Morocco History, Language and Culture

History of Morocco

The earliest known inhabitants of Morocco included the ancestors of today's Amazigh people. Phoenician and Carthaginian traders established coastal settlements, while northern Morocco later formed part of the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitana. Volubilis became an important Roman administrative and agricultural centre before Roman authority declined during the third century.

Arab armies brought Islam to the region during the late seventh and early eighth centuries. The Idrisid dynasty established Morocco's first major Islamic state in the late eighth century and developed Fez as a political and religious centre. The successive Almoravid, Almohad and Marinid dynasties created powerful kingdoms that controlled territory across North Africa and, at times, southern Spain. The Almoravids founded Marrakech during the 11th century.

The Saadian dynasty resisted Portuguese expansion and reached the height of its power under Ahmad al-Mansur during the late 16th century. The Alaouite dynasty came to power in the 17th century and continues to rule Morocco. Growing European influence culminated in the Treaty of Fez in 1912, which made most of Morocco a French protectorate, while Spain controlled zones in the north and south. Tangier was administered separately as an international zone.

Morocco regained independence in 1956 under Sultan Mohammed V, who adopted the title of king the following year. Hassan II succeeded him in 1961 and ruled through a period marked by political repression, economic change and conflict over Western Sahara. Morocco assumed control of most of Western Sahara after Spain withdrew in 1975, although the territory remains disputed. Mohammed VI became king in 1999 and introduced social, economic and constitutional reforms. Following protests in 2011, a revised constitution transferred some authority to the elected government while retaining the monarchy's central political role.

Did you know?

• Tangier-born Ibn Battuta left Morocco in 1325 and spent almost three decades travelling through Africa, Asia and Europe.
• The Moroccan-American Treaty of Peace and Friendship, signed in 1786, is the United States' longest-standing treaty relationship.
• Morocco's Arabic name, al-Maghrib, means "the west", while the English name Morocco comes from the historic city of Marrakech.

Morocco Culture

Religion:

More than 99% of the population is Muslim, predominantly Sunni. Christians, Jews, Shia Muslims, Baha'is and followers of other religions together account for less than 1% of the population.

Social conventions:

Moroccans place considerable importance on hospitality, courtesy and personal relationships. Greetings commonly involve a handshake, although a man should wait for a woman to offer her hand. Close friends of the same sex may greet one another with kisses on the cheek. Titles and polite greetings are appreciated, particularly when meeting someone for the first time.

Visitors should dress modestly away from beaches and resort pools, particularly in rural communities and when visiting religious sites. Public displays of affection should be discreet. Use the right hand when eating from a shared dish or giving and receiving objects, and remove shoes if the host does so when entering a home.

Smoking is common, particularly among men, and may be encountered inside some cafés and restaurants despite restrictions. Always ask before smoking in a private home or close to other diners, and observe no-smoking signs where displayed.

During Ramadan, most Moroccans refrain from eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset. Non-Muslim visitors are not expected to fast, but should avoid eating, drinking or smoking conspicuously in public during daylight hours. Some restaurants and businesses alter their opening times, while streets and cafés become particularly busy after sunset.

Ask permission before photographing people, particularly women, street vendors and performers, who may expect a small payment. Photography near military installations, police buildings, border posts, airports and royal residences is prohibited or may attract official attention.

Tipping is customary for guides, drivers and hotel staff. Around Dh100 to Dh200 per day for a private guide and Dh50 to Dh100 per day for a driver is generally appropriate, depending on the group size and quality of service. Hotel porters are commonly given Dh10 to Dh20 per bag, while housekeeping staff may be given Dh10 to Dh20 per room per day.

Language in Morocco

Arabic and Amazigh are the official languages. Moroccan Arabic, known as Darija, is the principal language of everyday conversation, while several Amazigh languages are spoken, particularly in the Rif, Middle Atlas, High Atlas and Souss regions.

French is widely used in business, education, administration and tourism. Spanish is spoken in parts of northern Morocco, particularly around Tangier and Tétouan. English is increasingly understood in hotels and other tourism businesses, especially in major cities and resorts.

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