50 interesting facts about Morocco. Interesting facts about Morocco
Our ideas about this African country are as far from the truth as the belief that bears with balalaikas roam our streets. Find out the truth.
"The Kingdom of Morocco is a state in North Africa", says Wikipedia. What do you know about this country? Ripe tangerines, endless dunes and herds of camels... In fact, the country’s landscape fully reflects its character - diverse and contrasting. The Maghreb (as the locals refer to their homeland) is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the Mediterranean Sea in the north. The ridge of the Atlas Mountains stretches almost across the entire country, and only in the extreme south can you touch the sands of the Sahara. What else can this distant African country surprise us with?
In Morocco (read: Africa), snow is commonplace
There is snow in Morocco in winter. And in some places there are even ski resorts
In the homeland of the most delicious tangerines in the foothills, no one will be surprised by snow in winter. Local residents make snowmen no worse than ours. And in the north-west of the state, 75 km from sultry (in summer) Marrakech, there is even a ski station called Oukaimden, where you can go down the snow-covered slopes not only on skis, but also on sleds and snowboards. Even further north, entire cities are covered in snow. Because of the powdered snow roofs and its distinctive architectural style V winter time year, the Moroccan city of Ifrane is completely similar to a Swiss foothill town.
This is a modern country
Neighborhoods of the city of Tetouan, in northern Morocco M. Bouhsina
“Africa = poverty and backwardness” is a myth. Morocco has excellent roads, including an ever-expanding network of toll motorways (two lanes in each direction and a speed limit of 120 km/h).
Banks and mobile communication centers actively use the electronic queue function, and utility receipts for electricity and water based on meter readings are generated automatically and sent to addresses, without bothering residents with calculations and registration.
Due to the lack of gas and oil deposits, the government is active work on the development of alternative energy sources. Last year, King Mohammed VI inaugurated the first fragment of the hub. solar energy in the Sahara. It is planned that by 2020, when all three parts of this installation are operational, the kingdom will be able to provide up to half of its electricity needs from such a natural energy source. This high-tech structure of 500,000 12-meter mirrors is clearly visible even from space and in the coming years will become the largest solar station in the whole world.
Most of the country's inhabitants are Berbers, not Arabs, and the year is 2967 for them.
Most Berbers today live in the Clemence-liu mountains
Although Morocco is an Arab country, according to various sources, about 60% of the Moroccan population are Berbers. The word “Berbers” in relation to North African ethnic groups has been used in Europe since the 17th century. Berbers are a very heterogeneous ethnic group. Only in Morocco can you meet Riffians, Tamazikhs and Shlekhs. They have their own unique culture and language. It is believed that Berber writing existed more than 2000 years ago, so it is not surprising that according to the Berber calendar, the year 2967 is now outside the window (although the kingdom itself officially lives according to the calendar common to the entire planet). Since 2011, Tamazikh (Berber) language has become the official language in Morocco along with Arabic.
Morocco is closer to Europe than we think
The city of Ceuta is located on the northern coast of Morocco, directly opposite Gibraltar
A narrow 14-kilometer strip of Gibraltar separates Africa and Europe. Standing on the African coast of Morocco, you can easily observe the traffic in European Spain. And two Spanish enclaves (the cities of Ceuta and Melilla) are located on the territory of the kingdom itself. So, if you have a Schengen visa, you can get to Europe without leaving Morocco.
The oldest university in the world is located here
Al-Qaraween University is one of the spiritual and educational centers Islamic world
Since 859, a university has been operating in Fez, founded by the daughter of a Tunisian merchant, Fatima. This is the world's oldest higher educational institution bears the name of her family - Al-Qaraouin. Diplomas in the traditional European sense began to be issued here only in 1947, but within the walls of Al-Qaraween the following knowledge was obtained at different times famous philosophers and scientists like Ibn Khaldun, Maimonides, Al-Idrisi, Leo Africanus. Presumably, Pope Sylvester II studied mathematics here. In aerial panoramas,"My Planet" , you can explore this and other attractions of Fes in detail.
