Morocco : Introduction

Morocco is a crossroad of civilizations and the result of a mix of cultures and architectural feats , a land where expose leisure, beauty of nature , the colors and multiple landscapes.

The Kingdom offers the splendor of its imperial cities such as Marrakech , Fez, Meknes and Rabat, where age-old traditions pulsate .

Morocco also offers the freshness of its palm groves and gardens , its lively souks and squares, and the richness of its mosques and palaces . The Morocco together , alone , great wealth and a real cultural diversity.

The culture of Morocco comes down to its identity and its history. Each imperial city has places full of memory, a universal heritage.

The magnificent exhibition halls of museums in Morocco , richly decorated , often alone true works of art .

The history of Morocco is enriched by influences of many civilizations and cultures. The plurality of these civilizations gave fruit to an archaeological diversification which led throughout the Moroccan territory monuments, buildings and relics .

Land of cultural and artistic events , Morocco offers its expertise to all kinds of human creation that regularly celebrates during the holding of festivals dedicated to different modes of expression.

Morocco takes its place in the concert of world festivals . Music, movies, popular culture : the main cities offer original events, often placed under the sign of dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures. Warranty as during the Gnaoua festival warm and World Music , the Festival of Sacred Music , Music Festival Timitar , or the Mawazine festival.

Rhythms, dances and songs deep Morocco ... One of the many aspects of an ancient oral tradition that has been preserved over time accurately translate through the ages originality and diversity of folk art in the country for the sun ...

A culture which combines various components choreography, melodies and rhythms yesterday and today .

The Moussems , which are both religious festivals and trade shows are held throughout the year, throughout Morocco . The best known are those of Engagement Imilchil , or that of the famous Valley of Roses Kelaât Gouna . For Moroccans , it is an opportunity to revisit remote people to come together , to trade , to recount the events that occurred during the year.

The richness of Moroccan craftsmanship rooted in a tradition kept alive . With objects both beautiful and useful in everyday life, heirs of knowledge passed with passion from one generation to another. Embroidered fabrics , ceramics, jewelry, wood carvings and leather goods are the flagships of Moroccan craftsmanship .

Moroccan cuisine is universally acknowledged to be one of the few cuisines that has preserved its authenticity in food and recipes dating back over 2000 years. Moroccan cuisine is a festival of components, rich in flavors , aromas and colors. Its perfumes and sweet-savory combinations are world renowned .

For lively holiday where the thrill is guaranteed, where strong emotions prevail , the Moroccan world is an experimental field without limits.

Welcome to a new country to discover a country like no other with exceptional charm, natural beauty and diverse climates ranging from cold and snow and warm sand.

Morocco is located in northwestern Africa sharing borders with Algeria and Mauritania, and only 14 Km from Spain.

An area of ​​446550 km² or one discovers different natural landscape Mediterranean climates in the north, with warm summers , temperate northwest by the maritime influence. Desert in the south. With a population of 31,478,000 million people and an estimated 46,397,000 million in 2050.

Morocco has many cultures and traditions , and each region has its own characteristics of life and hospitality, we may even find that the dialect is different from one region to another, you will feel that you are on several country and not a single and that is that Morocco stands out. You'll have to visit several city and know the key places to visit and hotels and restaurants to patronize, and this is why Extra Morocco puts all its resources to guide you during your vacation on Moroccan cities .

Among the most visited cities in Morocco Marrakech is mentioned , the first city visited in Morocco in the heart of the Atlas Mountains , hotels and high quality landscapes that will surely remain etched in your memory. Tanger mythical crossroads of Europe and Africa , Tangier fascinates travelers and artists from all backgrounds for centuries. Today, the pearl of northern Morocco generates huge infrastructure projects, in the image of its economic growth . Casablanca (white house ) economic capital, the largest city and the most active. Rabat the capital and administrative city , known for its cleanliness and the most experienced Tour Hassan and El Oudaya , a city that even its magnitude remains a quiet and charmente city monuments. Fes Medina has the largest pedestrian area in the world Fes el Bali. This labyrinth of alleys home to a multitude of merchants and artisans practicing their talents in front of visitors in a heady mix of smells of leather and dyeing . And many other cities you 'll find on Extra Morocco.

