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Morocco (MOR) Program Links - 1 2867

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• Excursions
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Morocco: Culture and Society

Program Highlights

Please note: Final arrangements are subject to change

Moroccan society is a fascinating melting pot of different cultures: Berber, Arab, Jewish, Muslim, African and European. The late Hassan II, king of Morocco, compared the country to a tree with its roots spreading deep into the heart of Africa, its trunk solidly set in the Arabo-Islamic world, and its branches reaching beyond Spain, Portugal and France to the heart of Europe. Morocco is changing rapidly as a result of modernization and democratization efforts; yet its diverse cultures are deeply anchored in age-old traditions that stress community life, baraka (sacred blessing), fate, family, and honor, all of which are values that Moroccans cherish and are always ready to share.

Historically, the Moroccan empire was a major player in world politics and the legendary cities of Fes, Marrakech and Essaouira, along with their monuments, are a standing witness of that historical role. Morocco is also a symphony of different forms of music and dance that make it one of the most "musical" countries in the world. The fine cuisine, the rich biodiversity, the hospitality, the vibrant civil society, the active elite, the diverse geography, the religious and ethnic tolerance, the Andalusian heritage, the varied economy and the longest Monarchy in the world-all of these make of it an interesting case that is worth studying closely.

Drop off:

On the second day after their arrival, students are taken to different locations in Rabat and dropped off with an assignment to complete. They observe and carry out interviews and report back. The objectives are to allow them to have a fresh and unmediated encounter with the local culture and to develop initial skills that will help them process their interaction.

Fes Medina Visit:

Visiting the Medina of Fes is an experience in itself. Labyrinthine, fascinating, endless, populated, and noisy, the Medina is an open and inhabited bazaar that dates back to the ninth century. Our guide or specialized professor will take us to some of its amazing sites like the tanneries, the Foundouk, the Medersa, the Semmarin Souk, and other places.

Forest Visit:

Visiting the biggest Atlas cedar forest in the world is an experience. On the first day of the Southern Excursion, the Forestry Service officials take the students to see the different projects they have initiated to protect the forest and give them detailed presentations on biodiversity issues and social issues related to the forest.

Merzouga Dunes:

While riding camels, students explore the sunset beauty of the ethereal Merzouga dunes, their biodiversity and the culture of the Ait Khabbash tribe. At dawn, the students wake and hike to the highest dune to enjoy the sunrise and discuss the Erg Chebi cultural ecology.
Discussion with Moroccan Students:

Students meet with their counterparts from Moroccan universities and discuss issues related to world affairs, Moroccan and American cultures and societies, as well questions of stereotyping, racism and others.

Hajib:

Hajib is one of the stars of Moroccan popular culture. He performs for the students with his band while explanations are provided on the different genres he sings in.

Hassan II Mosque:

One of the most beautiful mosques in the world and the only one non-Muslims can enter in Morocco (in addition to the Moulay Ismael Mosque in Meknes), Hassan II offers students an invaluable case study of Moroccan architecture, calligraphy, and art. It is located in Casablanca, the financial and economic center of Morocco, and as such shows the duality of Morocco as both a modern and a traditional society.

Abidate Errma:

Composed of 6 to 8 men, the bands of Abidate are famous in the central and western plains of Morocco. Love, sainthood and social life constitute the major themes of their enchanting songs. Yet, their skill shows more in their extraordinary ecstatic one-man dances. Abidate have become highly popular in Morocco in recent years especially among young men. The social satire has become attractive to so many audiences so much that national television channels features these bands quite often as part of its Saturday spectacles or at other events (during Ramadan and religious holidays).