Argan oil is produced only in Morocco
Production of argan oil Emily Visich
Argan oil (or liquid gold, as it is often called) is produced from the seeds of the prickly argan plant exclusively in Morocco, but has already gained connoisseurs around the world. Today, even major cosmetic brands have launched special hair and skin care lines based on argan oil, and its popularity is not surprising. In terms of its properties and even production technology, which has not yet been automated, it is unique. To obtain 1 liter of argan oil, it is necessary to process about 50 kg of fruit (from approximately seven trees). First, the argan fruits collected from the tree are dried in the sun, then they are cleared of fibers, after which, breaking the shells of the fruit seeds with a stone, the very argan seeds are extracted, from which argan oil is obtained using a mechanical press (it is worth noting that only the process of obtaining kernels from argan fruit seeds requires about 12 hours of hard physical labor).
In addition to cosmetic products, argan oil is added to food. Ground almond paste with the addition of argan oil is served during tea parties in Morocco.
Moroccan Sultan Ismail is considered the most numerous father in the world
L legendary Sultan Moulay Ismail
According to the Guinness Book of Records, the legendary Sultan Moulay Ismail, who ruled Morocco from 1672 to 1727, is recognized as the most numerous father in history. The energetic ruler, who had a harem of fifty concubines, is credited with a record number of heirs - 888 (700 of which were boys). At the same time, the French diplomat Dominique Busnot, who arrived on a visit to the sultanate in 1704, claimed that the ruler at that time had 1,171 children.
The first travel blogger is Moroccan
Ibn Battuta
Few people know that the first travel blogger was born back in the 14th century in Morocco. The northern city of Tangier became the cradle of the author of the works “A Gift to Those Contemplating the Wonders of Cities and Wonderful Wanderings” by Ibn Battuta. Battuta began his lifelong travels at the age of 22. And in 28 years he visited North and West Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, India and China, Andalusia, Turkey, Iraq and Iran, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. “Travel leaves you speechless and then turns you into a better storyteller,” said Ibn Battuta. The airport in Tangier is named after the famous fellow countryman.
There are good salaries and reasonable prices here
The price level here is lower than in neighboring Spain
A doctor in the Kingdom of Morocco is perhaps one of the most respected and prestigious professions. And this is expressed not only in relation to the population, but also in the corresponding material reward for the work of the followers of Hippocrates. So, wages for a young doctor in public medical institutions - not less than €800. According to 2016 data, the average monthly salary in the public sector is about €750.
At the same time, a liter of gasoline in Morocco fluctuates around €1, for electricity they pay about €1 per 10 kWh, water is estimated at €3.5 per 10 m³. (For comparison: in neighboring Spain, gasoline is €1.2, €1.5 per 10 kWh, water supply is €10 per 10 m³). A liter of milk can be bought in Morocco for €0.8, liter bottle olive oil - for €5, a dozen eggs - for €1.2, and a kilogram of chicken fillet or minced beef will cost €4.4 and €8, respectively. Real estate in Morocco is expensive, but there is also so-called “social housing” (a small apartment with two bedrooms and a living room can be purchased for €28,000 - 30,000).
Filming in Morocco huge amount popular films and TV series
Still from the movie "Gladiator"
Favorable climatic conditions and the beauty of the local landscapes made venerable directors look towards the Maghreb. Since the legendary 60s film “Lawrence of Arabia,” hundreds of films come to life here every year. And the Atlas film studio, created in 1983 in the vicinity of the city of Ouarzazate, with an area of 20 hectares, is by far the largest in the world. It was here that the films “Gladiator”, “Alexander”, “Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra”, “007: Spectre” and even the third season of the cult series “Game of Thrones” were filmed.
Other interesting details about the habits and traditions of the inhabitants of the “orange kingdom” are in our guide for travelers «».
It’s been a long time since I collected interesting facts about any country. Here, remember And today we will get acquainted with Morocco:
1. The full Arabic name is “Al-Mamlaka al-Maghribiya”, which translates as “Western Kingdom”.
2. The population of Morocco consists mostly of Arabs (about 60%) and Berbers (40%), as well as a very small number of Malians, Tuaregs, etc. The word “Berber” comes from the French “barbarian”.
3. In the Atlas Mountains, on the territory of Morocco, there is the peak of Jabel Toubkal with a height of 4165 m - this is the most high point in the Sahara and North Africa.
4. When he comes to power new king The design on banknotes of the national currency is changed. In the place of the old ruler they put a portrait of the new king, or both at once.
5. Tuareg men, according to the prescriptions of ancient traditions, must hide their faces and if someone sees the face of a Tuareg, they must kill, otherwise the Tuareg must kill himself. Nowadays, of course, this tradition has lost its force.
