Culture of Morocco

Theculture of Moroccois a blend ofArab,Berber,Andalusicultures, withMediterranean,HebraicandAfricaninfluences.It represents and is shaped by a convergence of influences throughout history. This sphere may include, among others, the fields of personal or collective behaviors, language, customs, knowledge, beliefs, arts, legislation, gastronomy, music, poetry, architecture, etc. WhileMoroccostarted to be stably predominantlySunni Muslimstarting from 9th–10th century AD, during theAlmoravidperiod, a very significant Andalusi culture was imported, contributing to the shaping of Moroccan culture.Another major influx of Andalusi culture was brought by Andalusis with them following their expulsion from Al-Andalus toNorth Africaafter theReconquista.In antiquity, starting from the second century A.D and up to the seventh, a ruralDonatistChristianitywas present, along an urban still-in-the-makingRoman Catholicism.All of the cultural super strata tend to rely on a multi-millennial aboriginal Berber substratum still present and dating back to prehistoric times.
The linguistic landscape of Morocco is complex. It generally tends to be horizontally diverse and vertically stratified. It is though possible to broadly classify it into two main components: Arab and Berber. It is hardly possible to speculate about the origin of Berber languages as it is traced back to low antiquity and prehistoric times.TheSemiticinfluence, on the contrary, can be fairly documented by archaeological evidence.It came in two waves:Canaanite, in itsPunic, Carthaginian andHebrewhistoric varieties, from the ninth century B.C and up to high antiquity, andArabic, during the low Middle Ages, starting from the seventh century A.D. The two Semitic languages being close, both in syntax and vocabulary it is hard to tell them apart as to who influenced more the structure of the modernMoroccan Arabic dialect.The Arab conquerors having certainly encountered large romanized urbanPunicpopulation as they advanced.In any case, the linguistic and cultural identity of Morocco, just as its geography would predict, is the result of the encounter of three main circles: Arab, Berber, and Western Mediterranean European.
The two officiallanguages of MoroccoareModern Standard ArabicandStandard Moroccan Berber. According to the 2024 general census, 92.7% of Moroccans speakMoroccan Arabic, while 24.8% speak aBerber language, in itsTarifit(3.2%),Central Atlas Tamazight(7.4%), orTashelhit(14.2%) varieties.The census also indicated that 80.6% of Moroccans consider Arabic to be their native language, while 18.9% regard any of the various Berber languages as their mother tongue.
Modern Standard ArabicandStandard Moroccan Berberare the official languages of Morocco,whileMoroccan Arabicis the nationalvernaculardialect;Berber languages are spoken in some mountain areas, such asTarifit, spoken by 3.2%,Central Atlas Tamazight, spoken by 7.4%, andTashelhit, spoken by 14.2%.According to the 2024 census, 99.2%, or almost the entire literate population of Morocco, could read and write in Arabic, whereas only 1.5% of the population could read and write in Berber.Varieties ofJudeo-Arabichave also traditionally been spoken in Morocco.Foreign languages, particularly French, English, and Spanish, are also spoken in urban centers such asTangierorCasablanca. With all of these languages,code-switchingis an omnipresent phenomenon in Moroccan speech and media.
Classical Arabic, a formal rather thannatural language, is used primarily in formal, academic, and religious settings.Moroccan Arabic, in its various regional and contextual forms, is used more often in casual situations, at home, and on the street.Hassaniyais anotherdialect of Arabicspoken in the south of Morocco.
There are three main varieties of Berber languages spoken in Morocco.Tashelhit(also known locally asSoussia) is spoken in southwest Morocco, including the High Atlas and the Sous valley.Central Atlas Tamazightis spoken in theMiddle Atlasand southeast Morocco; for example, aroundKhenifraandMidelt.Tarifitis spoken in theRifarea of northern Morocco in towns likeNador,Al Hoceima, andAjdir.