Ports

At the time of the globalization of trade , Morocco instead , thanks to major structural projects , port infrastructure and achievements as an essential platform of world trade.

Port infrastructure take shape and translate achieve this openness to international investment and the coupling of the country in the global economy goal , especially as maritime transport provides 98% of foreign trade of Morocco , which has a coastline of over 3,500 km.

Ports , both anchor and openness to the world , play a prominent role and act as a lever for economic and industrial development of the country through the establishment of development corridors , notably by concentrating industrial activities and tertiary .

It is in this context that HM King Mohammed VI inaugurated versatile third port terminal Jorf Lasfar to build the Kingdom in critical infrastructure for the development of the country.

In addition to its energy and metal vocation Jorf Lasfar , which provides 24 % of the national port traffic is a strong link port infrastructure around which erect and intensify large projects in a region , which is characterized by its wealth food and industrial , and will respond well to maritime traffic of more than 25 million tonnes.

The new terminal, designed as part of the strategy to improve port efficiency and accompanying ambitions in terms of competitiveness of foreign trade , will the annual salary of a traffic of about 2 million tonnes , corresponding current and foreseeable requirements of conventional traffic installed in the industrial area units.

Mega achievement in Tanger Med full Strait of Gibraltar at the crossroads of the second busiest in the world and the global East-West crossing between Europe, Asia, Africa and America seaway used by more 100,000 vessels per year , is also in this outward and economic development policy.

This port complex , new door to the world, thus corroborates this strategic choice of the country and has a major asset in order to consolidate its position as inevitable in international trade .

Since its commissioning, he took a prominent place alongside the ports of Casablanca, Mohammedia and Jorf Lasfar , which alone account for 72% of the port traffic in order to rectify the flow of trade and unblocking the Casablanca and in boosting the economic fabric of the north , thanks to a specific activity of transshipment north-south and east-west relay .

Tanger Med , which is also a real industrial and commercial center , will accommodate the largest container ships of last generation and it is able to capture some of this transshipment activity in this haven of peace the Mediterranean basin and is predestined to become the largest port in Africa.

The overall port activity , thus , recorded during the first three quarters of 2011 a total volume of 75.2 million tonnes ( MT) de11 up 9% compared with the same period in 2010. This trend has was largely determined by the positive orientation of the transhipment activity at the port of Tanger- Med , which reached a volume of 1.8 million TEUs ( 20-foot equivalent ) , up 25.6% , according to national Agency ports ( ANP) .

Other projects of investment in port infrastructure have been launched including the completion of the spike stop sand and reinforcement works at the port of Sidi Ifni , maintenance of main piers ports and Mohammedia Casablanca .

Moroccan wedding

Moroccan wedding is a wedding ceremony that kept paramount importance in the social life of Morocco. It remains closely tied to traditions, it has evolved and ceremonies that were spread over seven days were reduced to three, most often, they focus in a day especially in large cities in Morocco and Europe. What has not changed is the ritual that makes the bride the center of the festivities and feel of the ceremony.

Marriage in Morocco is still considered the most important decision a man and a woman in their social life. Rituals combine tradition and modernity at the berza which takes place during a grand ceremony whose purpose is to formally introduce the bride to the guests. Coated with a ceremonial dress, it is installed so as to be seen and admired by all present. This presentation marks the pinnacle of wedding ceremonies take place in a festive atmosphere full of sounds and colors.

In the past, marriages were arranged. Despite the evolution of current mores, many families still follow this tradition. Marriage is usually celebrated during the summer and takes place in the courtyards for several days.

Dowry and contract

It all starts with the engagement ( Khetba ). The groom's family asks the hand of the bride. 

Discussions about the ceremony begins then . There is particular issue of dowry , date and cost of the ceremony. During this period, the bridegroom gives presents like jewelry or clothing to his bride.

