VISIT MOROCCO

OFFICIAL NAME: Kingdom of Morocco

CAPITAL CITY: Rabat

GOVERNMENT: Constitutional Monarchy

RULER: King Mohammed VI

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Northwest Africa; borders Algeria & Mauritania

GEOGRAPHY: Mountains, Desert, Beaches, Forests, Oases, Gorges, Plains, Valleys

BODIES OF WATER: Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Strait of Gibraltar

POPULATION: ~ 40 million Moroccans, Abroad: 3 to 4 million

AREA: 446,550 sq km / 172,000 sq miles (about the size of California)

COASTLINE: 1835 km / 1140 miles

LANGUAGES: Arabic, 3 Dialects of Amazigh (Berber), French, Spanish, English, German

ETHNICITY: Arab, Berber, Andalusian, Sub-Saharan African

RELIGION: Sunni Muslim (99%); Christian (0.8%); Jewish (0.2%)

LITERACY RATE: 52% Unemployment Rate: 7.7 to 15%

CURRENCY: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

ANNUAL PER CAPITA GNP: $2000 to $4100

ARABLE LAND: 20%

IRRIGATED ARABLE LAND: 5%

FORESTS: 12%

AGRICULTURE: Wheat, barley, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, citrus fruits, olives; livestock

NATURAL RESOURCES: Phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt

INDUSTRIES: Textiles, tourism, food processing, phosphate, construction

NUMBER OF TOURISTS IN 2014: 10+ million

LARGEST CITIES: Casablanca (4 million); Rabat (2 million)

TIME ZONE: GMT/UTC

TELEPHONE COUNTRY CODE: +212

CLIMATE: Coast: mild & humid; South + Inland: hot & dry; Mountains: cold & snowy Average Winter Temp: 18°C/64°F; Average Summer Temp: 33°C/91°F

HOTTEST CITY: Marrakesh

COLDEST CITY: Ifrane

BEST TIMES TO VISIT: September through October; March through May

MOROCCAN PEOPLE: Social, friendly, hospitable, generous, easy-going, genuine

Morocco is a gem of breathtaking landscapes, lively colors, and astonishing variety, all of which comes through in its art. Moroccan handicrafts are as varied and exceptional as the country itself. Traditional artisans still ply their trade in small workshops and community cooperatives.

Blending Arab, Berber, Jewish and Andalusian traditions, the ancestral know-how of Moroccan artisans has been praised for centuries. In every Moroccan medina you encounter shops of textiles, spices, wood furniture, rugs, and jewelry. Morocco has been known for centuries for its craftsmen, sell leather goods and carpets, shoes, and even spices of the highest quality.

 There are authentic treasures of handicrafts throughout the country. Morocco’s souks and bazaars h old many workshops that are worth visiting.

Here’s a guide to Morocco’s best arts and crafts, including where to find them, and what to look for in terms of quality and style.

Carpets

Carpets are Morocco’s most famous textile. It includes designs inspired by Arab or Turkish motifs, as well as traditional Berber thick pile rugs that keep out the cold. In addition to colorful flat-weave kelims. Each carpet is a unique piece reflecting tribal history, with geometric patterns based on themes such as the Tree of Life. They are normally made from a mix of handwoven wool silk and cactus fibers and colored with natural dyes.

Berber Jewelry

Berber jewelry is created by artisans from the south of Morocco. It is usually made from silver or bronze and depicts geometric and floral designs. It plays an important role in everyday life. It is still an important part of a bride’s dowry in traditional areas. Berber jewelry is found in souks in Tiznit or Taroudant, and jewelry shops in Fez and most of Moroccan old medina shops.

Woodwork

Wood Carving – This is where Essaouira truly shines. While wood carvers ply their trade throughout Morocco, there is something special to be said about the wood Thuya found only on the south coast, and locals have been making good use of it for centuries. From larger chess boards and plates, to small boxes and children’s toys, sculptors have perfected the technique of drawing the beautiful from the seemingly mundane, and few visitors leave without at least a small trinket to remind them of the relaxed Moroccan sea coast.

Metalwork

Metalwork is another magic medium of the Moroccan artisan. Copper and brass items include trays with ornate hammered designs, wrought-iron and pierced lanterns, mirror frames, and tables with hand-carved zellige-tile inlaid tops. You can also acquire custom-made, contemporary designer furniture which you can find in the ironworkers’ souk in Marrakech.

Leather handicrafts

Moroccan leatherwork is famous for its high quality. In Fes and Chefchaouen you can find attractive various items including poofs, leather jackets, boxes, book covers, briefcases, satchels and bags.

Pottery 

Moroccan pottery can vary wildly from place to place, but a few cities have truly put their mark on the ceramics trade. Safi is perhaps the most notable ceramic city, with large markets dedicated to their sale as well as a wide variety of shops and styles. Safi also offers a more relaxed atmosphere for shopping, and since the pottery is made onsite, you’re often dealing with the very men who created the plate in your hands. Outside Zagora, Tamegroute is known for its unique green-glaze pottery.

All this is to say nothing of the natural oils and dyes, knitwear, cooking supplies, tapestry, leather and innumerable other finds you’ll come across as you wander through the souks. Like so much in Morocco, you’ll get the most from your market day with an open mind and a little curiosity. Be prepared to take your time, and be open to whatever strikes your fancy!

Zellige: the art of handmade Moroccan tile

Inspired by Roman and Byzantine mosaics, Moroccan zellige first made its appearance in the 10th century and evolved during the Merenid Dynasty.  Originally used to illustrate luxury and sophistication in the homes of wealthy art patrons, zellige tilework remains the hallmark of Moroccan architecture and design.  Zellige craftsmanship can be found gracing floors, walls, columns, staircases, fountains, hammams and swimming pools throughout Morocco: not only in historical palaces such as Dar Batha in Fes, Bahia Palace in Marrakech, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail in Meknes, but also in more modern structures such as Riads and restaurants.  Zellige is a key design element in the Hassan II mosque in Casablanca.