9 Reasons Why You’ll Love Moroccan Culture

Coffee or tea?

Just to continue from my last post, I thought I’d share some of the things I learned about Moroccan culture. They’re really random facts I picked up from my guide at the time and it’s helped shape my appreciation for the culture and lifestyle.

9 Cool Things I Learned about Moroccan culture:

1.  Donkeys are the most popular animal

Our ‘illegal’ guide Outman, told us that ‘Donkeys are the taxis of Fez’! You’ll see many of them packing loads of cargo through the streets of Old Fez. They’re used for transporting goods and occasionally, Fez folk ride them.  If you hear someone behind you shout, “Halak!” then take the cue and get outta the way! It means someone with a donkey wants to pass.

They say, donkeys are the taxis for locals in Morocco

2.  Getting around in Fez

The way to skirt around between old Fez and new, is by taxi and there’s two types: petite and grande.

Petite taxis handle inner city transportation and run on a meter (make sure your driver is using one; it’s the law). Petite colors change per city; for instance, red is used in Fez and beige is in Marrakech.

Grande taxis are best for longer distances (i.e. to the airport) and are hired by flat rate, which you’ll negotiate with your driver before the trip.  Incidentally, here’s a helpful guide on using taxis and how to order them.

Taxis waiting for customers and dropping them off at the RCIF.

 3.  Prayer Calls

At first you may thing there’s an air raid in the city, but the woven rumble of chanting that is sirened over a loudspeaker actually sounds peace. What you’re hearing are prayer calls and they’re coming from the mosques. Adhan (Arabic: “prayer calls“) occurs five times throughout the day, as part of the Muslim faith. It’s a cool experience, even if it wakes you from your slumber at 3 AM.  When adhan begins, watch able-bodied Muslims file in, lining up inside and around the mosque for worship.

Prayer calls

4.  Dining etiquette  in Morocco

Do as Moroccans do when dining– eat with your fingers!

However, you must use your right hand when eating and drinking and only your first three fingers to eat your food. To use anymore than three, is being ”piggy”. Never use the left hand: it’s for the you-know-what duties.

Okay, so you’re actually supposed use your first three fingers when eating, but eating food and drinking is done with your right hand.

5.  Ubiquitous Pictures of the King

Morocco has a king and you will find a picture of him in every household and place of business!

Pictures of the Moroccan king in every house and every shop (two photos of him are shown here)

6.  Moroccans: Arabs vs. Berbers

What would a country be without it’s racial tensions?

There’s two classes in Morocco: Arab- Moroccans and Berber-Moroccans. Berbers were the original natives of Morocco, until the Arab world took over. Thus, there’s a discrepancy between the two classes. Arab-Morrocans will say the Berbers are of the lower caste, because they’re simple mountain folk with a rural lifestyle; whereas they are more refined. It’s similar to the story of ‘City Mouse vs Country Mouse‘.  

But for travelers looking to buy souvenirs, what sets them apart is also their design and fabrics. The Berber style is a bit more folksy, native and simpler in design; their fabrics are of a rougher weave due to the fact they must withstand cold weather. Meanwhile, Arab-influenced tapestry is smooth to the touch and more ornate in design… more Arabic.

Both are beautiful and symbolic of the two natures of Moroccan life.

Berber carpets

7.  Superstition and the Hand of Fatima

Moroccans are superstitious. The Hand of Fatima or the ‘Eye of Fatima‘ is an ornate hand symbol used in amulets, charms, jewelry, mendhi designs, door entrances, etc… Often it looks like a mendhi hand and is said to offer protection against jealousy and bad wishes. This symbol is also to invite good luck, abundance and patience. Below is a rudimentary Berber version of it, used as a door handle design.

A Berber door holds the a rudimentary version of the Hand of Fatima as it’s door handle

The Moroccan version of the Hand of Fatima.

Hand of Fatima, Photo: Wikipedia

8.  Moroccans and their TV

It’s said that 80% of the homes in Fez have television. Looking over the buildings of Fez, satellite dishes and tv antennas decorate the rooftops leading you to believe this might not be far from true.

Houses in Fez with satellite dishes

 9. What do Moroccans speak

Ou est le toilette? …If you’ve taken a bit of high school French then you’ll have no problem getting around. French is the unofficial third most-spoken language in Morocco, after Arabic (the native language) and Berber (the second language) (read here). However, English and Spanish is slowly entering the picture, primarily for the sake of commerce; but for the time being, I wouldn’t count on getting by on them. 

What are some random facts you’ve learned about a country you’ve traveled which have shaped your appreciation for the culture?