A cultural journey through Morocco – customs, traditions & handicrafts

Morocco , a country where past and traditions are deeply intertwined, invites you on a cultural journey through time. From the historic cities of Marrakech, Fez, Rabat, and Casablanca to its breathtaking landscapes, Morocco proves itself a shining example of civilization, rich in culture and heritage.

This North African gem has been shaped by numerous influences over the centuries, from the Berbers and Arabs to the French and Spanish. The result is an extraordinary combination of architectural masterpieces, culinary delights, exquisite craftsmanship, and vibrant traditions that continue to flourish today.

Morocco is a land where ancient customs meet vibrant cultures. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the peaceful landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, the country is steeped in traditions that reflect its diverse history and rich heritage. A deep understanding and appreciation of these traditions not only enriches the experience of visiting but also fosters mutual respect and cultural understanding across borders.

So treat yourself to a cup of mint tea and immerse yourself with me in the intoxicating Moroccan culture.

A brief look at the cultural history of Morocco

Morocco's cultural mix is ​​the result of numerous conquests, trade relations, and the interplay of different peoples and religions that have shaped the country.

Even in antiquity, the region of present-day Morocco was a melting pot of cultures. The Phoenicians, a seafaring people from the eastern Mediterranean, established trading posts here that fostered cultural exchange. Later came the Romans, who left their mark in impressive ruins, such as the ancient city of Volubilis . These ruins bear witness to a flourishing urban and economic life during the Roman Empire.

With the arrival of the Arabs in the 7th century, a new era began. Morocco was integrated into the Islamic world, leading to a profound religious and cultural transformation. The introduction of Islam brought new architectural styles, sciences, and arts. The numerous magnificent mosques and madrasas (religious schools) from this period bear witness to the flourishing of Islamic culture.

Morocco experienced its golden ages in the 11th and 12th centuries under the rule of the Almoravids and Almohads . These dynasties fostered impressive architecture and left behind monumental buildings such as the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.

The Berbers , the original inhabitants of North Africa, played a significant role in the cultural development of the country eras

Berbers, or Imazighen or Amazigh as they are called in the national Arabic language, are the indigenous people of Morocco, whose history stretches back 20,000 years. Remarkably, they make up almost a third of Morocco's 37 million inhabitants. Yet, despite their deep historical roots and significant presence, Tamazight , the Berber language, was only recognized as an official language of Morocco in 2011.

This recognition was a pivotal moment for the Berber community, especially for several generations who grew up without formal education in their native language. Today, the younger generation is showing renewed interest in learning Tamazight, a step seen as a reclaiming and revitalization of their cultural identity.

Their traditional crafts, music and their unique Berber language (Tamazight) are still alive today and significantly enrich the country's cultural heritage.

Marinid and Saadian dynasties, which followed the Almoravids, brought a renewed cultural flourishing. Particularly noteworthy are the Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail in Meknes, examples of masterful craftsmanship and architectural innovation from this period. The cities' characteristic souks (markets) are a vibrant remnant of this era, where spices, handicrafts, and textiles are still traded.

During the colonial period at the beginning of the 20th century, which culminated in Morocco's independence in 1956, the French and Spanish also left their cultural mark. This is particularly evident in the cities of Casablanca and Tangier , where modernist architecture and colonial influences remain visible to this day.

This historical overview demonstrates how deeply rooted and diverse Morocco's cultural history is – understand this introduction as an invitation to become enthusiastic about the richness and beauty of Moroccan culture. 

Morocco celebrates its cultural identity with large festivals

Today, Morocco is a country that prides itself on its diverse cultural identity. Festivals like the Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira or the Fès Festival of World Sacred Music testify to its vibrant traditions and continuous cultural exchange. It is this fascinating blend of historical layers that makes Morocco a unique cultural mosaic waiting to be discovered.

The Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival is a major event Gnaoua culture . Every year, thousands of visitors flock to this Moroccan coastal city to experience the region's music, dance, art, and traditions. Essaouira is considered a safe and welcoming place in North Africa.

The festival itself comprises a mix of large stage concerts with both local and international artists, as well as smaller, more intimate performances focusing on Gnaoua music. The following video highlights the special, immediate, and personal experiences that embody the spirit of Gnaoua music and documents the impressions gained during the three-day festivities.

The Gnaoua are primarily descendants of people of African origin who were brought to this region as slaves many centuries ago. They come from present-day Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, Mali, and Chad; however, some historians suggest that their roots may also lie in Sudan.

