Culture of Morocco

1. Mauritania
Algeria
Spain
Portugal
摩洛哥的正式地图 Full official map of Morocco
摩洛哥王国驻华大使馆
Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco
办 公 处：三里屯路16号
Chancery : No. 16, San Li Tun Lu
电话（Tel）：6532 1489/6532 1796
传真（Fax)：6532 1453
电子邮件（E-mail）：ssifama.beijing@moroccoembassy.org.cn
网址：www.moroccoembassy.cn
Kingdom of Morocco
A millennium culture
M
OROCCO

2. Location: North Africa
Motto: Akuc, Amur, Agllid God, Homeland, King
Capital: Rabat
Largest city: Casablanca
Official language(s): Arabic and Tamazight
Ethnic groups: 99% Arab-Amazigh 0.9% other
Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional
Monarchy
• King Mohammed VI
• Head of government: Abdelillah Benkirane
Legislature: Parliament
* Upper house House of Representatives
* Lower house House of Councillors
Independence: March 2, 1956
Area: 710,850 km²
Population: 32,650,000
Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD)
Calling code: +212
Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country located in North Africa. Morocco is a consti-
tutional monarchy with an elected parliament and a chief of Government nominated from the Party
which has got the majority of votes. The political capital of Morocco is Rabat, although the largest city
is Casablanca; other major cities include Marrakech, Tetouan, Tangier, Salé, Laâyoune, Fès, Agadir,
Meknes, Oujda, Dakhla, Kenitra, and Nador.
Morocco is a nation with a rich culture and civilization. It has always been a land of cultural exchanges
and encounters given its strategically-located position between the Mediterranean and Atlantic, Eu-
rope and Africa. Morocco hosted many people coming from these areas, all of them have had an im-
pact on the social and cultural structure of the country.
The richness of the Moroccan culture comes from the various civilizations
that Morocco encountered trough different eras in its history. From the
Byzantine civilization to the Roman influence to the Arab civilization, then
the Spanish and French, Morocco is now a panorama of genuine values of
tolerance and multiculturalism and gets its unity in its diversity.
The Kingdom is well known to be a center for interfaith dialogue among
Muslims, Christians and Jews and today provides an arena for open dia-
logue. The country is constantly offering innovating solutions to contempo-
rary problems through progressive applications of Islamic principles.
Morocco is considered by some as an Arab-Berber country. Others insist
on the Berber-African identity of Morocco. About 42% acknowledge a Ber-
ber identity, though many more have Berber ancestry. Berbers are also by
language but also by traditional customs and culture - such as the distinc-
tive music and dances. Berber language (Also called Amazigh) is not yet officially recognized in Mo-
rocco, though French (the colonial language) is. Classical Arabic remains the only official language of
Morocco and is used in limited socio-economic and cultural activities and written newspapers but it is
never spoken between Moroccans.
His Majesty, Mohammed VI,
The King of Morocco

3. The Kingdom of Morocco, a millennium culture.
Message of HE Mr, Jaafar Alj Hakim,
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to China
Morocco, a Kingdom of more than 12 centuries old, at a crossroad of civilizations, combines its
own identity with openness and modernity and with a rich religious and cultural heritage.
Under the impetus of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom has entered a new era of
reforms and activity. Today, Morocco is evolving with determination and ambition in the new
international context of the 21st century.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Beijing, as part of an ongoing process of
strengthening the friendly relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the People’s Republic
of China, is, and has been, keen to present the richness of the Moroccan culture.
For this, there exist between Morocco and China since 1982 a bilateral agreement of Scientific
and Technical Cooperation. Its tri-annual application program maps out different actions,
including education, scientific research, cultural affairs, monuments, arts, information,
communication, youth and sports as well as religious affairs. In addition, as part of the same
agreement, conferences and workshops are being organized by the Embassy with view to
promoting a better understanding of the different facets of the Moroccan culture.
There exist also a MOU between Universities from Morocco and China, by virtue of which the
embassy is facilitating academic cooperation. Moreover, Confucius Institute opened in Morocco
since 2009, with the support of the Mohammed V University in Rabat, and serves, besides its
role of teaching the Chinese language to Moroccan students, as a bridge of exchange between
the Moroccan and the Chinese cultures.
An even deeper connection is still possible between the two countries as their culture do share
quite a few common characteristics. The similarities can be
noticed, in this brochure, more particularly in architecture like
in the magical atmospheres of the Moroccan old medinas’
winding streets which recall the Hutong in China, culinary
art (sweet and soar dishes), music, clothing, jewelry, tea
ceremonies and in connection with the warmth of people
as well. Thirst of discovery is also common: just like the
Chinese admiral, Zheng He, the voyages of the 14th century’s
Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta led him till China where he
traveled as far north as Hangzhou to experience and borrow
almost everything he could about the Chinese culture.
In one word, Morocco is a beautiful and fascinating country.
While the Atlas and the Rif mountains offer a friendly
environment surrounded by nature, in the Moroccan Sahara
dunes and sky merge silently into infinity. You may have
heard that the Kingdom brims over with contrast, color and
exoticism; this is true and all you can do is simply catch your
breath in wonder.
HE Mr, Jaafar Alj Hakim,
Ambassador of the
Kingdom of Morocco to China