Moroccan literature is the literature produced by people who lived in or were culturally connected toMoroccoand the historical states that have existed partially or entirely within the geographical area that is now Morocco. Most of what is known as Moroccan literature was created since thearrival of Islamin the 8th century.Moroccan literature was historically and mainly written inArabic.
Moroccan music is characterized by its great diversity from one region to another. It includesArabic musicgenres, such aschaâbiandaitain the Atlantic plains (Doukkala-Abda,Chaouia-Ouardigha,Rehamna),melhounin the cities associated withal-Andalus(Meknes,Fes,Salé,Tetouan,Oujda...), andHassaniin theMoroccan Sahara. There is alsoBerber musicsuch as theRifreggada, theahidusof theMiddle Atlasand theSoussahwash. In the South there is alsodeqqa Marrakshiaandgnawa. In addition, young people synthesize the Moroccan spirit with influences from around the world (blues, rock, metal, reggae, Moroccan rap, etc.).
Tarab al-āla[ar](طرب الآلةlit. "joy of the instrument") is a celebrated musical style in Morocco, a result of a large migration of Muslims fromValenciato Moroccan cities and especiallyFes.The Fessiālastyle uses the Moroccan forms of theAndalusinubahmelodical arrangements.While this musical style is sometimes popularly referred to asAndalusi music, specialists prefer the nameāla(آلة"instrument") to differentiate it from the Sufi tradition ofsamā', which is purely vocal, and to deëmphasize its relationship with Europe.Mohammed al-Haik's 18th century songbookKunnash al-Haik, is a seminal text of theālatradition.Traditional songs such as "Shams al-'Ashiya" are still played at celebrations and formal events.Dar ul-Aalain Casablanca is a museum and conservatory dedicated to this musical heritage. Another style of music derived from the musical traditions ofal-AndalusisGharnati music.
A genre known as Contemporary Andalusian Music and art is the brainchild of Morisco visual artist/composer/oudist Tarik Banzi, founder of theAl-Andalus Ensemble.
Chaabi ("popular") is a music consisting of numerous varieties which are descended from the multifarious forms of Moroccan folk music. Chaabi was originally performed in markets, but is now found at any celebration or meeting.
Popular Western forms of music are becoming increasingly popular in Morocco, such as fusion, rock, country, metal and, in particular, hip hop.
Morocco participated in the1980 Eurovision Song Contest, where it finished in the penultimate position.
Thedecorative artshave a long and important history in Morocco. One of the traditional elements of artistic expression in Morocco isMaghrebi-Andalusian art and architecture.Carved plasterArabesques,zelligetilework, carved wood, and other expressions ofIslamic geometric patternsare typical features of this style.Maghrebi Arabic scriptis an important feature of the history of visual art in Morocco.While some aspects of Maghrebi script are codified and prescribed, there have also been innovations, such as those by the 19th century calligrapherMuhammad al-Qandusi.Muhammad Ben Ali Rabatiwas one of the first Moroccans to paint in a European style.
Hamid Irbouh identifies three groups within Moroccan modernism: the Populists, the Nativists, and the Bipictorialists. Among the Populists—usually self-trained artists who received support from French and American patrons and depicted everyday vernacular life—were artists such asAhmed Louardighi,Hassan El Glaoui,Ahmed Drissi, andFatima Hassan El Farouj.The Nativists—active in the 1960s and led byFarid Belkahiaand other members of theCasablanca School, such asMohamed MelehiandMohamed Chabâa—sought to break entirely with the West in general and with France in particular.The Bipictorialists, includingAhmed CherkaouiandJilali Gharbaoui, entered in dialog with Moroccan, French, and Western influences, working toward a reconciliation of the various dimensions of postcolonial Moroccan identity.
Contemporary art in Morocco is still developing. with considerable potential for growth. Since the 1990s–2000s Moroccan cities have welcomed institutions that contribute to the diffusion of contemporary art and the visual arts: L'appartement 22 and Radio Apartment 22 in Rabat,theCinémathèque de Tangerin Tangier,La Source du Lionin Casablanca, Dar Al-Ma'mûn residency and center, the Marrakech Art Fair, and theMarrakech Biennale, all in Marrakech.
