Morocco

Welcome to Morocco

Morocco is an alluring country situated in North Africa. It shares borders with Algeria and Western Sahara and maritime borders with the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Due to its advantageous location at the meeting point of Europe and Africa, this land has long been a center of culture and history. The beginning of Morocco’s history starts with the Phoenician colonization of the Moroccan coast between the 8th and 6th centuries BCE, and then it became a part of the Roman Empire. Later on, in the 8th century, with the establishment of the Idrisid dynasty, the first Moroccan state was founded, and Islam spread among the Berber tribes. After that, Morocco was occupied by many other dynasties, such as Almoravid, Almohad, Marinid, and Wattasid. Then, in the early 20th century, this country became a protectorate for both Spain and France until 1956, when Morocco gained its independence from both countries. Since then this country has been known for its natural beauty and culture.

The capital city of Morocco is Rabat. This city was first established by the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century, and it was built as a fortified monastery to house soldiers during their battles in Spain. Then, Rabat developed as a safe haven for Barbary pirates in the 17th century, who utilized the city as a base of operations. However, when Morocco became a protectorate of France in 1912, this city was used as the administrative center, and it remained as the capital after Morocco declared its independence. Thus, this city is a mixture of historical charm and modern attractions, such as the Kasbah of the Udayas. This is the perfect place to visit, as it offers glimpses of history with beautiful gardens and alluring views of the Atlantic Ocean. Nonetheless, you should not miss out on visiting the Mohammed VI Museum of Contemporary Arts, which displays contemporary and modern Moroccan art. The best is yet to come if you love to dive deep into the culture and the day-to-day lives of Moroccans’; visiting Rabat Medina is a must. In this area, you can walk on the narrow streets and visit the traditional markets and local crafts. Not only that, but Moroccan food is renowned for its rich flavors, and here are some of their traditional and delicious dishes that you should try, including Tagine (a stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices), Pastilla (a thin pastry filled with chicken, almonds, and spices), and Chebakia (a sweet pastry coated with honey and sesame seeds).

Interesting Facts About Morocco

• Morocco was the first country to recognize America as an independent nation.
• There are more active cell phones than people in Morocco.
• Muslims make up 99% of Morocco’s population.
• In Morocco, the symbol of love is the liver.