A cultural foray through Morocco - customs, traditions & handicrafts

Morocco , a country in which past and traditions are deeply interwoven, invites you to a cultural journey through time. From the historic cities of Marrakech, Fès, Rabat and Casablanca to the impressive landscapes, Morocco proves to be a radiant example of civilization that is rich in culture and inheritance.

The North African gem has been shaped by numerous influences over the centuries, from the Berbers and Arabs to the French and Spaniards. The result is an extraordinary combination of architectural masterpieces, culinary delights, exquisite handicrafts and lively traditions that continue to bloom in today's world.

Morocco is a country where old customs meet living cultures. From the pulsating souks in Marrakech to the peaceful landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, the country is crossed by traditions, which not only enrich its diverse history and rich legacy against mirrors n.

So treat yourself to a cup of mint tea and dive together with me an intoxicating Moroccan culture.

A quick look at Morocco's cultural history

The cultural melange Morocco is the result of numerous conquests, trade relationships and the interaction of various peoples and religions that have shaped the country.

Even in ancient times, the region of today's Morocco was a melting pot of cultures. The Phoenicians, a seafaring people from the eastern Mediterranean, founded commercial base points here, which promoted cultural exchange. Later the Romans, who left their traces in impressive ruins, such as in the ancient city of Volubilis . These ruins testify to a flourishing urban and economic life at the time of the Roman Empire.

With the arrival of the Arabs in the 7th century, a new era began. Morocco was incorporated into the Islamic world, which led to a profound religious and cultural transformation. The introduction of Islam brought new architectural styles, sciences and arts. The numerous magnificent mosques and Medrezes (religious schools) from this time testify to the bloom of Islamic culture.

its golden epochs under the rule of the Almoravids and Almoaden These dynasties promoted impressive architecture and left monumental buildings such as the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.

The Berber , the original residents of North Africa, played a significant role in the cultural development of the country through eras

Berber or Imazighen or Amazigh , as they are called in the Arab state language, are Morocco's indigenous people, whose history goes back 20,000 years. Remarkably, they make up almost a third of the 37 million inhabitants of Morocco. However, despite their deep historical roots and significant presence, Tamzight , the Berber language, was only recognized in 2011 as Morocco's official language.

This recognition was a crucial moment for the Berbergemeinschaft, especially for several generations that grew up in their mother tongue without formal training. Nowadays the interest of the younger generation awakens in learning Tamzight, a step that is regarded as a recovery and revival of its cultural identity.

Her traditional handicrafts, music and their unique Berber language (Tamzight) are still alive to this day and significantly enrich the country's cultural heritage.

merinids and Saadier, which followed the Almoravids, brought a new cultural upswing. Medersa Ben Youssef in Marrakech and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail in Meknes, examples of masterful craftsmanship and architectural innovative strength of that time are particularly noteworthy The city -typical souks (markets) are a lively remnant of that time, when spices, handicrafts and textiles are offered.

In the colonial period at the beginning of the 20th century, at the end of which Morocco gained independence in 1956, the French and Spaniards also left their cultural footprints. This is particularly evident in the cities of Casablanca and Tangier , where modernist architecture and colonial influences are still visible today.

This historical digression shows how deeply rooted and versatile the cultural history of Morocco - understand this start of content as an invitation to get excited about the abundance and beauty of Moroccan culture. 

Morocco celebrates its cultural identity with big festivals

Today Morocco is a country that is proud of its diverse cultural identity. Festivals such as the Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira or the Fès Festival of World Corporal Music testify to the lively tradition and continuous cultural exchange. It is this fascinating mix of historical layers that make Morocco a unique cultural mosaic that needs to be discovered.

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

The festival itself consists of a mixture of large stage concerts with both local and international artists and also offers smaller, more intimate appearances that focus on Gnaoua music. The following video emphasizes the special, immediate and personal experiences that embody the spirit of Gnaoua music and documents the impressions that were obtained during the three-day festivities.

