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Throughout the years, Morocco's location at the northwest corner of
Africa opposite Spain has attracted invading forces. The Phoenicians
came to trade and settle, with successive waves of invaders such as the
Romans, Visigoths, Vandals, and Byzantine Greeks arrived to dominate
and rule the area. In the 7th century the Arabs began bringing their
civilization. The Alaouite dynasty, which claims to descend from the
Prophet Mohammed, has ruled Morocco since 1649. Invaders have been a
major influence in Morocco and in more recent history the Portuguese
controlled the Atlantic coast in the 15th century.
The French arrived in 1830 and in 1904 Morocco was divided into
French and Spanish enclaves. In 1912 a treaty established these zones
as protectorates. After World War II Morocco began to assert its
independence with the formation of the Istiqlal (Independence) Party.
Foreign domination led to active opposition and in 1953 after France
deposed the highly respected Sultan Muhammad V he was replaced him with
his unpopular uncle. France allowed Muhammad V to return to Morocco in
1955 and Morocco was granted political independence on March 2, 1956.
In 1956 and 1958, Morocco gained authority over the Spanish-controlled
areas. Tangier, an international zone since 1923, was also
reintegrated.
Economy
Morocco’s fast growing economy can be related to a number of different factors.
One major reason is the low cost of production for labour-intensive
products. Morocco also has a highly educated and trained work force as
schools and universities in the country have a high standard and an
excellent reputation. Especially when it comes to languages, then most
young Moroccans have advantages to others. It is not uncommon in
Morocco to speak 2 or 3 languages. Morocco does not have the highest
spending power as the majority of residents belong to the middle class.
There is also an important upper class but it does not belong to the
fastest growing groups within the Moroccan society.
It can be said that Morocco as a total is relatively cheap - the
only exception are imported goods. Additional the country offers an
outstanding infrastructure as well as cheap labour. With a first look
at the figures (GNP/capita) it appears as the Moroccan economy is still
very weak. This has as a reason the enormous differences between
“haves” and Have-nots”. It is true that there are many very poor people
in Morocco but on the other hand, things do not get worse and it seems
like with the increasing development, their living standards will
increase too.
People
The majority of the population in Morocco are Berber, mixed
Arab-Berber or Sunni Muslims of Arab. It was in the 7th and the 11th
century that the Arabs conquered Morocco and from this time forward
their culture and traditions started to develop and establish. Today
there are about 100.000 foreigners living in Morocco, the minority of
which are Jewish (about 4.000) and the majority are French and Spanish.
Many of the residents in Morocco speak a characteristic Arab dialect
that is only spoken in the country but the official language is the
classic Arabic tongue.
There is also the Berber language which is spoken by approximately
10 million Moroccans which can often be found in rural areas. Berber
can be distinguished in Tarifit, Tamazight and Tashelhit. Those
dialects are spoken as a first language but also in combination with
the Arabic dialect, as a second language. French plays another
important role in Morocco. It is the unofficially third language and is
used extensively in education, government, economics and commerce.
Due to its proximity to Spain, there are many locals in northern
Morocco who also speak Spanish. Today younger Moroccans also often
choose to learn English as it is taught from the fourth grade on, in
all public schools. The Atlas Mountain range is isolating the country
from the hot Sahara Desert. This is why the majority of people in
Morocco live on the west side of it, between the mountains and the sea.
Important ports within Morocco can be found in Casablanca which is also
centre of industry and commerce and the city of Tangier which is widely
known as gateway to Spain.
The seat of government can be found in Rabat and largest tourist
resort is the city of 'Berber'. More important for residents is the
'Arab' Fes which is the religious and cultural centre of the country.
Lifestyle
The lifestyle in Morocco can be totally different from the lifestyle
back home, especially if you are planning on moving to a holiday or
leisure area.
One of the differences is the time you will spend at work. People
here work long hours but you will also have more time for other things.
Whether you want to follow your hobby, meet up with friends or simply
sit in a café and enjoy you time out – you will definitely find the
time to do so. It is not very often that you will need longer than 15
minutes to get to work, which leaves more time for everything else.
Privacy is very important in the Moroccan society. You will often
see homes which are surrounded by walls, for inhabitants to pursue
their own and private lifestyle without disturbances or onlookers.