6. Every gas station and train station has special prayer rooms.
7. Founded back in 859, the university in Fez is considered the oldest university in the world.
8. A major national holiday in Morocco is Green March Day, which is celebrated on November 6th. The holiday was organized by King Hassan II in honor of the return of the Sahrawi provinces from Spanish control.
9. "Berbe whiskey" is, in fact, strong green tea brewed with mint and sugar. As a rule, it is drunk from oriental teapots and glasses.
10. One of the most discussed topics, oddly enough, is football.
11. Many tourists note that Moroccan beggars come to their “place of work” by taxi.
12. Wells in the desert are made of concrete without help technical means. The water from these wells is always warm and tastes of sand.
13. Moroccan monetary unit The diharm is one of the most stable currencies in the world in relation to the dollar.
14. August is the hottest time in Morocco.
15. It is customary to seat 6 people in a taxi, excluding the driver. Moreover, it is quite normal for two people to sit in the front seat.
16. As many of you probably know, Morocco is ruled by King Mohammed the Sixth, whom the locals love very much, even though he steals and uses the stolen money to build palaces and spend it on his own needs. Based on general reviews of the king, the local population states that they are ready to forgive him a lot, because he stopped the war and now they can work in peace and feed their families.
17. The capital of Morocco is Rabat, and not Marrakech, as many people think.
18. The exchange rate of the national currency dirham against the dollar is 7 MaD = 1 USD, against the euro 10 MaD = 1 EUR.
24. Many children learn the Quran from 5 to 12 years old.
26. The second language after Arabic in Morocco is French.
27. In addition, many speak the Berber language, whose written language is almost lost.
28. Berbers and Arabs are passionate traders. If you buy a thing for the price that is offered at first, no one will enjoy the deal. Boldly, brazenly and calmly reduce the price by 5, or even 10 times. Always quote a price lower than what you would like to pay.
29. A good way to get rid of annoying “helpers” is to start chattering in a language they don’t understand, for example, Russian.
30. In markets in big cities, some traders know Russian numerals and the word “Humpty Dumpty”.
31. To get to Morocco, a European only needs to fill out a migration card.
32. For a Moroccan to get to Europe, he needs to wait several months, fill out a lot of forms, go through an interview, etc. The principle of reciprocity in diplomacy does not work here.
33. In large tourist cities, locals perceive whites as bags of money and do everything to make money from them.
34. Far from the tourist routes, locals don't care about tourists.
35. The most interesting places in Morocco - exactly where tourists don’t go.
36. No one can really explain why Moroccans, especially women in hijabs, don’t like having their pictures taken. According to one version, they are afraid that postcards will be made from photographs of them. Another version is related to their illiteracy (many girls in early age they get married without even receiving a primary education), and for them the camera is a Satan-machine that can cause damage or the evil eye. In any case, you need to respect their requests and not take photos if they have asked not to take them.
37. Moroccans strive to provide help when they are not asked, and then beg for money for it.
38. On well-worn tourist routes, the exchange of Berber souvenirs for clothing, equipment, and electronics is very developed.
39. I managed not to exchange, but to sell my old sneakers to a Berber for money. That is, I didn’t give the money, but the local Berbers paid me.
40. My catchphrase when concluding a deal - “Okay, yours took it, but I want that little keepsake from you.”
41. If you bought a leather product in Morocco, do not be surprised by its specific smell. Just before it was made, the skin was soaked in horse urine in the tanneries of the city of Fez.
42. Shawarma in Moscow is prepared using a technology similar to that in Morocco. Only in Morocco it tastes better and is half the price.
43. In general, prices in Morocco do not differ much from Russian ones. For example, dates cost the same as in Moscow. Perhaps these prices are only for foreigners.
44. Collecting dates is a difficult and dangerous activity. The height of the palm tree can reach 20 meters, and there have been cases of peasants falling from palm trees.
45. In the oases, honey dates fall from the palm trees, a little larger than a yellow Kinder Surprise egg.
46. The color of Moroccan houses matches the color of the soil on which they stand.
4 7. On the territory of Morocco in the Atlas Mountains stands Mount Jebel Toubkal (4165 m) - the highest point of the Sahara and North Africa.
