I traveled through Morocco for 11 days and experienced many different cultural experiences and landscapes as well. Morocco is comprised of Arabic, French, and Berber cultures. The Berbers were originally in Morocco before the Arabic or the French arrived at its borders. There are deserts, mountains, large cities, and more. In this blog, I am hoping to explore Moroccan Diversity in the desert.
Languages
There are 3 main languages spoken in Morocco. The street signs are in many different languages as
well, but most of them are Arabic and French, combined. Some street signs also include English, but most do not. The three languages of course are Arabic, French, and Berber. Sometimes they are mixed together for their own dialect. Children start with Arabic or French in their homes. In secondary school, they are taught English as well.
Landscapes
As with the rest of the diversity in Morocco, the landscapes are as well. Possibly you will begin in a more urban big city like Casablanca. Most people know it more for the reference to the Casablanca movie. There are cultural references, old medina’s and UNESCO sites of course, and the only mosque that you are actually able to enter in Morocco, which is called Hassan II Mosque. Unfortunately, it was not yet open upon my visit due to Covid. This mosque is also partially on the sea. It is the second-largest mosque in the world and has the world’s highest minaret (200 meters high).
Fez is a unique destination full of history. Visiting the old medina and the palace is sure to pique your interest while in this destination. Of course, people think that the Fez hat (also called tarboosh) originated from here, but actually, it was from Turkey and was a symbol of the Ottoman Empire. These are the cute little red hats.
Of course, the Sahara desert is a sight not to be missed as well. I visited Merzouga, a small Moroccan town in the Sahara Desert near the Algerian border. This is the gateway to Erg Chebbi, a huge expanse of sand dunes. While it might take some time to arrive, there are many different sites in which to experience the dunes of the Sahara Desert. Many tourists like to experience this landscape with an overnight in the desert sleeping in tents and/or riding camels through the desert. While I was there, I was also entertained with music and a campfire to end the evening.
Mountains
After exploring the desert landscapes, I moved into the middle and high Atlas mountains. The scenery is ever-changing and the little villages dotted along the route through the mountains provide a special experience. Be sure to explore the Berber rugs while you are there. These rugs are usually made by Nomads living in the Atlas mountains and used for trade for items of need, such as food, utensils, and more. These rugs take usually 12 months to create, as the women-only work on them for 30 minutes to1 hour a day, as they have many other duties during the day as well.
City Life
Not to be forgotten, Marrakesh is a popular destination for tourists. Here you can experience the
city/urban life in Morocco. A modern city with much to offer, Marrakesh has it all. I visited and
explored the Yves Saint Laurent museum and gardens. A walk through the medina shopping in the
Souks are quite a treat as well. We spent a good amount of time in the Berber pharmacy where we
purchased argan oil, rose oil, and prickly pear antiaging oil. The old methods are still the best? Maybe!
My journey through Morocco was more than I could have expected and a delightful training into
another culture and country that has much to offer! Be sure to watch for my “how to dress in Morocco” blog!
With so much diversity and culture, Morocco is sure to intrigue. Are you interested in visiting Morocco? Click here and let’s talk about what this country has to offer for your vacation.
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