The next video shows an arrangement of "Taha" live at the 2019 FES Festival of World Sacred Music in Morocco. The lyrics are taken from a mystical Sufi poem by the Sudanese-Egyptian Shaykh Salih al-Ja'fari, who taught at Al-Azhar University. The melody is inspired by a traditional folk song that spread across India and Central Asia to the Balkans and North Africa.

In this special collaboration, Sami Yusuf was accompanied by master instrumentalists from all over the world, as well as the renowned Moroccan singer Ismail Boujiya and other background singers.

The beauty of Moroccan architecture

Morocco's rich cultural heritage is powerfully reflected in its architecture. The Bahia Palace , a remarkable 19th-century building, is among Marrakech's most impressive architectural achievements. Built for a Grand Vizier, the palace's intricate tilework, spacious courtyards, and lush gardens showcase the opulence of the era. A stroll through its rooms, adorned with delicate stucco work and colorful stained-glass windows, offers visitors a glimpse into the city's illustrious history.

Another impressive structure is the Koutoubia Mosque , mentioned above, easily recognizable by its majestic minaret. Completed in the 12th century, this mosque remains one of the largest in Morocco and plays a central role in the city's religious life. Although non-Muslims are not permitted inside the mosque, the adjacent gardens offer a peaceful retreat and the opportunity to admire the building's architectural splendor from the outside.

The beauty of Moroccan architecture reflects the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the country. When considering the outstanding artistry expressed in Morocco's buildings, the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, is a prime example of how Moroccan influences have inspired architecture far beyond its borders.

The Alhambra's artistic designs and detailed ornaments evoke the magnificent elegance of Moroccan palaces and gardens.

A walk through the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen offers an almost magical experience, where every corner and wall expressively tells of the skill and creative energy of the local builders.

Rabat , one of Morocco's imperial cities and its capital, stretches picturesquely along the banks of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean. This city is not only a center of culture and history, but also renowned for its architectural landmarks, which embody both its rich Islamic heritage and the influences of the French colonial era.

A prime example is the Kasbah of the Udayas , a royal fortress from the Berber period, surrounded by elegantly landscaped French gardens. From here, there is a breathtaking view of the ocean.

Moroccan handicrafts

Moroccan craftsmanship is renowned worldwide for its exquisite and diverse pieces. The artistry of Moroccan artisans and artists is deeply rooted in traditions passed down through generations, constantly incorporating new influences.

Without being able to go into too much depth, I would like to give a brief overview here to introduce the remarkable forms of Moroccan craftsmanship.

Ceramics and pottery

Moroccan ceramics and pottery are famous for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Cities like Fez and Safi are renowned for their ceramic production.

Handcrafted pieces from these locations are characterized by detailed painting and glazing techniques, often incorporating geometric and floral patterns. Berber symbols and Arabic calligraphy are common motifs.

Zellij (mosaic)

The art of Zellij , the arranging of small, colored tiles into complex geometric patterns, is one of the most impressive forms of Moroccan craftsmanship.

These mosaics adorn walls, floors, fountains, and even pieces of furniture. They are testaments to masterful precision work, where each tile is cut and meticulously placed by hand.

Carpets and textiles

Carpet weaving is another highlight of Moroccan craftsmanship. Berber carpets are particularly well-known and prized for their dense wool weaves, vibrant colors, and symbolic patterns. Each tribe and region has its own designs and techniques, resulting in an astonishing variety of styles.

Berber carpets are often symbolic, telling stories or representing the social status of their creators.

Metalwork

Moroccan metalwork encompasses a wide variety of products, from delicate silver and gold work to artfully designed lamps and furniture made of iron and copper.

The Medina (old town) of Marrakech is a hotspot for such metal art , where artisans in small workshops produce impressive lanterns, trays and furniture with elaborate engravings and patterns.

Wood carving

Woodwork, especially in the form of carved doors, windows, furniture, and other decorative elements, is also widespread in Morocco. The art of woodcarving is frequently used for architectural details in traditional riads (houses with courtyards) and historical buildings.

Cedarwood is the preferred material, and the designs range from geometric patterns to complex, openwork arabesques.

Leatherwork

Leather products from Morocco enjoy a high international reputation. The city of Fez is particularly famous for its traditional tanneries and the resulting high-quality leather goods, ranging from bags and shoes to poufs and clothing.

The dyeing techniques and careful workmanship are hallmarks of this craft.

Jewelry

Traditional Moroccan jewelry is often richly decorated and symbolic. Berber jewelry includes intricately crafted silver pieces adorned with semiprecious stones, coral, and amber. These pieces frequently carry cultural and spiritual meanings.

