Cultural Entry #2 Taylor Resteghini

In searching for a place to study abroad that would complement my Arabic studies, I have become interested in learning more about Morocco. The BU study abroad program is specifically located in Rabat, a large city with a mix of old and new structures. The program includes service projects like teaching English or internships in both the summer and school year. All levels of Arabic classes are offered as well as additional classes on history, Islam, politics and foreign policy. I decided to do some background research on the history and culture off the country.

The capital city of the Kingdom of Morocco is Rabat, although the largest city is Casablanca. Moroccans are predominately of Berber (indigenous North African) and Arabic decent. The Berber people have been living in North Africa for centuries and lived in the mountainous areas but in more recent years many have moved to the cities for work. The official languages of Morocco are Berber and Arabic. The distinctive group of Moroccan Arabic dialects are collectively called Darija. A lesser amount of the population speaks French, Spanish and English. Before its independence in 1956, Morocco was divided into French and Spanish zones. In the 1960s, Hassan II suppressed domestic opposition. Human Rights Investigations confirmed a large number of rights violations cases. However, Hassan's son and current leader, Mohammed VI, has introduced less restrictive economic and social policies. He revised the constitution in response to "Arab Spring" protests, and appointed a new government in 2012. Some have protested against the failure to meet some democratic and economic expectations, but the country overall is experiencing improvement.

The currency in Morocco is called the Dirham and its main products include minerals, seafood and citrus. Green tea with mint and sweetened with sugar, called Maghrebi green tea, is a popular beverage. The most famous dishes include couscous, pastilla, and harira. Chicken is the most widely eaten meat. 

Morocco offers many site-seeing opportunities. Older cities commonly have mosques with beautiful towers (minarets), busy bazaars, old medieval medinas and fortresses (kasbahs). The university called al-Qarawiyin was founded in the city of Fes and is debated to be the oldest university in the world. Many mosques do not allow entrance to non-Muslims, except for some restored ones in Smara and Casablanca. The most popular sport there is soccer, so you could probably find a soccer game or two to watch and enjoy.

While the conservativeness of the culture depends on where you travel to in the country, it is important to respect the ideas of modest dress and courteousness in public. Traditional views have been somewhat challenged and discarded by the younger generations living in the cities. Overall, Moroccans are generally friendly and welcoming of visitors, given the nature of the country’s roots in travelling and diverse cultures. I am excited to do more research and possibly, when I become more fluent in my Arabic speaking, travel to this beautiful country.