Morocco, Wonderful Place of Contrasts and Colors

The Kingdom of Morocco, strategically situated with both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines but with a rugged mountainous exterior, is the westernmost of the North African countries known as the Maghreb. It stayed independent for centuries while developing a rich culture blended from Arab, Berber, European and African influences.

At first, Moroccan people can seem intimidating and unapproachable. But by nature, Moroccan people are hospitable. It is an essential element to their culture.
In Morocco and Northern Africa, cooks use the tagine, a clay pot with a high, conical lid. The lid traps moisture and flavor, and the tagine is used to produce very slow cooked, flavorful meals.
It is very possible to get lost in Fez' web of intricate alleys and travel forever back in time. It is no wonder that Fes -also spelled Fez- is labeled as the "city of ten thousand alleys"

At first, Moroccan people can seem intimidating and unapproachable. But by nature, Moroccan people are hospitable. It is an essential element to their culture.
Berbers are the indigenous peoples of North Africa west of the Nile Valley. Berber is a name that has been given them by others and which they themselves do not use. These people call themselves Amazigh.
The Horseshoe arch, also called the Moorish arch and the Keyhole arch, is an emblematic feature of Islamic architecture.

At first, Moroccan people can seem intimidating and unapproachable. But by nature, Moroccan people are hospitable. It is an essential element to their culture.
The "djellaba", also known as "darija", is a traditional long, loose-fitting outer robe with full sleeves worn in the Maghreb region of North Africa and in Arabic speaking countries along the Mediterranean.
The Moroccan landscape is framed by several fantastic mountain ranges which not only make for spectacular scenery and interesting flora and fauna, but hey also are home to several nomadic tribes who still stick strongly to the ancient cultures and traditions of their forefathers.

The Horseshoe arch, also called the Moorish arch and the Keyhole arch, is an emblematic feature of Islamic architecture.
A medina quarter is a distinct city section common for cities in Morocco. They are typically the original parts of a town fortified with walls and contain many narrow and maze-like alleys like this one in Casablanca, wide enough for burros but not cars.
Morocco's history has left its mark in the form of architectural treasures in many towns and cities. Superb examples of historic architecture can be found in the many palaces scattered throughout Morocco.

The water in Souk El Ma, in the city of Oujda, used to be sold by vendors like these from the irrigation system that can still be seen today. Souk El Ma is Arabic for Water Souk, or water market.
Tangier's medina is not one of the largest in Morocco, but it is a good example of what medinas are like. It is filled with family dwellings as well as little shops and merchants dealing spices, perfumes, and sundries.