Textile art

Aside from carpets, there are also fine silk and cotton textiles woven or embroidered in intricate patterns. Kaftans and djellabas , traditional Moroccan garments, are often adorned with elaborate embroidery and embellishments.

These diverse forms of Moroccan craftsmanship reflect the country's rich cultural heritage. They bear witness to the connection between past and present, and between art and everyday life. Visitors and art lovers can discover these masterful pieces in the souks and specialized craft markets, or in museums and galleries.

Important customs and traditions of Morocco

Greeting etiquette

In Morocco, greetings have a deeper meaning than we are used to here in Germany; they are firmly rooted in cultural traditions. A common Moroccan greeting involves a handshake with the right hand, often followed by a gentle touch of the cheek, provided the people are of the same sex.

When men greet a person of the opposite sex, they may offer a handshake, while women may prefer to respond with a nod or a verbal greeting to avoid physical contact.

Close friends and family members, on the other hand, often greet each other with a hug or a kiss on both cheeks.

Shaking hands

In Moroccan tradition, the right hand plays a central role in most social encounters, such as shaking hands. It is considered clean and respectful when it comes to greetings and the exchange of objects and money (e.g., tips), while the left hand is reserved for private matters, such as using the toilet.

It's important to be aware of this often. A handshake is usually firm, but not overly pushy. When greeting someone of the same sex, it can also be accompanied by a gentle touch of the cheek or a hug among close friends and family.

Moroccan handwashing rituals

Handwashing plays a central role in Moroccan culture , especially before and after meals. The custom transforms this everyday practice into a significant social ceremony. Water is poured over the hands from a communal jug, symbolizing not only cleanliness and respect but also emphasizing the host's hospitality.

This ritual strengthens the sense of community and shows gratitude for the food and the effort put into its preparation. Washing hands again after the meal also emphasizes the importance of hygiene and etiquette.

Dress code

Moroccan clothing reflects the country's rich cultural and religious values. Western clothing is accepted in urban areas, but modesty remains important: women should choose dresses or skirts that cover their knees, and men should avoid shorts on formal occasions.

Rural regions, on the other hand, favor traditional garments such as the djellaba and the kaftan , reflecting their rich heritage and craftsmanship. Adhering to local dress codes is particularly important in conservative areas to preserve Moroccan traditions and show respect.

By adopting these customs, guests enrich their own experience and deepen their connection to the local culture. Appropriate clothing choices are therefore a sign of appreciation for the hospitality of their Moroccan hosts.

Hospitality and community rituals

Moroccan hospitality is widely appreciated for its warmth and generosity. Guests are often welcomed with traditional Moroccan mint tea, known locally as Atay or Thé à la Menthe , which symbolizes a welcoming culture and friendship.

The tea is prepared from green tea leaves, fresh mint, and a generous amount of sugar. The ritual of serving and drinking the tea follows a specific procedure. The tea is poured from a considerable height, resulting in a frothy consistency. It is usually the host who serves the mint tea. Accepting this tea and participating in the ritual is considered an expression of respect; a refusal would often be interpreted as rudeness to the host.

Shisha culture , often referred to as “nargileh” or “hookah” also an integral part of social life in Morocco and many other parts of the Arab world. This culture has roots stretching back to the Ottoman era, or even to India and Persia, and it embodies a tradition of conviviality and relaxation.

In Morocco, shisha (also commonly "kalian" ) has become very popular and firmly integrated into the local culture as a social activity. It is usually enjoyed in a social setting, whether in traditional coffee houses known as "mezouars" or in modern lounges. These meeting places are spaces for relaxation, where people meet friends, converse, and enjoy themselves.

Traditionally, shisha tobacco in Morocco (also known as "Mu'assel" or "Maassel" ) is made with molasses, honey, and various fruit flavorings. Popular flavors include apple, mint, grape, melon, and more. In some traditional cafes, guests can even watch as the shisha tobacco is lovingly prepared and arranged in the water pipes. More recently, technologically advanced models, such as e-shishas .

Shisha smoking in Morocco is often associated with specific rituals and a touch of spirituality. Lighting the coals, filling the water pipe, and taking the first puffs are considered a kind of meditative practice. The ritual is often performed by older members of the community who have mastered the art of shisha smoking.

World traveler Yuto Saito a typical evening with shisha and tea together with a local guide in the heart of Fes. He reported extensively on his authentic experiences during his cultural journey in a blog post on Peek: Embracing Moroccan Culture: An Evening of Shisha and Tea in Fes .