Anyhow, due to the warm climate and other factors, the majority of
leisure time is spent outdoors. Generally there is no central heating
or central air conditioning available which does not mean that you
cannot purchase them in form of a unit. Please note that this might
have a high electricity bill as a consequence.
The “patio” style is very popular with homes in the Medina quarters.
For those who live there, most of the life takes place outdoors.
Especially foreigners who live in Morocco and belong to the middle
classes and upper classes often spend their time with tennis, swimming,
skiing, biking or any other outdoor sport. An advantage of living in
Morocco is that you will be able to reach both the sea and the
mountains from nearly everywhere in the country.
Experience the traditional, healthy and delicious cuisine that is
offered in Morocco. Excellent fresh fruits and vegetables can be
purchased all year and for very low prices – compared to other
countries. Also worth mentioning is the great medical and dental care
which also costs much less than elsewhere. Morocco has a very good
reputation when it comes to schools and universities.
The multilingual country in which not only Arabic, Berber and French
but also widely Spanish and English is spoken, offers international
schools in most of the big cities. Since 2001 the country started
focusing more intensely on the English language which now has as a
result that there are more and more English-speakers in Morocco.
Foreigners who are coming to Morocco to learn languages are being
welcomed with support, appreciation and encouragement. Despite the
increasing cost of living in Morocco, it is still a lot less expensive
than in other Western European countries. Most European foreigners in
Morocco could live at a higher standard with their given salary.
Morocco at a Glance
Morocco
is a spectacular mix of Arab, Islamic, Berber, Jewish, African and
European influences. Fascinating landscapes range from miles of
unspoilt beaches to magnificent snow-capped mountains, from lush river
valleys to vast tracts of Oasis as well as labyrinthine walled
medinas (ancient city) and Berber fortresses. A wealth of beautiful
handicrafts in city souks(markets). Traditional townhouses (known
as riads) and kasbahs (fortress). have been tastefully restored to
create hidden guesthouses, varying from luxurious to comfortably basic.
You will be offered the signature cuisines of Morocco - delicious home
cooked tagines with a choice of various meats and/or, vegetables, and
couscous which is the staple of the Moroccan diet.
Language
The
predominent spoken language is Moroccan arabic (Darija), There are also
three Amazigh Berber languages. Tarifit, is used in the northern Rif.
Tamazight in the middle atlas and eastern high Atlas. Tashlhyt in the
western high Atlas, sous vally and Anti-atlas, need to mention that
French is widely spoken especially among schooled Moroccans.
Religion
Morocco
is a predominantly Sunni Muslim country with small Jewish and Christian
minorities. The culture of Morocco has been strongly influenced by
Berbers, Arabs, Moors, Jews and the French, and is tolerant of
differences. While Moroccans are hospitable to Muslims and non-Muslims
alike, most Islamic religious monuments are closed to non-Muslims.
There are, however, notable exceptions to this custom, enabling
visitors to enter some of Morocco's most formidable shrines such as the
newly-built Hassan B" Mosque in Casablanca.
History
Morocco
dates back to pre-historical times. New immigrants from the near
east joined the existing tribes and became the ancestors of the Berber
tribes, occupying the Rif Mountains since Neolithic times. After
the destruction of Carthage (146 B.C.), the Roman Empire established an
African province which eventually absorbed the Berber Kingdoms to its
west. Rome remained in control until 429 AD, when an army of Vandals
crossed over from Spain. The Vandals, in turn, were defeated by
the Byzantines who remained in power for the next two centuries.
Although there were Muslim raids across Northern Africa, it was not
until 710 that the Arab conquest of Morocco was achieved. In the
ninth and tenth centuries a Berber tribe, named the ALMORAVIDS,
consolidated power during the chaos caused by the Arab invasion.
They were able to rule Morocco by controlling lucrative caravan routes.
