OJALÁ
(to hope for; derived from the Arabic “inshallah” meaning God willing)
Set at the tip of North Africa, Morocco is a country of diverse history and cultures. From the ancient Imazighen, to the Muslim Arabs, Moors, French, and Spanish, the country has experienced centuries of different rulers, kingdoms, and cultural influences.
This history can be seen throughout the country. The Moorish mosques adorned in colorful mosaic, the Arab, French, and Spanish that ring out from vendors in mazy medinas, the blaring calls to prayers, are all indicators of past influences that make Morocco what it is today.
THE FREE PEOPLE
Long before the Arabs arrived in Morocco in the 7th century, it was the Imazighen (free people) who inhabited the country’s lands. Indigenous to Morocco, the Imazighen were the first rulers of the region, traveling in tribes over the Sahara Desert and throughout the southern basin of the Mediterranean for trade.
Known also as Berbers, a now derogatory term derived from the Greek ‘foreigner’ or ‘barbaric’, the Imazighen assimilated and converted to Islam after the Arab invasion. Today, they’re divided into several tribes across the country, all with their own distinct dialect—the Rifians of the North; the Shluh of the southeast; and the Berraber in the center of the country and the Sahara.
THE ART OF ZELLIJ
Like the country itself, Moroccan tile has been influenced by several cultures throughout the centuries. Known as Zellij, Moroccan tile first made an appearance in the 10th century inspired by Roman and Byzantine mosaics popular at the time.
This ancient handcrafted artform, passed down from father to son, became more colorful and intricate after the Arab invasion. It transformed Moroccan architecture, introducing geometric patterns to mosque and palace facades that’ve become synonymous with Moorish architecture seen throughout Andalusia and Morocco.
CHEFCHAOUEN
Stepping into the northern city of Chefchaouen is like stepping into clouds in the sky. Located in the Rif Mountains, the city is known for its blue-painted buildings, winding staircases, and picturesque staircases that can be a reminder to those familiar with Mexico, of the city of Guanajuato.
The similarities of these two cities is not a coincidence. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Chefchaouen became a haven for Andalusian Muslim and Jewish refugees fleeing the Reconquista in Spain. These refugees, along with the local Imazighen population, contributed to the city's diverse cultural heritage.
MARRAKECH
Founded in 1062 AD by the Imazighen Almoravid dynasty leader Abu Bakr ibn Umar, Marrakech is a city of vibrant souks, Moorish architecture, and blend of Arab, Imazighen, and French culture. Known as the Red City, Marrakech has become a destination for tourists who enjoy its infamous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, its ancient medina, and mosques, tombs, and palaces that highlight the craftsmanship of intricate mosaic facades.
