Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
results in 1991, when Hassan II founded the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to in-
vestigate human-rights abuses that occurred during his own reign - a first for a king.
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Culture
Culturally, Moroccans cast their eyes in many directions - to Europe, the economically
dominant neighbour; to the east and the lands of Islam; and to their traditional Berber
heartland. The result is an intoxicating blend of the modern and the traditional, the liberal
and the conservative, hospitality and the need to make a dirham. Away from the tourist
scrum, a Moroccan proverb tells the story - 'A guest is a gift from Allah'. The public do-
main may belong to men, but they're just as likely to invite you home to meet the family.
If this happens, consider yourself truly privileged, but remember to keep your left hand
firmly out of the communal dish.
In present-day Morocco,
jellabas
(flowing cloaks) cover Western suits, turbans jostle
with baseball caps, European dance music competes with sinuous Algerian rai and mobile
phones ring in the midst of perhaps the greatest of all Moroccan pastimes - the serious
and exuberant art of conversation. An inherently social people, Moroccans have a
heightened sense of mischief, love a good laugh and will take your decision to visit their
country as an invitation to talk…and drink tea and perhaps buy a carpet, a very beautiful
carpet, just for the pleasure of your eyes…
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People
Morocco's population is of mixed Arab-Berber descent. The population is young, growing
and increasingly urbanised. Nearly 60% of Moroccans live in cities and the median age is
just 25 years and decreasing - two trends that present the country with clear social and
economic challenges. Fundamentalism is discouraged but remains a presence - especially
among the urban poor, who have enjoyed none of the benefits of economic growth. That
said, the majority of Muslims do not favour such developments and the popularity of fun-
damentalism is not as great as Westerners imagine.
Emigration to France, Israel and the US has reduced Morocco's once-robust Jewish
community to approximately 7000 from a high of around 300,000 in 1948. The Jewish
communities that once inhabited the historic
mellahs
(Jewish quarters) of Fez, Marrakesh,
Essaouira and Meknès have largely relocated to Casablanca.