4. Leather working
The different types of copper (yellow, red etc...) is the speciality
of Marrakshis and Fassis people who create unique forms out
of this metal so that it can be used, at the same time, as invalu-
able utensils and objects for decoration and ornamentation inside
houses and public places (plates, and teapots, guedra, candle-
sticks, weapons and other accessories).
Moroccan art pottery is characterized by a long ancestral
practice. The regions which have always been considered
as the principal centers of art pottery are: the northern
regions of Jbala and Rif (red rural pottery), the cities of
Fez and Meknes (refined pottery) and finally it is Safi, the
current capital of pottery which have taken up the torch after
transforming and enriching it (colors, forms, patterns etc... ".
Because it is a typically Moroccan art and knowledge universally
recognized as such that this activity, as its name indicates,
identifies with its native country which is Morocco. Tannery,
dressing, coloring and shaping are mastered by Moroccan
craftsmen who have learnt them since immemorial times. The
proof is the fact that Moroccan leather working is notorious
everywhere in the world. Various products are produced
including: chekkaras, Belgha (slippers), skins, belts, shoes, wind-
breakers, trousers, jackets, bags, towels, document-cases (le
Maroquin), wallets, etc.
Over the centuries, however, the carpets have evolved
the aesthetic criteria of the country with definite oriental
inspiration. The oldest examples come from the 18th
century, and these are the only Moroccan carpets where
the pattern is diametrically different to those of other
countries.
Moroccan carpets have become the carpets of choice for
many interior designers as well as private consumers.
They are most notable for their dynamic colorful
modernist designs as well as for their strong sense of
geometric structure. Most carpets from Morocco are
hand crafted by skilled weavers who have been crafting
these masterpieces through the generations. Among the
famous Moroccan carpets, we can cite Amazigh carpet
from the Atlas Mountains and Taznakht.
Brassware
Pottery
Carpets

5. Universally known to be one of the rare cuisines which knew how
to preserve the authenticity of dishes and recipes, the Moroccan
cuisine, having existed for more than 2000 years, includes sweet
and salty food cooked in three ways: Tagine Mkalli (fried), Tagine
Mhammar (roast) , Tagine Chicken Olive, Méchoui (barbecued),
etc. Among the main dishes are Couscous and Pastilla.
A land of cultural and artistic meetings, Morocco offers its know-
how to any kind of human creation which it regularly celebrates,
during the year, festivals dedicated to the various modes of
expression. Among the famous festivals: Sacred Music Festival
of Fès, Folk Music Festival of Marrakech, Gnaoua Festival
of Essaouira, Marital Festival of Imilchil, Tan-Tan Festival of
Nomads, etc.
Working noble metals (goldsmithery, chiselling, setting) is the
exclusive speciality of the Fassis (people of Fez) and soussis
(people of The Souss region), as well as the Moroccan
Jews, craftsmen concerning the design and production of
refined top-quality objects (bracelets, belts, diadems, rings,
pendants, Kholkhals, earrings etc...).
The traditional dress for men and women is called
djellaba : a long, loose, hooded garment with full sleeves.
For special occasions, men also wear a burgundy or white
cap called a bernousse, more commonly referred to as
a Fez. Women wear kaftans decorated with ornaments.
Nearly all men, and most women, wear balgha soft leather
slippers with no heel, often dyed yellow. Women also
wear high-heeled sandals, often with silver or gold tinsel.
The distinction between a djellaba and a kaftan is that the
djellaba has a hood, while a kaftan does not.
Most women’s djellabas are brightly colored and have
ornate patterns, stitching, or beading, while men's
djellabas are usually plainer and colored neutrally. 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, yet most women purchase a minimum
of one new kaftan or takchita every year, normally for
a special social event, such as a religious festival or a
wedding ceremony.
Gastronomy
Festivals
Jewellery
Clothes