48. From late December to mid-February you can go skiing in Morocco.
50. Some Berbers drink wine. The driver of the Defender jeep, a Berber, boasted to me that he had a powerful body and could drink all night long, and then like a cucumber. And he also says, drink Berbere whiskey and you'll fly all day. To which I told him: “Come to Russia, drink a glass of vodka and you won’t be able to get up for two days.”
51. Desert wells are made from concrete by hand.
52. The water from wells in the desert is warm and has a sandy taste.
53. An average dromedary (one-humped) camel costs 1,000 euros.
54. Morocco is full of Mercedes S-Classes from the 1980s. They are used as minibuses.
55. Most cars run on diesel fuel.
57. Mopeds are very common in Morocco. A family of a husband, a large wife and two children can easily ride on one moped. Well, something heavy.
58. Women wear multi-layered clothes - this way they don’t feel hot in that climate. Often the outer layer remains black.
59. Only wealthy men can afford polygamy. I have not met anyone with two or more wives.
60. One taxi driver told me: “Sorry for such a tactless question... Why is Putin fighting with Chechnya? Because they are Muslims, right?
61. When people in Morocco hear the word “Russia” they immediately say, “Oooh, Vladimir Putin!”
62. At traffic lights in cities, everyone beeps for no reason.
63. It's unlikely that anyone wants to offend you by honking at you. Most likely, this means: “Hi, how are you,” “Hey, I’m on my way!”, “Please come in!”, “Peace be with you, brother!”, or something like that.
64. Drivers are never nervous behind the wheel (I haven't seen one).
65. Moroccan boys handle the ball no worse than our national football team.
66. In Morocco, Mexican series are translated into Arabic and shown on television. Mostly men watch.
68. In Casablanca, poor favelas coexist with snow-white palaces.
69. Rich houses are surrounded by thick fences and broken bottles are laid on top of the concrete - worse than barbed wire.
70. Have you ever seen monkeys that live in the spruce trees of cold mountain forests? And the banana plantations winding like a snake along the bottom deep canyon among the red rocks? And a thunderstorm over mountains of bright orange sand as high as a ten-story building, in those places where life ends and the Great Sahara Desert begins, when lightning connects the horizon in the south with the horizon in the north? What about a small Swiss village with pointed tiled roofs and bright green trimmed lawns, stuck between deserted rocky plateaus on one side and olive orchards on an arid plain on the other? And all this together in one day? In Morocco this is reality. True, many of these wonders lie away from the main tourist routes, but this only adds to their attractiveness.
71. Men have a harsh character - in disputes they very quickly turn to shouting, waving their arms and generally behaving in a threatening manner. For a European, this behavior looks aggressive, but in reality, as a rule, there is no aggression in such clashes - everyone calms down very quickly and parts quite amicably. The Moroccans themselves say it this way: “If a man does not shout, but reacts politely and calmly to what he does not like, then everyone will decide that he has no power.” Women, on the contrary, are very calm and peaceful, at least outwardly.
72. Moroccans are proud of their culture and traditions, and they tell one thing about their nationality funny story. The fact is that Moroccans have dark skin - something between the light skin of Europeans and the dark skin of Africans. And here is the story in this regard: When God created man, he molded him out of clay and put him in the fire to burn him. But God forgot about this, and man was on fire for too long. As a result, the man turned out to be too black. God did not like him, and God threw him to the south. This is how black Africans appeared. The second time, God fashioned a man from clay and put him in the fire. This time God was afraid that he would keep the man on fire again, and took him out too early. The man turned out to be very bright and God did not like him either. God did not abandon him to the north. This is how light-skinned Europeans appeared. For the third time, God fashioned a man and put him in the fire. This time God was careful and kept the man in the fire for as long as necessary. This is how the Moroccans appeared.
73. The culture of Morocco has been shaped by very different traditions. It is, of course, based on Arab and Berber cultures. In addition, Europeans also had a significant influence - primarily the French and Spaniards.
74. The main thing that the Arabs brought to the culture of Morocco is Islam. Morocco is an Islamic state with all its attributes. There are mosques everywhere, the voices of muezzins calling Muslims to prayer are heard five times a day from all the minarets, many women wear the hijab, alcohol is not common. Religion is an integral part of the life of Moroccans and many of them are truly deeply religious people. At the same time, the issue of faith in Morocco is treated quite democratically. Compliance with the rules of Islam is not mandatory for anyone; many Moroccan women dress in a European style. There are practically no obstacles created for representatives of other religions. Although non-Muslim tourists may not be allowed into the mosque. There are practically no radical manifestations of Islam in Morocco.
