I have always been fascinated with the Moroccan culture so it was an easy decision for me to choose this as my culture study. This past summer, I traveled to Spain and was able to visit the Islamic palace, Alhambra (last 2 photos captured by me). Although located in Spain, the architecture dates back to Islamic rule of this specific area resulting in an indistinguishable Islamic influence that we also see in Morocco. It was an enlightening experience being able to see the extravagant details with my own eyes. The following facts are aspects of this rich culture that I found very interesting:
-Morocco’s main religion is Sunni Islam. With in this religion, figural representation is used for depicting Allah/nature of sacred reality and is prominent within Moroccan architecture, art, and fashion.
-Moroccans enjoy a special green tea drink called atai which is a mix of green tea, mint and sugar. Brewing and serving tea is considered an art form in Morocco and holds cultural significance.
-Marrakech is one of the largest cities in Morocco and is referred to as “The Red City” due to it’s 12th century sandstone architecture. These red walls have shown their influence throughout the country and even into other culture’s architecture.
-A special lamp used with in Ramadan rituals has become a distinctive part of the Moroccan culture. These detailed and colorful lamps are featured in markets all over the world for their aesthetic beauty.
-A takchita is a long and loose dress that Moroccan women commonly wear for celebrations and special events. They often include intricate threading, vibrant colors, and decorative beads.