The GNAoua are primarily descendants of people of African origin, which were brought to this region as slaves many centuries ago. They come from today's Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, Mali and the Chad; However, some historians suspect that their roots may also be in Sudan.

The next video shows an arrangement of "Taha" , which was performed FES Festival of World Sacred Music The text comes from a mystical Sufi poem by the Sudanese-Egyptian Shaykh Salih al-Ja'fari, which taught at the Al-Azhar University. The melody is inspired by a traditional folk song that has spread to India and Central Asia to the Balkans and North Africa.

In this special interaction, 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

The cultural heritage of Morocco mirrors t impressively in its architecture. The Bahia Palace , an outstanding 19th century building, is one of the most remarkable architectural achievements of the city of Marrakech. This palace was built for a Großwesir and reveals the prosperity of that era with its artistic tile patterns, spacious courtyards and lush gardens. A stroll through the rooms equipped with filigree stucco and colorful glass windows gives visitors an insight into the glamorous history of the city.

Another impressive building is the Koutoubia Mosque , which is easy to recognize by its majestic minaret. This mosque, completed in the 12th century, is still considered one of the largest in Morocco and plays a central role in the city's religious life. Although non-Muslims have no access to the mosque, the adjacent gardens offer a peaceful retreat and the opportunity to admire the architectural splendor of the building from outside.

The beauty of Mirror's Moroccan architecture mirrors t resisted the diverse cultural influences that have shaped this country. When you think of the outstanding artisans that express the Morocco buildings, Alhambra in Granada, Spain, is an excellent example of how Moroccan influences have inspired the architecture far beyond its borders.

The artistic designs and detailed ornaments of the Alhambra recall the magnificent elegance of the Moroccan palaces and gardens.

A walk through the blue -converted streets of Chefchaouen offers an almost magical experience, in which every corner and wall tells of the skill and creative energy of the builders there.

Rabat , one of Morocco's royal cities and at the same time the capital Morocco, extends picturesque along the banks of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean. This city is not only known for a center for culture and history, but also for its architectural sights, which embody both the rich Islamic legacy and the influences of the French colonial period.

An outstanding example is the Kasbah of Oudaïas , a royal fortress from the Berber period, which is surrounded by stylish French gardens. From here, a breathtaking view of the ocean opens up.

Moroccan handicrafts

Moroccan craftsmanship is known worldwide for its exquisite and versatile pieces. The artistry of Moroccan craftsmen and artists is deeply rooted in traditions that have been passed on for generations and have repeatedly taken up new influences.

Without being able to go too much, I would like to make a small all -round strike here to briefly present the remarkable forms of Moroccan handicrafts.

Ceramic and pottery

Moroccan ceramics and pottery are famous for their bright colors and complex patterns. Cities like Fès and Safi are known for their ceramic production.

Handmade pieces from these places are characterized by detailed painting and glaze techniques, which often contain geometric and floral patterns. Berber symbols and Arabic calligraphy are common motifs.

Zellij (mosaic)

The art of the cellij , the arrangement of small, colored tiles into complex geometric patterns, is one of the most impressive forms of Moroccan handicrafts.

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

Carpets and textiles

The carpet weaving mill is another highlight of the Moroccan craftsmanship. Berbert carpets are particularly well known and appreciated for their dense wool fabric, strong colors and symbolic patterns. Each trunk and region has its own designs and techniques, which leads to an amazing variety of styles.

Berbert carpets are often symbolic and tell stories or represent the social status of their creators.

Metal work

The Moroccan forging includes a variety of products, from filigree silver and goldsmiths to artistically designed lamps and pieces of 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 shape of carved doors, windows, furniture and other decorative elements, are also widespread in Morocco. The art of wood carving is often used for architectural details in traditional riads (houses with courtyards) and historical buildings.

Cedar wood is the preferred material, and the designs include a palette of geometric patterns to complex, broken arabesques.

