Travel guide
Morocco

The 12 keywords Morocco

1. Baraka

It is the divine grace, and generally the luck in the Arab world. It is obtained by invoking the memory of a holy man or, better still, by making a pilgrimage to the site of his shrine (kubba or zaouia). To ensure the baraka, it is necessary to collect earth near the mausoleum and keep it preciously like a relic!

2. Kasbah

A veritable fortified village belonging to the lord, the kasbah served as a refuge for peasants in case of attack. It is built of pisé, a mixture of clay soil and pebbles, surprisingly resistant to time. Southern Morocco conceals the most beautiful kasbahs, some of which date from the 17th century. That of Aït Benhaddou is a beautiful example.

3. Fondouk

Also known as caravanserai, fondouks are old inns where merchants and their camels used to come to rest. Today they have become places where goods are stored. There are 155 fondouks in the medina of Fez, some of which have been restored. The most beautiful is undoubtedly the fondouk Nejjarine.

4. Hammam

The opportunity to relax in the hammam will not be missed in Morocco! In addition to their function of purifying the body, these wet steam baths also have an important social role. Everyone goes there not only to wash, but also to meet others and chat. Generally, there are two public hammams: one for women, the other for men

5. Medersa

It is the Koranic schools that were formerly responsible for the education of students in theology, history or science. Under the Merinid sultans, they multiplied everywhere in Morocco. The prayer room is a pure architectural jewel, decorated with chiselled zelliges. The only religious monument open to non-Muslims, enjoy it!

6. Medina

It is the old town inside the ramparts, very popular and bustling with activity. The medinas of Marrakesh and Fez bewitch by their maze of narrow streets, their intense scents and their myriad craft shops. By getting lost in their winding alleyways, it's like plunging into a medieval atmosphere out of time!

7. Muezzin

A member of the mosque, the muezzin calls for prayer from the top of his minaret by modulating suras from the Koran. In the past, he was chosen for his thunderous voice, which would echo throughout the city. Today, loudspeakers have replaced his long breath, which does not alter the disorientation generated by the five calls per day.

8. Date Palm

The Berbers had the brilliant idea of introducing this tree from Mesopotamia and planting it where there were springs in the middle of the desert: the oasis had just been invented! Not very demanding in water, the date palm has adapted well, as can be seen from the green flows along the oases. Delicious dates are harvested here and are very much appreciated by the locals.

9. Riad

This is often referred to as a house, but it is an abuse of language. The riad is actually the inner courtyard of a house. With its central fountain and lush vegetation, this space is a delicious haven of peace and freshness, inspired by the Andalusian patio. You can spend pleasant moments with your family, isolated from the bustle of the medina.

10. Tadelakt

A mixture of lime, white cement and pigments, tadelakt is a decorative coating, the preparation of which requires a certain know-how. It is traditionally used to dress bathrooms and hammams, as it has the advantage of being waterproof. To the touch, it offers a feeling of softness, which is polished with pebbles.

11. Mint tea

Simply unavoidable! And if one drinks it all over Morocco, it is in the South that its consumption is the most important. Mint tea is a whole ritual that obeys precise rules, from its preparation to its tasting. Difficult to decline the invitation, wait for at least the third glass so as not to offend your guests.

12. Zaouïa

This is the building that houses the tomb of a marabout. The faithful come here to pray, and to enjoy the baraka of the late holy man. From the 18th century, the zaouias gave birth to a real cult of marabouts, which this term ended up designating religious brotherhoods in general. They are forbidden to non-Muslims.