The betrothal is officially complete upon delivery of the dowry. It also marks the beginning of the wedding festivities and is accompanied by drafting the contract. Tradition has it that the father of the girl allocates an amount at least equal to the amount of the dowry he received for purchases for the new home.

Preparations

A few days before the wedding night , matchmaker invest home of the bridegroom to accommodate the bridal chamber. The next day, called nahar ez- zina, the day of beautification or nahar El-Farch  day mattresses, matchmaker prepare all the things that the bride must carry in his new home and are wearing in this new remains.

Hammam during the day, the bride must go to traditional public bath accompanied by the greatest woman of the family. She then takes a milk bath to purify.

Then the girl takes the traditional dress, usually green, and had painted hands and feet with henna. Then she prepares for the evening, as the party starts around 21 hours.

The ceremony

During the evening , the two married and families receive guests. Traditionally , the bride dress changes several times during the night. Each dress comes with jewelry. Outfits of the bride are specific to the origins of the family.Four women, called Negafa, help to wear their traditional dress and heavy jewelry.

It serves dinner and festivities last all night. The couple settled on two brilliant sun beautifully decorated.

Throughout the week, the newlyweds will visit friends and relatives. They show their new home and their gifts.

Airports

Casablanca ( CMN, Morocco )

Nearest airports: Rabat -Sale, Marrakech- Menara , Fez , Ouarzazate , Essaouira Mogador Airport ; Closest cities : Casablanca (25 km) , Settat (41 km ) Khouribga (84 km ), El Jadida (86 km)

Casablanca fly with : Royal Air Morocco , Iberia , Etihad Airways , Air France , Air Arabia Morocco , Aeroflot Russian Airlines , KLM, easyJet

flight Casablanca

Marrakech- Menara (RAK , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Ouarzazate , Essaouira Mogador Airport, Agadir - Al Massira , Casablanca, Rabat -Sale ; Closest cities : Marrakech (4 km)

Marrakech-Menara fly with : Royal Air Morocco , easyJet, British Airways , Transavia France , Iberia , Jetairfly , Harmony Airways , Transavia Airlines

flight Marrakech

Fez (FEZ , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Rabat -Sale, Al Hoceima , Tetouan, Nador , Tangier -Boukhalef ; Closest cities : Fez (14 km) , Meknès (53 km) , Taza (95 km)

Fez fly with : Royal Air Morocco , Iberia , Etihad Airways, Vueling Airlines , easyJet, Jetairfly , Saudi Arabian Airlines, Air Arabia Morocco

flight Fez

Agadir - Al Massira (AGA , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Essaouira Mogador Airport, Sidi Ifni , Goulimime , Marrakech -Menara , Ouarzazate ; Closest cities : Agadir (20 km)

Agadir - Al Massira fly with : Royal Air Morocco , easyJet, Condor , Jetairfly , Harmony Airways , Transavia France , Iberia , Luxair

flight Agadir

Rabat -Sale (RBA , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Casablanca , Fez, Tangier -Boukhalef , Tetouan, Ceuta Heliport ; Closest cities : Rabat (8 km), Kenitra (29 km), Khemisset (69 km) , Casablanca (95 km)

Rabat -Sale , you can fly with : Air France , Royal Air Morocco , KLM, Delta Air Lines, Jetairfly , Etihad Airways , Saudi Arabian Airlines

flight Rabat

Tangier -Boukhalef (TNG , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Tetouan , Ceuta Heliport, Gibraltar , Jerez de la Frontera , Málaga ; Closest cities : Tangier (11 km), Tetouan (52 km) , Algeciras (61 km) , Larache (63 km) , Ksar el Kebir (81 km) , Cadiz (96 km)

Tangier- Boukhalef fly with : Royal Air Morocco , Iberia , Vueling Airlines, Jetairfly , Etihad Airways, Air Arabia Morocco , easyJet, American Airlines

flight Tangier

Oujda ( OUD , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Tlemcen , Nador , Melilla Tahuima , Oran -Es Senia , Al Hoceima ; Closest cities : Oujda (12 km)