6. 旅游
Tourism in Morocco is well developed, with a strong tourist
industry focused on the country's coast, culture, and
history. Morocco has been one of the most politically stable
countries in North Africa, Tourism is increasingly focused on
Morocco's culture, such as its ancient cities like Fès, Meknes,
Marrakech, Rabat, etc. The modern tourist industry capitalizes
on Morocco's ancient Roman and Islamic sites, and on its
landscape and cultural history. 60% of Morocco's tourists visit
for its culture and heritage. The country's attractions can be
divided into seven regions: Tangier and the surrounding area;
Agadir and its beach resorts; Marrakech and its monuments
and places; Casablanca and its famous buildings; the Imperial
cities; Ouarzazate – Hollywood of Morocco; Tarfaya and its
beach resorts, the Sahara desert ,
The Sahara Marathon (Marathon des Sables) is a six-day,
251 km (156 mi) ultramarathon, which is the equivalent of six
regular marathons. This multiday race is held every year in
southern Morocco, in the Sahara desert. It is considered the
toughest foot race on Earth. The first event of the Marathon
started in 1986.
The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc is a rally which
is held in the deserted parts of southern Morocco. The
distinctive feature of the rally is that participation is restricted
to women only. In 2009, the 20th edition of the rally took place
between18 and 26 March, with the participation of 119 teams
of women in the three categories: Quad/Motorbike, 4WD/Truck
and Crossover. The rally started in Mekneswith the finish-line
in Essaouiraon the Atlantic coast in southern Morocco.
The active side of the sea!
Surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, diving…Thanks to its
exceptional conditions and its two coasts, Morocco is the dream
destination for all water sports.
The Oriental Desert Express
For an unusual journey through magnificent desert landscapes,
take the “Oriental Desert Express”!
Southern passion
You have to have done it once in your life. Either as part of a
comfortable organized tour, or more energetically in a 4X4, on
foot or by camel.

7. Tourism
Morocco’s golf courses
Enjoy the pleasures of golf throughout Morocco, whatever your lev-
el of skills is, in fairways overlooking the sea, or in the greens at the
foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
Life-size Morocco
Mountains, deserts, oases or beaches… In Morocco, nature is eve-
rywhere. There are also many nature reserves and parks.
Land of hikers
From the sands of the Sahara to the Atlas mountains, Morocco of-
fers an infinite variety of landscapes. An ideal playing field and one
very much appreciated by cross-country hikers, riders and skiers.
Ibn Battuta
Ibn Baṭuṭa, 1925 – 1954, was a Moroccan explorer, known for
his extensive travels. Over a period of thirty years, he visited
most of the known Islamic world as well as many non-Muslim
lands; his journeys including trips to North Africa, the Horn of Af-
rica, West Africa, Southern Europe and Eastern Europe in the
West, and to the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, South-
east Asia and China, a distance surpassing threefold his near-
contemporary Marco Polo. He journeyed more than 75,000
miles (121,000 km), a figure unsurpassed by any individual ex-
plorer until the coming of the Steam Age some 450 years later.
After seven years in India, the sultan appointed the traveler
as ambassador to China by which he was greatly impressed:
“China is the safest, best regulated of countries for a traveler.
A man may go by himself on a nine-month journey, carrying
with him a large sum of money, without any fear. Silk is used
for clothing even by poor monks and beggars. Its porcelains
are the finest of all makes of pottery and its hens are bigger
than geese in our country.”, sys Ibn Battuta in his book “Rihla”.
Ibn Battuta's travels were extraordinary for the distance that he
covered and the fact that he traveled independently as a tourist.
In the years following Ibn Battuta, a very different voyage of discov-
ery was in the planning starting from the Chinese end of the Indian
Ocean. This voyage was led by the Chinese admiral, Zheng He.
Although Battuta is never mentioned in geography books,
his contribution to geography is unquestionably as great
as that of any geographer yet the accounts of his trav-
els are not easily accessible except to the specialist.

8.
办 公 处：三里屯路16号
Chancery：No. 16, San Li Tun Lu
电话（Tel）：6532 1489 6532 1796
传真（Fax)：6532 1453
电子邮件（E-mail）：
sifama.beijing@moroccoembassy.org.cn
网址：www.moroccoembassy.cn
摩洛哥王国驻华大使馆
Embassy of the
Kingdom of Morocco