75. The ancient Berbers lived in Morocco in a large number of separate tribes. They all had similar cultural traditions that varied significantly in detail. Each tribe had its own characteristic features in clothing, in cuisine, in music, in crafts, in celebrations and rituals. The differences were probably primarily due to the characteristics of the terrain in which each tribe lived. In the desert, the lifestyle was significantly different from the lifestyle on the ocean coast. And where trees grew, the crafts were different from the crafts of those places where there were few trees. Until now, in Morocco, each region differs in its specialization. The Berbers largely shaped the diversity and specificity of the culture of Morocco that are characteristic of African peoples.
76. Morocco's economy is considered one of the most developed in Africa. There is even such a thing as illegal immigrants in the country. Contrary to the beliefs of many Russians, Morocco is not only oranges. There are many in Morocco industrial enterprises, mainly focused on agriculture. And if you take a closer look at the labels of women’s clothing that you buy in Moscow boutiques, you will see that many famous French brands sew them in Morocco. The cost of labor here is low, especially for women. The banking services sector is very developed. And at the same time, many enterprises in Morocco, mostly small and handicraft, in terms of technical development are somewhere between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
77. A Moroccan city is generally divided into two parts: the old city and the new city. New city- This is the modern part where most of the townspeople live and work. It has all the benefits of modern civilization, is usually relatively clean, and is not so interesting for tourists. Closer to the center there are many small cafes, which are full of both tourists and townspeople themselves.
78. The Old Town (Medina) is where all the interesting things are. Life here is completely different! Narrow pedestrian streets are intricate, like a labyrinth, shops and workshops of merchants, noisy Moroccans in national clothes scurrying back and forth. The streets with shopping shops are wider and cleaner, the rest are very narrow and completely dark, as if they lead nowhere. Large and small donkeys with a specific smell serve as the main cargo transport and are not so easy to pass in a narrow alley. The most amazing thing is at home! From the outside they are all the same: you only see the featureless, windowless walls that make up the streets, but inside there could be a real palace! Spacious, bright, with garden or swimming pool! Or it may turn out to be a shack, quite appropriate appearance. It is no less surprising that this entire medieval eastern anthill is not some kind of museum exhibit: it is a real living city where people live and work. There are banks and hotels here. People bake bread and go to the bathhouse, pray, drink espresso and Moroccan tea in a cafe or talk in the square after a working day.
79. Except yours own kitchen Moroccans love Italian cuisine and fast food. Simple cafes serving sandwiches with beef brains, hearts, kidneys and other innards are also popular. It is considered to be very tasty. By the way, only halal meat is used everywhere, even at McDonald's.
80. The oldest university in the world is the university in the Moroccan city of Fez, which was founded back in 859.
81. According to many historians, Sidi Yahya, a holy place in the city of Oujda, is nothing more than the tomb of John the Baptist, who, according to the gospel, was the forerunner of Jesus Christ.
82. Unlike other North African states, Morocco has access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This country is located between Africa and Europe, at the place where West and East meet.
83. Morocco's parks, rich in flora and fauna, are very specific. Thus, one of the local reserves is a swampy area where only weeds grow.
84. Smoking hashish is prohibited in Morocco, however, the country is a leader in the production of this drug.
85. In some Moroccan cities, according to a long-standing tradition, all buildings and structures are painted the same color. For example, in the small town of Chefchaouen all the buildings are blue, and in Marrakesh they are reddish.
86. Despite the fact that the main religion in the country is Islam, Morocco differs significantly from the Muslim countries of the Middle East and Africa. It is not prohibited to consume in Morocco alcoholic drinks. Dance here is considered perhaps the lowest art.
87. It is believed that the reason low level The welfare of Moroccans is traditional “national laziness”. In Morocco 25% local residents- unemployed. The main sources of income in the country are tourism, agriculture and trade. Farming in Morocco thrives due to its mild climate and few pests compared to other countries.
88. Most of the local population is engaged in some kind of craft. Ceramics, carpets and leather goods are prized here. In Fez, right in the open air, there are dyehouses, which are containers filled with natural dyes. In vats of paint there is skin on which people walk. In this way, the skin is given a natural shade. Even tourists can try themselves as “leather workers” here.