Oujda fly with : Royal Air Morocco , Mediterranean Air , Transavia France , Jetairfly , IBERIA , Etihad Airways

Oujda flights

Nador ( NDR , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Tahuima Melilla Al Hoceima , Oujda, Tlemcen , Fez ; Closest cities : Nador ( 22 km)

Nador fly with : Royal Air Morocco , Air Arabia Morocco , Jetairfly , Vueling Airlines, Germanwings , Etihad Airways, IBERIA

flight Nador

Essaouira Mogador Airport ( ESU , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Agadir - Al Massira Marrakech- Menara, Sidi Ifni , Goulimime , Ouarzazate

Essaouira Mogador Airport fly with : Royal Air Morocco , Transavia France

Flight Essaouira Mogador

Al Hoceima (AHU , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Nador , Melilla Tahuima , Tetouan, Ceuta Heliport, Gibraltar ; Closest cities : Nador ( 83 km)

Al Hoceima fly with : Royal Air Morocco , Jetairfly

Flight Al Hoceima

Tetouan (TTU , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Ceuta Heliport, Tangier -Boukhalef , Gibraltar , Malaga, Al Hoceima ; Closest cities : Tetouan (5 km), Tangier ( 49 km) , Algeciras (61 km) , Ksar el Kebir (85 km) , Larache (88 km)

Tetouan fly with : Royal Air Morocco

flight Tetouan

Ouarzazate (OZZ , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Marrakech- Menara, Agadir - Al Massira , Errachidia , Essaouira Mogador Airport, Casablanca

Ouarzazate fly with : Royal Air Morocco , Iberia , Etihad Airways

flight Ouarzazate

Laayoune (EUN , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Fuerteventura, Arrecife- Lanzarote, Las Palmas - Gran Canaria, Tan Tan, Tenerife North (Los Rodeos) ; Closest cities : Laayoune (2 km), Ejbei Uad el Aabd (6 km)

Laayoune fly with : Royal Air Morocco , Binter Canarias , CanaryFly

flight Laayoune

Tan Tan ( TTA , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Goulimime , Sidi Ifni , Arrecife , Lanzarote, Laayoune , Fuerteventura

Tan Tan fly with : Royal Air Morocco

Flight Tan Tan

Dakhla (VIL , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Nouadhibou , Fderik , Zouerate Mouakchott Atar , Laayoune

Dakhla fly with : Royal Air Morocco , CanaryFly

flight Dakhla

Goulimime (GLN , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Sidi Ifni , Tan Tan, Agadir - Al Massira Tindouf , Essaouira Mogador Airport

Goulimime fly with : Royal Air Morocco , CanaryFly

flight Goulimime

Errachidia ( ERH , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Bechar , Fez , Ouarzazate, Rabat -Sale, Casablanca

flight Errachidia

Sidi Ifni ( SII , Morocco )

Nearest airports: Goulimime , Agadir - Al Massira , Tan Tan, Essaouira Mogador Airport

Flight Sidi Ifni

Highway network

The development of the national motorway network is leaps and bounds over the past decade and the year 2013 only confirmed the pace. I must say that the past year was particularly strategic for the national highway program has officially recorded since the start of the second part of the scheme motorway frame. This should result in the opening of new areas and by extension others already in place. The aim is to increase , by 2015 , the motorway network to 1,800 km. Currently there is 1 416 km and initiated or continued in 2013 projects should achieve the desired goal. According to the reporting of the Ministry of Equipment and Transport , the last twelve months have been marked by ongoing work of Beni Mellal - Berrechid that spans 172 km highway. In all, the guardianship has budgeted 6.1 billion DH for this project . "This project is an important action in terms of planning in order to promote and accelerate the development of the central area of ​​the country and allow him to get closer to the leading economic center of the country what Casablanca ," explains t be with guardianship. Nevertheless, the construction of this highway has experienced some difficulties that may delay delivery. Recently questioned in Parliament on this issue , the Minister has announced the commissioning of the final stretch of the highway in 2016 , when he was to be later than 2015. This delay is explained , first time, the difficulties in expropriations as some cases have recourse to justice.