Local art galleries such as Galerie Villa Delaporte, Atelier 21, Galerie Matisse and Galerie FJ are also platforms showing contemporary artwork and contributing to its development.
The global art market also influences the development and visibility of contemporary art in Morocco; international exhibitions such as "Africa Remix" (2004) and "Uneven Geographies" (2010) featured contemporary artists from North Africa, including Moroccan ones. Regional events such as theDakar Biennale(or Dak'Art – Biennale de l'Art Africain Contemporain), a majorcontemporary African artexhibition, gives greater visibility to artists from the African continent.
Artists born in Morocco or with Moroccan origins includeMounir Fatmi, Latifa Echackhch, Mohamed El Baz, Bouchra Khalili,Majida Khattari, Mehdi-Georges Lahlou, and Younes Baba-Ali.
Moroccan artists have devised several initiatives to help develop a contemporary art market in the country. For example, Hassan Darsi created La Source du Lion in 1995, an art studio that welcomes artists-in-residence, and Bouchra Khalili andYto Barradafounded the Cinémathèque de Tanger in 2003, which is dedicated to promoting Moroccan cinematographic culture.A group of seven Moroccan artists, among themAmina Benbouchta, Hassan Echair, Jamila Lamrani,Safâa Erruasand Younès Rahmoun, formed "Collectif 212" to exhibit their work at Le Cube, an independent art room. Their first major show was in 2006 at the exhibitionUn Siècle de peinture au Maroc[A century of painting in Morocco] when the new premises of the French Institute of Rabat (L'Institut Français de Rabat) were officially opened.They committed to creating artistic experiences in the context of Moroccan culture, as well as collaborating with other artists such as Hicham Benohoud.
The young local artists Batoul Shim and Karim Rafi participated in the "Working for Change" project, which aims to create art expressive of Moroccan culture, during the 2011Venice Biennale.
There is a burgeoning market for modern & contemporary art. The art movement began over 50 years ago at the center of Marrakech, in the bustling market place ofJemaa el-Fna, when a group of abstract artistsgot together and exhibited their work. The exhibit lasted for 10 days and is considered the beginning of a movement in modern and contemporary art. It has been gaining recognition throughout the African continent and globally ever since.
Marrakechhas emerged as the "art capital" of Morocco. It houses numerous art museums including the Farid Belkahia Museum, named after one of the leadingJemaa el-Fnaartists who died in 2014. Marrakech is home to theYves Saint Laurent Museumand hosts the annualMarrakech International Film Festival.
Tangieris another center for art, producing renowned artists likeAhmed YacoubiandAbdellatif Zineand Mohamed Hamri whose works are displayed around the world.
Tattooingwas once a popular tradition in theMaghreb, particularly among ruralBerberpopulations.
Joseph Bouhsira, active in Fes, was one of the firstMoroccan photographers.
Moroccan cuisineis generally a mix ofArab,Andalusi,BerberandMediterraneancuisines with slight European and sub-Saharan influences.Berbershad food staples such asfigs,olivesanddatesand prepared lamb and poultry dishes frequently. This has heavily influenced Moroccan cuisine as all of these are used in abundance. Morocco is known for dishes such ascouscous,tajine, andpastilla. Moroccan cuisine uses many herbs, includingcilantro,parsley, andmint; spices such ascinnamon,turmeric,ginger,cumin, andsaffron; and produce such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, zucchini, bell peppers, andeggplant. One of the defining features of Moroccan cuisine is the interplay between sweet and savory flavors, as exemplified bytfaya, a mix of caramelized onions, butter, cinnamon, sugar, and raisins often served with meat.