89. Casablanca is home to the world's tallest religious building. The height of the minaret of the Hassan II Mosque is 200 meters, which is 40 meters higher than St. Peter's Basilica in Italy and 30 meters higher than the Pyramid of Cheops. In addition, the Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest Muslim shrines, second in size only to the main mosque in Mecca.
90. During French colonization, Marshal Lyautey introduced a ban on non-Muslims visiting the mosque. In the Muslim world, this rule still applies today.
91. Goats in Morocco deftly climb trees in search of delicacies. Climbing goats feast mainly on argan fruits. Oil from the fruits of argan trees has a rejuvenating effect and is also used to treat heart and vascular diseases.
92. In Morocco there is a law prohibiting cutting date palms in the Days Valley. The harvest of one such tree per year is about 50 kilograms of dates.
93. It is customary to give a small tip, but often. In restaurants and hotels, even if tips are included in the bill, it is customary to pay an additional 10% of the bill value. Tips are given personally to the person who served you.
94. In Essaouira it is better to buy souvenirs (paintings, leather lamps), national clothes and thuja products. In large salons the quality is higher, but the price is appropriate. In Medina, everything in the shops is 30-50% cheaper, but the quality is lower. In Casablanca, European items from famous fashion houses are sold at half the price. Smuggling watches famous brands- from 10 to 50 USD. In Fez - souvenirs, gold. In Rabat - souvenirs, carpets, leather. In Marrakesh, prices are higher and there are many European goods.
95. Morocco is very friendly to tourists, especially surfers. And for good reason. After all, this is a kind of mecca for surfing. If your plans are to surf and nothing else during your holiday, head to Taghazoute, which is located just 45 minutes from Agadir.
96. IN Morocco You can buy a dromedary camel for 1000 euros!
97. Polygamy is still allowed here, but only rich people can afford it.
98. The population density of the country is 70 people/km2.
99. The average fertility rate is 2.17 children per woman - an interesting fact.
100. Many famous film masterpieces are filmed in Morocco; a good example is the 2000 film Gladiator.
101. Note to vegetarians: if you refuse to eat a meat dish, you will be considered an impudent and ill-mannered person.
[Link to the article from which this copy was made -Morocco - amazing country. Although it is located on the African continent, it is very close to Europe. This is the reason that the territory of Morocco became one of the first to which Europeans turned their attention in ancient times. The centuries-old culture and traditions of various civilizations that mix in this multinational cauldron make Morocco a special place. Fairytale palaces and resorts attract many tourists. But that’s not about that now. We'll tell you some fun facts about Morocco that you probably didn't know.
Classmates
1. Solar energy instead of oil and gas
There are no oil and gas deposits in Morocco, so alternative energy sources are being actively developed here. The largest solar energy production station is located in the Sahara.
2. Snow in Morocco
Morocco even has a ski resort where you can go skiing, sledding and snowboarding. Snow lies here from December to April.
3. Don't admire the owner's things
If you are invited to visit, do not praise anything. The owner will have to give you this thing to protect himself from the evil eye.
4. It is forbidden to throw away bread
Bread is eaten here large quantities and very respected. The remains are used to feed livestock. If someone does not have a farm, then he exchanges bread for the items he needs.
5. Do not pour hot water into the sink
This is due to the legend that says that genies live near water. And they really don't like it hot water. To avoid angering the spirits, you must turn on cold water, if you need to drain the boiling water.
6. Liver is a symbol of love
In Morocco, a healthy liver is considered a symbol of strength and prosperity. When declaring love, they say: “You conquered my liver!”
7. The difference in chronology is 950 years!
According to the religious calendar of the local inhabitants, the Berbers, in Morocco the difference in chronology with us is 950 years (that is, 2017, for example, for them it is 2967). Although officially the country lives according to the calendar common to the entire planet.
8. You can’t give up meat
In Morocco, tea and meat are revered. It is very impolite to refuse meat offered. You should also not eat with your left hand - it is considered unclean.
9. Morocco is very close to Europe
Spain and Morocco are separated by the Strait of Gibraltar, which is only 16 km wide. IN good weather, standing on the shore of the strait from Morocco, you can see the coastal Spanish cities. The Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla are located on the territory of the kingdom.
