Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Arts & Crafts
Architecture
Moroccan religious buildings are adorned with hand-carved detailing, gilded accents,
chiselled mosaics and an array of other decorative flourishes. A mosque consists of a
courtyard, an arcaded portico and a main prayer hall facing Mecca. Great examples in-
clude the 9th-century Kairaouine Mosque in Fez and the colossal Hassan II Mosque in
Casablanca. While all but the latter are closed to non-Muslims, the
madrassas
that bejew-
el major Moroccan cities are open for visits.
Although religious architecture dominates, Casablanca in particular boasts local archi-
tectural features grafted onto whitewashed European edifices in a distinctive crossroads
style that might be described as Islamic geometry meets art deco.
The street facades of the Moroccan riads (traditional courtyard houses; also called
dars
) usually conceal an inner courtyard that allows light to penetrate during the day and cool
air to settle at night. Many classy guesthouses occupy beautifully renovated traditional ri-
ads.
Music
The most renowned Berber folk group is the Master Musicians of Jajouka, who famously
inspired the Rolling Stones and collaborated with them on some truly experimental fusion.
Joyously bluesy with a rhythm you can't refuse, Gnaoua music, which began among freed
slaves in Marrakesh and Essaouira, may send you into a trance - and that's just what it's
meant to do. To sample the best Gnaoua, head to Essaouira on the third weekend in June
for the Gnaoua & World Music Festival.
Rai, originally from Algeria, is one of the strongest influences on Moroccan contem-
porary music, incorporating elements of jazz, hip-hop and rap. A popular artist is Cheb
Mami, famous for vocals on Sting's 'Desert Rose'.
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Food & Drink