The year 2013 also saw the start of construction of the motorway linking El Jadida to Safi, 143 km long , at an estimated cost 4 billion DH . This project is in addition to the continued implementation of the bypass Rabat which requires a budget of 2.8 billion dirhams . The latter should provide the traffic, in the wilaya of Rabat - Salé, the possibility of avoiding the crossing of the capital, and allow the connection between highways that converge Greater Rabat -Salé from South , East and North . "The year 2014 will be marked on the one hand , by the prosecution, or the completion of certain components of the complement highway program , and , secondly , by the completion of studies on the motorway to Oujda Algerian border , "says Will we learn from the guardianship. The feasibility of other highways will also be studied, according to the ministry . Moreover, the tenders for some of them are being launched , as is the case of the highway Guelmim the rest of the national network. This is also the case for the link between Fez and Tetouan. But at this level , the call recently launched by the Ministry also leaves the door open to an expressway that could either complete the motorway link or represent the entire connection between the two régions.Il bids must be said that this choice is based on a new strategy adopted by the government and which bets on the achievement of expressway in addition to the motorway network. This program should result in the achievement , by 2016 , 1 600 km of expressways. A new program of realization of expressways linking logistics platforms and integrated industrial areas is also under consideration. Meanwhile, data from the Ministry reveal that in late 2013 , 727 km of expressways have been commissioned and nearly 180 km are under construction.

Asilah

A forty kilometers south of Tangiers, the small town of Asilah offers a peaceful within its fortified walls of the fifteenth century halt. Top wide ocher walls, flanked by two bastions, you can admire the sea, the medina and the streets lined with white houses. Haven for many artists, the facades of the city also serve as support for murals. Raissouli Palace, built at the beginning of the century, has been converted into a cultural center. In August, the city also hosts a music festival.

Medina and ramparts

Portuguese ramparts that encircle the old town contrast with the whiteness of the houses. Asilah has retained no traces of the Kasbah built by Al-Qasim Ibn Idris Mousa Ibn Abi Al-Afiya the ninth and tenth centuries. In addition, it has a huge fortifications work initiated under the direction of Diogo Boitaca, senior military architect of the Portuguese crown in the sixteenth century. A very imposing rampart, parallelogram, circle the medina and extends over an area of ​​7 hectares. It is pierced by five gates dating from different periods, two of which are of Portuguese origin: Bab al-Homer (Porta da Vila) and Bab al-Bahr (Porta da Ribeira).

Bastions and towers 

Among the bastions and the most spectacular towers representing a Portuguese site are the (Borj al-Bahr) Coraca and Torre de Menagem (Borj al-Kamra). The first, built between 1508 and 1516, ahead of the sea and was used to monitor the arrival and departure of supplies and reinforcements. The second main tower of the wall, marked by its boisterous medina of Asilah. Built in 1509 and reproduced on a famous engraving of Asilah in the sixteenth century, the Torre de Menagem was covered with a gabled roof and lined with watchtowers at the four corners. These architectural features refer to the style of the Portuguese military architect. This in turn ensured a public and ceremonial than military, conveying the image of power. It is a vestige of the castle from the Portuguese governor who took over the site of the palace of the Governor of medieval Moroccan Asilah.

Palace Raïssouli 

Built in the early twentieth century by a famous bandit (Moulay Ahmed Raïssouli) is a two-storey building that has become a cultural center. One enters through a door in the eastern wall.

Chefchaouen

Visitors to Morocco can find a cool, relaxing reprieve from the bustle of travel in the friendly mountain town of Chefchaouen (often abbreviated as “Chaouen”). Located just a few hours by bus from Tangier and far enough off the beaten track to dissuade many tourists, Chefchaouen is quiet enough for those visitors overwhelmed by the busy medinas of Fez and Marrakech, and has just enough of what is quintessentially Moroccan to be of interest to other travelers looking for something a bit more authentic.