Historically, couscous has been the staple of the Moroccan diet. On special occasions, more complex meals like the traditional Moroccanpastillaand some special pastries such asgazelle anklesandbriwatesare served for guests.Mint tea, calledatayin Morocco, is commonly regarded as the national beverages. Coffee is also universally enjoyed from espresso to cappuccinos.
Morocco' official religion isIslam. The rhythm of life for Moroccans is dictated by religious celebrations throughout the year, such asRamadanandEid Al Adha. During these celebrations, most of them being public holidays, Moroccans focus on praying and spending time with their family. Moroccans also celebrateal-Mawlid al-Nabawi, the birthday ofMuhammad, and theIslamic New Year.
Other religious celebrations include theFriday weekly prayerwhere most Moroccans go to the mosque for the Friday mid-day prayer.
Morocco has long had a significant Jewish population, distinguished by traditions particular toMoroccan Jews. For example,Mimounais a characteristicallyMaghrebiholiday celebrated the day afterPassover.Mahiais traditionally associated with MoroccanPurimcelebrations.
Yennayer, the Amazigh new year, has been celebrated from January 12 to January 13, the beginning of theJulian calendar, since antiquity.
Other celebrations include Ashura, the tenth day of the Islamic year, andBujlood, a folk carnival celebrated afterEid al-Adha.
Taburida, ormawsamorfantasia, is a traditional exhibition of horsemanship in theMaghrebperformed during cultural festivals and for Maghrebi wedding celebrations.There are also several annual festivals that take place in Morocco, such as theBetrothal FestivalinImilshil, the rose festival inQalaat Megouna, or the saffron festival inTaliween.
Carpet weavingis a traditional craft in Morocco. Styles vary dramatically from region to region and from tribe to tribe. Among the more popular varieties there are:
Some Atlas tribes, such as the Beni Ouarain, also weavehendiras, which are ornate woven cloaks for use in the winter. When it is snowing, they can be overturned and the loose loops of wool help snow fall off to keep the cloak dry.
The traditional dress for men and womenis calleddjellaba(جلابة); a long, loose, hooded garment with full sleeves. The djellaba has a hood that comes to a point called aqob. Theqobprotects the wearer from the sun or in colder climates, like the mountains, theqobkeeps in body heat and protects the face from falling snow. For special occasions, men also wear a red cap called abernousse, more commonly referred to as aFez. Women wearkaftans(قفطان) decorated with ornaments. Nearly all men, and most women, wearbalgha(بلغة) —- soft leather slippers with no heel, often dyed yellow. Women also wear high-heeledsandals, often with silver or goldtinsel.
The distinction between adjellabaand akaftanis the hood on thedjellaba, which akaftanlacks. Most women'sdjellabasare brightly colored and have ornate patterns, stitching, or beading, while men'sdjellabasare usually plainer and colored neutrally.
Among other cultural and artistic traditions,jewellery of the Berber culturesworn byBerberwomen and made of silver, beads and other applications was a common trait of Berber identities in large areas of the Maghreb up to the second half of the 20th century.
In the first half of the 20th century, Casablanca had many movie theaters, such asCinema Rialto,Cinema LynxandCinema Vox—the largest in Africa at the time it was built.
The 1942 American filmCasablancais supposedly set in Casablanca and has had a lasting impact on the city's image, though it was filmed entirely in California and doesn't feature a single Moroccan character with a speaking role.Salut Casa!was a propaganda film brandishing France's purported colonial triumph in itscivilizing missionin the city.
Mostafa Derkaoui's 1973 filmAbout Some Meaningless Events(Arabic:أحداث بلا دلالة) was screened twice in Morocco before it was banned under Hassan II.
