Discovering Morocco: 10 Surprising Things You Didn't Know About This Enchanting Country



Morocco is a country of immense beauty and diversity, located in the north-western part of Africa. The country is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. There are many interesting things to know about this fascinating country, here are 10 things you probably didn't know about Morocco:

Morocco has two official languages, Arabic and Berber. French is also widely spoken, especially in business and government.
Mint tea is a staple drink in Morocco, and is served with sugar and mint leaves. It is often used as a symbol of hospitality and is a key part of Moroccan culture.
Morocco has a diverse landscape, ranging from the rugged Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic coast. The country is also home to many beautiful beaches, including the popular coastal town of Essaouira.
Morocco is known for its incredible architecture, including the iconic blue city of Chefchaouen, the ornate palaces and mosques of Marrakech, and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
The traditional Moroccan dress for men is called a djellaba, which is a long, loose-fitting robe with a hood. Women often wear the kaftan, a long dress with a high collar and wide sleeves.
Morocco is home to the world's oldest university. The University of Al Quaraouiyine in Fes was founded in 859 AD and is still operational today.
Morocco has the second oldest ruling dynasty in the world.You might be aware that Japan has the oldest ruling dynasty, but did you know that Morocco has the second oldest ruling dynasty in the world? The current royal family has been in power since 1631. The House of Shorafa Aloui claims decent of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad Ibin Abdullah. Morocco became a constitutional monarchy in 1957 and the current king, Mohamed VI, is the 23rd of his line.
Morocco is home to the world's largest solar power plant, the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex. It covers an area of more than 1,000 hectares and is capable of producing enough energy to power over one million homes.
Not just writers and singers love Morocco; filmmakers do as well. Morocco is home to the largest film sets in the world, outside of Hollywood. The Atlas film studios in Ouarzazate are nicknamed “Morocco’s Hollywood.” Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Bertolucci’s The Sheltering Sky, and Scorsese’s Kundun were all shot in Morocco. As were Mission Impossible, Babel, Kingdom of Heaven, The Mummy Returns, and of course: Casablanca. Most recently, Morocco served as a film location for Game of Thrones. In 2014, indie movie director Jim Jarmusch borrowed the lovely scenerey of Tangier as a shooting location for the arthouse vampire movie 'Only Lovers Left Allive.'

Morocco has a rich artistic heritage, with traditional crafts such as pottery, textiles, and jewelry being widely produced and sold in markets across the country. Music is also an important part of Moroccan culture, with genres such as chaabi, gnawa, and Andalusian music being popular.

In conclusion, Morocco is a fascinating and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. From its vibrant cities to its beautiful beaches and ancient ruins, there is something for everyone in this enchanting country.

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