10. Rolls-Royce interior trim is made from rare Moroccan thuja
Red-brown Moroccan thuja wood is used to trim Rolls-Royce interiors. You can only find it in the mountains of Morocco.
11. The oldest university in the world is in Morocco
It was founded in 859 by the daughter of a merchant, Fatima al-Fihri. However, in our understanding this institution was not a university. They didn't issue diplomas here. The emphasis was on learning from individual mentors. It was only in 1947 that Al-Qaraween became a classical university.
12. City of blue
Chefchaouen became a place where Jews took refuge from persecution. It was they who painted the city in the blue color sacred to their people.
Square
Morocco is a fabulous country with Muslim traditions, African expression and European prudence. Unlike others eastern countries Morocco has a calm and intelligent atmosphere; the Berber population adds a little expression. Having visited Morocco once, you want to return to the cities of the Arabian Nights every year to experience more and more. Do you want to meet Moroccans before traveling to the land of the burning sun? Read Tahir Shah's A Year in Casablanca. Main character decided to escape from the London way of life to the ocean and sun, but for beautiful nature hides a special Moroccan world - a little wild and shocking. So, let's talk about unusual facts about Morocco and local traditions.
Medina, Rabat
According to local residents, genies coexist with people; Allah created them during the creation of the world. These mysterious creatures often have evil thoughts, like demons, devils, merman, and kikimora in Russian culture. Djinn manifest themselves at night by dressing up as animals, usually cats. They also start families and die. But these creatures believe that people are a hindrance to their quiet life, so they try to annoy them in every possible way (scare pets, damage property, instill fear). Moroccan genies have witchcraft skills, so the person who catches the genie can make any wish.
According to custom, to see the genie, you need to dip your finger in hot (fresh) bull's blood and place it on your forehead, just above the bridge of your nose. At this moment, all genies will become visible!
In Morocco, it is unacceptable to leave the house alone for several days, otherwise it will be filled with genies!
Fresh meat is a living thing
In markets, it is common to see chickens, rabbits, goats, even bulls in cages. The fact is that if a Moroccan says that he is going for fresh meat, this means that he is going to the market for a live animal or bird that will be slaughtered before his eyes.
Begging on the streets is common
Beggars in Morocco probably take taxis. Especially in Marrakech. In front of the square at dusk, all the beggars and needy people come out onto the street. What we didn’t see: Syrian refugees, disabled people, and a naked mentally ill woman - in general, the spectacle is not for the faint of heart. Morocco is a fairly poor country, so even the average family tries to help the poor. While Europeans pass by all the needy people, every Moroccan family helps with a dirham.
Bargain, but you can’t out-trade a Berber
Moroccans Oh, these crazy markets, noisy markets, vibrant markets. Finding yourself in the medina of any Moroccan city, your eyes are filled with incredible beauty - aromatic spices, handmade hijabs, scarves trimmed with gold thread, silver bracelets, painted teapots. But the most difficult thing is to purchase the purchase at the right price.
Bookstore, Rabat First, the merchant tells you an amount that is approximately 5-10 times higher than the one for which he would like to sell the goods. You tell him the most low price, for which they would buy the thing they liked. The “calculator game” begins. The seller proves to you, foaming at the mouth, that it is Egyptian cotton or gold threads, or maybe even incredibly expensive sage. You claim that you see threads sticking out, you don’t trust the color or aroma of the spice. The seller begins to seethe with anger, but continues his game. At the end, when you agree on your desires, the merchant will call you a Berber and offer you a drink of tea, do not refuse. Replenish your strength before the new eastern game!
An unusual fact about Moroccan snails
An ancient people living in the deserts of North Africa are the Berbers. It is believed that they are real magicians in folk medicine.
They say that berebers are able to cure terrible diseases that cannot be treated in European countries.
Snails are considered a remedy for many diseases. Sea snails are resistant to intestinal diseases, and arboreal snails are resistant to pulmonary diseases. There is an ancient ritual-love spell, a woman treats the man she likes with snails, boiled with the addition of menstrual blood (of course, he should not know about this). So be careful when you try boiled snails in markets and squares!
Berbers are not Arabs
Berber in the desert The word Berber comes from the Arabic “barbarian”, since before they did not profess Islam, now you can still find Old Believers Berber pagans. Berbers consider themselves a free people, independent of others. They actually live in deserts and are herders. You can recognize Moroccan Berbers by their appearance: they usually dress in blue clothes, cover their face. They look more like Africans with full lips and a prominent chin. Berber silver jewelry are valued all over the world for their unusualness and high cost. Gold for them is a metal of devilish intentions.