Love in Casablanca(1991), starringAbdelkarim DerqaouiandMuna Fettou, was one of the first Moroccan films to deal with Morocco's complex realities and depict life in Casablanca with verisimilitude.Bouchra Ijork's 2007 made-for-TV filmBitter Orangeachieved wide support among Moroccan viewers.Nour-Eddine Lakhmari'sCasanegra(2008) depicts the harsh realities of Casablanca's working classes.The filmsAli Zaoua(2000),Horses ofGod(2012),Much Loved(2015), andGhazzia(2017) ofNabil Ayouch—a French director of Moroccan heritage—deal with street crime, terrorism, and social issues in Casablanca, respectively.The events inMeryem Benm'Barek-Aloïsi's 2018 filmSofiarevolve around an illegitimate pregnancy in Casablanca.Hicham LasriandSaid Nacirialso from Casablanca.
Atlas StudiosinWarzazatis a large movie studio.
Some directors have set films in Morocco. In 1952Orson WelleschoseEssaouiraas the setting for several scenes in his adaptation of Shakespeare's "Othello", which had won the Grand Prix du Festival International du Film at that year'sCannes Film Festival. In 1955,Alfred HitchcockdirectedThe Man Who Knew Too Muchand in 1962,David Leanshot theTafasMassacre scene ofLawrence of Arabiain the city of "Ouarzazate", which housesAtlas Studios.Aït Benhaddouhas been the setting of many films. The filmHideous Kinkywas filmed in Marrakech.
Aqsar(Arabic:قصر), (p.qsur) is a North African fortified village.There are over 300qsurandqasbastheDraa Valley, particularly in the area betweenAgdzandZagora.
Anagadir, not to be confused with the cityAgadir, is a communalgranarytraditionally found inShilhacommunities in southern Morocco.
Andalusi gardens, inherited fromMoriscorefugees who settled in Morocco, are a prominent feature ofMoroccan architecture.These have been used in building palaces such as theBahia Palacein Marrakesh. The Andalusi garden, which usually features a burbling fountain, has an important role in coolingriads: the evaporation of water is anendothermicchemical reaction, which absorbs heat from the area garden and surrounding rooms.
Morocco has many beautiful gardens, including theMajorelle GardeninMarrakechand theAndalusianGarden in theKasbah of the UdayasinRabat.
Dar(Arabic:دار), the name given to one of the most common types of domestic structures in Morocco, is a home found in amedina, or walled urban area of a city.  Most Moroccan homes traditionally adhere to theDar al-Islam, a series of tenets on Islamic domestic life.Darexteriors are typically devoid of ornamentation and windows, except occasional small openings in secondary quarters, such as stairways and service areas.  These piercings provide light and ventilation.Darsare typically composed of thick, high walls that protect inhabitants from thievery, animals, and other such hazards; however, they have a much more symbolic value from an Arabic perspective. In this culture the exterior represents a place of work, while the interior represents a place of refuge.Thus, Moroccan interiors are often very lavish in decoration and craft.
Consistent with mostIslamic architecture,darsare based around small open-air patios, surrounded by very tall thick walls, to block direct light and minimize heat.Intermediary triple-arched porticos lead to usually two to four symmetrically located rooms.  These rooms have to be long and narrow, creating very vertical spaces, because the regional resources and construction technology typically only allow for joists that are usually less than thirteen feet.
Upon entering adar, guests move through a zigzagging passageway that hides the central courtyard. The passageway opens to a staircase leading to an upstairs reception area called adormiria, which often is the most lavish room in the home adorned with decorative tilework, painted furniture, and piles of embroidered pillows andMoroccan rugs.  More affluent families also have greenhouses and a seconddormiria, accessible from a street-level staircase.  Service quarters and stairways were always at the corners of the structures.
Ziliij(Arabic:الزليج), colorful geometric mosaic tile work, is adecorative artand architectural element commonly found in Moroccan mosques, mausolea, homes, and palaces. These probably evolved fromGreco-Roman mosaics, which have been found in cities such asVolubilisandLixus.
In the mid to late 20th century, architects such asElie Azagury,Jean-François Zevaco,Abdeslam Faraoui,Patrice de Mazières, andMourad Ben Embarekmarked thearchitecture of Casablancaand other parts of Morocco with significant works ofmodernistandbrutalistarchitecture.