They founded Marrakech and made it their capital. Traces of their
civilization can still be seen in the city walls and the palm groves
they planted. By the 12th century the ALMORAVIDS reached
Spain. However they lost power at home and this paved the way for
the consolidation of another rival Berber tribe. The ALMOHADES,
"Unitarians". After an 11 month siege, this tribe gained control
of Marrakech, overthrowing the ALMORAVIDS. Their leader, Abdel
Moumen, reconquered Spain and had several victories in Algeria,
Tunisia, and Libya. Morocco by that time was Mecca for scholars
and intellectuals. In the 14th century, like the ALMORAVIDS
before them, the ALMOHADES' power declined in Europe and weakened at
home. Again, a new nomadic Berber tribe united to take power.
This tribe, the MERENIDS, who are said to descend from the prophet
Mohammed, seized Fez in 1248, and by 1269 controlled Marrakech. Their
period is the era of the greatest Muslim geographers and explorers such
as Ibn Khaldon and Ibn Batuta.
Following
the pattern established by previous dynasties, the Portuguese conquered
Mogador (Essaouira) and other ports, until the emergence of a new
movement. “THE SAADIANS”(1549-1668). The Portuguese were defeated
by them in both Santa Cruz (Agadir) in 1541 and in the famous battle of
The Three Kings (1578). THE SAADIANS consolidated their power and
were able to rule Morocco. Their leader, Sultan Ahmed El-Mansour
"The Victorious" (1578-1603), crossed the Sahara to secure the caravans
routes and enslave the locals. By that time Mauritania and Mali were
under control of the Saadians. However, when the Sultan died, they
could not retain control and Morocco fell into a civil war.
This
allowed another group to emerge that would seize power. Entering
from the South. THE ALAOUITE, who rule Morocco today, settled in
Tafilalite region. They seized Marrakech in 1668 after they had taken
Fez. Moulay Rachid was the first ALAOUITE Sultan. His younger
brother and successor, Moulay Ismail (1672-1727), built a new imperial
capital at Meknes. He used his black Guards to enforce his authority.
And in order to avoid succession problems, he sired 888 children. It’s
said that he was the most cruel and tyrannical ruler in Moroccan
history. He ruled for 54 years. At his death Morocco was
ungovernable until the ascent of Ben Abdullah, an ALAOUITE. He
managed to stabilize the country and attempted to activate trade by
inviting in the English, Jewish, and French merchants.
By
the 19th century dynasties had come and gone and Morocco remained
basically unchanged. Meanwhile European colonial expansion
focused on Morocco. The Spanish took Tetouan and the Western Sahara.
France isolated Morocco from the Islamic world while the British forced
the Sultan, Moulay Hassan, to sign a preferential trade treaty in
1857. By the time of Moulay’s Hassan’s death, Morocco was in debt
and in a state of unrest. His successor, Sultan Abdel Aziz
(1894/1908), was too young to rule the country. He amused himself
with games and spent millions on expensive and frivilous European
goods. Morocco became heavily indebted to European banks opening
the door for a French invasion. Aziz was deposed by his brother,
Moulay Hafid (1908/12), who had no alternative but to accept French
domination. This is explicated in the Treaty of Fez, 1912, in which the
sovereignty of Morocco is essentially abdicated. The French government
promoted economic development, particularly the exploitation of
Morocco’s mineral wealth, creation of a modern transportation system,
and the development of a modern agriculture sector geared to the French
market. As a result, the treaty was perceived as a betrayal by
Moroccan nationalists.
In
1927, Mohammed V had succeeded his father Ben Yusef. He was a member of
the Istiqlal (Independence) party and refused to be a French
puppet. The French responded by sending him and his family into
exile. Turmoil ensued throughout Morocco. Ben Arafa, the
new French new puppet, was assassinated. Eventually the Sultan
was allowed to return, and Morocco gained its independence.
Unfortunately, Mohammed V never lived to see the first democratic
elections in Morocco. His son, King Hassan II, who himself had
been the object of several attempted assassinations, presided over
these. There were continuing conflicts between the monarchy and
opposition parties. Hassan II died of a heart attack in July
1999, and was succeeded by his 36 year old son, the current King,
Mohammed VI. The King has taken several courageous actions such
as eliminating his father's much feared interior minister, political
exiles were permitted to return and political detainees were
released. In 2004 he approved the investigation of human rights
abuses during his father's reign, the revision of the "Moudawana" (laws
governing personal rights) to restrict polygamy and give women equal
rights as men in marriage. Mohammed VI remains popular and
obviously is a more liberal-minded ruler.
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