Leather work

Leather products from Morocco enjoy a high international reputation. The city of Fès is particularly well known for its traditional tanneries and the resulting high -quality leather goods that range from bags and shoes to poufs and clothing.

The coloring techniques and careful processing are trademarks of this craft area.

Jewelry

Traditional Moroccan jewelry is often richly decorated and symbolic. Berberdicens includes artistically manufactured silver pieces, which are decorated with semi -precious stones, corals and amber. Jewelry often also bear cultural and spiritual meanings.

Textile art

Apart from carpets, there are also fine silk and cotton textiles that are woven or embroidered in artistic patterns. The Kaftans and Djellabas , traditional Moroccan clothing, are often provided with elaborate embroidery and decorations.

These different forms of Moroccan craftsmanship mirrors n opposite the rich cultural heritage of the country. They are evidence of the connection between the past and the present as well as between art and everyday life. Visitors and art lovers can discover these masterly pieces in the souks and specialized handicraft markets, or in museums and galleries.

Important customs and traditions Morocco

Welcome chain

In Morocco, greets have a deeper meaning than we know this in Germany; They are firmly anchored in the cultural traditions. A common Moroccan greeting includes a handshake with the right hand, often supplemented by a gentle touch of the cheek if the people have the same gender.

If men welcome a person of the opposite sex, they may offer a handshake, while women may rather react with a nod or an oral 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 the Moroccan tradition, the right hand plays a central role in most social encounters, such as shaking hands. It is considered clean and respectable when it comes to greeting and the exchange of objects and money (e.g. drinking money), while the left hand is reserved for private affairs, such as the use of the toilet.

It is important to be aware of it. A handshake is usually firm, but not excessive. When greeting a person of the same gender, he can also be accompanied by a gentle touch of the cheek or a hug in the tight friend and family.

Moroccan handwasser

Washing hands play a central role in Morocco's culture , especially before and after eating. The custom transforms this everyday practice into an important social ceremony. Water is poured over the hands of a joint mug, which not only symbolizes cleanliness and respect, but also emphasizes the host friendship of the host.

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

Dressing

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

Rural regions, on the other hand, prefer traditional robes such as the Djellaba and the Kaftan , which illustrates the rich legacy and craftsmanship. Consideration of the local clothing regulations is particularly crucial in conservative areas in order to protect Moroccan traditions and to show respect.

By accepting these customs, guests enrich their own experience and at the same time deepen their connection to local culture. An appropriate choice of clothes is therefore a sign of appreciation for the hospitality of the Moroccan hosts.

Hospitality and community rituals

Moroccan hospitality is widely valued for its warmth and generosity. Guests are often received with the traditional Moroccan mint tea, which is referred to in Germany as Atay or Thé à la menthe and represents a sign of welcome culture and friendship.

The tea is prepared from green tea leaves, fresh mint and a spacious amount of sugar. The ritual of tea reservations and drinking follows a special process. The tea is poured out of considerable height, which creates a foamy consistency. As a rule, it is the host who serves the mint tea. Accepting this tea and participation in the ritual is an expression of respect; A rejection would often be interpreted as rude to the host.

Shisha culture , often referred to as "Nargileh" or "Hookah" also part of social life in Morocco and many other parts of the Arab world. This culture has roots that go back to the Ottoman era or even to India and Persia, and it embodies a tradition of conviviality and relaxation.

In Morocco, the shisha (usually also known as "Kalian" ) was very popular and firmly integrated into local culture as a social activity. It is usually enjoyed in a convivial atmosphere, be it in traditional coffee houses that are known as "Mezouar" , or in modern lounges. These meeting points are places of relaxation where you meet with friends, have conversations and enjoy time.

