuguese and Spaniards had all left their indelible mark on the city before it passed into Moroccan hands.

4.CASABLANCA .

Casablanca is a beautiful city in Morocco. It is located in the western region of the country. The city of Casablanca, which is also the capital city of the Grand Casablanca

region, shares its border with the Atlantic Ocean. It is not only a capital city, but it is also the biggest

city and an important port in Morocco. Casablanca is home to around 2.9 million people.
Besides its economical part, Casablanca is a very famous tourist spot in Morocco. Throughout the year, thousands of tourists come to visit this city from all over the world. There are various

tourist attractions spread in the city.

Various towers, mosques, city halls and many other interesting spots are there in Casablanca

5.FEZ :

The capital of Morocco for all together more than 400 years, home of the oldest university of the country and the leading cultural and religious centre.

Fez is also the home of the oldest an largest medieval city in the world, a city that is almost unchanged through the modern ages and still most definately alive.

Fez was founded in 789 at a place between the mountains where the river was flushing by.

History has provided the city with long periods of hardship, but Fez has never died. Today it has its own culture, pride, art and even cuisine.