Berber women are distinguished by symbol tattoos on their faces; it looks impressive, especially on grandmothers. Feet and hands are covered with henna to protect against evil spirits. An interesting fact is that this is not just a patterned mehendi, but a complete coloring of the feet and palms.
Features of cooking - a combination of incongruous
Moroccan cuisine is incredibly different from European cuisine. For example, national chicken pies are sprinkled with powdered sugar, and prunes are added to tagine. And Berber mint tea should be sickly sweet.
It is also customary to peel absolutely everything: tomatoes, peaches, apples, cucumbers.
Unusual street profession - shoe shiner
IN major cities Morocco - Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez, you will often meet men or young boys sitting on the streets with wooden box. These are representatives of a disappearing profession - shoe shiner. Not only representatives of noble families, but also average citizens turn for help.
Moroccan shawarma is crazy
I bought a special spice for making shawarma in a Marrakesh supermarket - this is the main local fast food. It turns out especially tasty in a combination of vegetables, sardines and a secret spice, which is called “for shawarma”. Be sure to purchase it when in Morocco.
In the north (water border) and Mauritania in the south. In the north, Morocco is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and in the west by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The country is separated from the European mainland by the Strait of Gibraltar. Morocco's breathtaking landscapes and magnificent architectural traditions have long attracted many travelers. It is no coincidence that the country’s natural splendor is called the “Oasis of the Senses.” Morocco is famous for the diversity of its landscapes - from the sands of the Sahara Desert to the snow caps of the Atlas Mountains. To learn more about this country, check out the information below.
The official name of Morocco is the “Kingdom of Morocco.” The country's area covers about 710,850 square meters. km.
The capital of Morocco is the city of Rabat, the official currency of the country is the Moroccan dirham.
Morocco gained independence from France in 1956.
Morocco is located in North Africa. It is the only African country that is not currently a member of the African Union.
Morocco is a member of the League of Arab States, the Arab Maghreb Union, the International Organization of La Francophonie, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Mediterranean Dialogue group of countries and the Group of 77.
Morocco is a state that is not part of NATO, but has close relations with the United States (mainly in the military sphere).
The full Arabic name of Morocco is “Al-Mamlaka al-Maghribiya”, which means “Western Kingdom”.
The Moroccan Constitution provides for a monarchy, parliament and an independent judiciary.
Morocco's official language is Arabic, but Berber (another dialect) and the former colonial language French are widely spoken. In the northern coastal regions of the country they speak Spanish. In addition, the number of English speakers here is constantly growing.
Arabs and Berbers make up the bulk of the population of Morocco, in addition, Jews and representatives of other nationalities live here.
Most Moroccans are Muslim, but some of the population belongs to the Christian and Jewish churches.
Numerous stone structures preserved in Morocco provide evidence that the megalithic cultures of Atlantic Europe were widespread in this country.
The Sidi Yahya shrine, located in the Moroccan city of Oujda, is believed to be the tomb of John the Baptist.
The University of Fez, founded in 859 AD, is recognized as the oldest university in the world.
From 1922 to 1956, the city of Tangier had international status, being governed by representatives of eight European countries.
Two mountain ranges pass through the territory of Morocco - the Rif Mountains and the Atlas Mountains. The Rif Mountains lie parallel to the Mediterranean coast, the highest point of this mountain range is Tidirhine Peak at 2,456 m.
November 6th is celebrated in Morocco national holiday- Day of the Green March, organized by King Hassan II to return the Saharan provinces under Spanish control.
Morocco ranks 12th among the richest countries in Africa.
Due to the fact that Morocco is located between Europe and Asia, national cuisine This country is a combination of European and African culinary traditions.
The food of most Moroccans consists of wheat and barley.
The climate in Morocco is subtropical and quite varied. On the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts it is mild, and on the slopes of the Middle and High Atlas it is continental with hot summers and snowy winters. High in the mountains the temperature reaches -17.8° C, and the mountain peaks are almost all year round covered with snow. Rain occurs most often between November and April. Precipitation falls to a greater extent in the northwest and to a lesser extent in the east and south. The hottest month in Morocco is August, when the thermometer rises to +32+40 ° C.