Traditionally, Shisha tobacco in Morocco (also known as "Mu'assel" or "Maassel" ) is made with molasses, honey and various fruit aromas. Popular flavors include apple, mint, grape, melon and more. In some traditional cafes, guests can even see how the shisha tobacco is lovingly prepared and arranged in the hookers. Recently, more and more technologically developed models such as B. an e shisha .

Shisha smoking in Morocco is often associated with certain rituals and a touch of spirituality. The lighting of the coals, filling the water pipe and the first trains are considered a kind of meditative practice. The ritual is often celebrated by older members of the community who dominate the art of shisha smoking.

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

Desiques while eating

Meals in Morocco usually represent a joint event that strengthens the connection and cohesion among those present. It is common to use food and bread with your right hand to take dishes from a common plate instead of using cutlery. In these meetings, basic dishes of Moroccan cuisine are often served, such as Tajin - a slowly cooked stew - and couscous.

The rejection of the food that your host offers can be a significant burden for him, which has a long time after your departure. This is considered a lack of hospitality. 

The advice of experienced travelers is: If you don't want to eat something, it is more diplomatic to mention an allergy or sensitivity as a direct rejection. In addition, it is common and is estimated to pronounce compliments to eat what the band of gratitude and respect between the host and guest will strengthen.

Feilschen and act in markets

Shopping in Moroccan souks (markets) is an exciting experience that is characterized by lively encounters and negotiations. The haggling of prices is not only assumed, but represents a central aspect of shopping. However, a respectful and friendly tone should always be preserved.

The establishment of a positive relationship with the sellers can lead to more advantageous offers and a more pleasant shopping experience. Tourism plays a crucial role in the economy in Morocco, and the government has introduced strict guidelines to counteract the intimidation tactics that some travelers were exposed to in the past. 

Religious practices and the role of women

Morocco is mostly inhabited by Muslims , and religious practices are firmly anchored in everyday life. When visiting mosques and other holy sites, it is important to dress appropriately. Women should usually make sure to cover their shoulders and knees, while men should do without wearing shorts.

For non-Muslims, it is usually prohibited to enter the prayer rooms of mosques; However, some may offer guided tours that enable interesting insights into the architecture and the importance of the respective site. The appreciation of local customs in connection with prayer times and religious traditions is crucial for a positive interaction with the local community.

During the prayer times, it is common for many shops to interrupt, which is why visitors should adapt their activities accordingly. Following these practices not only shows respect for Moroccan culture, but also enriches one's own experience by promoting deeper connections and a better understanding of the diverse traditions of the country.

Moroccan society traditionally patriarchal structures , and gender roles can vary greatly in urban and rural regions. Women often occupy various roles within their families and communities, which influences their participation in public life. While women may take on visible functions in urban areas, traditional practices are still predominant in rural regions.

It is important to consider the cultural norms in dealing with women and in particular avoid physical contact, unless they initiate this.

In our western society, as an outsider, you can quickly see Moroccan culture as a society in which women are considered inferior. But that's a fallacy. Interestingly, the two globurers Joelle and Ryan by Wanderers Compass explained by a locals that women are often highly valued. He illustrated this with the following example: When the Moroccan football team showed excellent performances at the World Cup, they were honored in an audience with the king - and who had they brought with them as their special guest? Your mothers. This illustrates deep respect and appreciation for women in Moroccan society.

A few words at the end of our cultural foray train

The diverse cultural heritage of Morocco unfolds a network of traditions that can transform a stay into an unforgettable experience if you meet them with sensitivity and respect.

The respect for the customs and traditions not only enriches their travel experience, but also strengthens cultural understanding and harmonious interaction with the locals. By taking on practices such as the correct hand washing, greeting with the right hand, understanding the role of women in Moroccan society and avoiding culturally inappropriate behavior, travelers can show respect for Moroccan culture.

This is the only way to deepen their connection to the Moroccan people and enrich their travel experience by emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and mutual respect in today's globalized world.

I wish you an exciting and enriching experience in this wonderful country!

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www. kunstplaza .de/