Whether you spend a couple of days wandering the clean medina streets, enjoying a hike through the Rif Mountains, or just want to relax with a book and a fresh mint tea, like most visitors to Chefchaouen, you will walk away having experienced something magical.

The Medina

Chefchaouen boasts one of the most enjoyable medinas in Morocco. Unlike many medinas in Morocco, the medina of Chefchaouen still houses a large percentage of the city’s residents. As pleasant as it is walking through the old walled city, a stroll up and down through is made more pleasant by the sight of its residents living, for the most part, as they have for the last few hundred years. Unlike the medina of Marrakech or the Kasbahs of Tangier and Rabat, foreigners haven’t really been able to purchase old houses and convert them to upscale riads so many of the local populace still actually lives in the Medina. The people of Chefchaouen are, for the most part, really pleasant and foreigners can stroll through the blue walled medina without being harassed by touts and venders too much. Most of the shop keepers have a relaxed attitude and will not hassle you. Children play in the streets and, unlike Fez, they will generally not ask you for money. If anything, the children of Chefchaouen might ask you to play with them, which is not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

Ras el Maa

Located outside of the medina walls, to the east, “Ras el Maa” (or “Head of the Water”) is a small, beautiful waterfall. Many locals gather here during the hot months to cool off and, oftentimes, to do laundry. There is a small café nearby to relax with a coffee or tea.

Trekking

Chefchaouen sits on the side of the mountain. If you exit the medina and walk uphill, toward the Hotel Atlas (one of the largest buildings in the city, you can’t miss it), there is an easily found trail. This trail takes you up the hill toward a beautiful lookout point towering over Chefchaouen and the surrounding mountains. If you want, you can continue back, deeper into the mountains. Remember to pack your water bottles and, if you’re planning on trekking further into the mountains, a bite to eat.

Targa

For another short hike out of the medina, visit nearby nearby Targa. Located on the hill just south of the medina, this old castle and mosque dates from the 1200s. The Spanish rebuilt the minaret and though the entire mosque has been restored, it is not yet open for worshippers. However, visitors are welcome to climb the minaret and enjoy the views over Chefchaouen and the valley below.

Saidia

Saidia ( whose real name Ajroud , poetry Amazigh ) nicknamed the " Blue Pearl " , is a municipality and city - municipality - in the province of Berkane1 in the region of the Eastern Rif, and the administrative region of the Oriental, the Morocco .

Saidia is located on the plain of Trifa (short for Tarifacht : Rif ) . The city is generally accepted in the territory of the Rif Kebdana ( Ichebdane ) .

Saidia is an ideal refuge for thousands of citizens of the Oriental, for its strategic position close to the main cities of the north -east ( Nador, Berkane , Oujda, Alhoceima , Driouch etc. . ) . Its coast is Saidia one of the longest beaches of Morocco , characterized by its fine golden sand and Mediterranean climate , it is now a popular destination at the international level . The city is served by three international airports: that of Oujda- Angad 50 km away, Nador- Aroui 70 km and finally the Melilla 75 km.

The blue pearl of Morocco, Saidia, is in the process of modernising so that you will soon be able to take advantage of the turquoise Mediterranean, its 14-km beach and splendid surrounding countryside.

The resort Mediterrania Saidia was built under the Plan Azur the Moroccan government for the construction of several resorts all along the coast of the Kingdom. Its size and specificity being close to Moroccan-Algerian border and overlooking the Mediterranean Saidia gave a project status locomotive in Oriental region that has remained since the independence of Morocco in 1956 a panied the construction of this station. 

In 2009, Mohammed VI inaugurated the first phase of the resort including homes, two hotels of category 5 stars, a marina with more than 300 rings, Medina with more than 40 shops and a golf course 18 holes.