Back to GMT time: RAM recommendations to travelers
By Dinarconsulting - Thursday, April 25, 2019
One of the most famous historical spaces in Morocco, has for centuries stored the expressions of popular culture and open spectacle in the face of visitors from around the world, as well as the importance of commercial and economic place.
Site
Jemaa el Fna Square is located in the center of the ancient city of Marrakech, the capital of the Almoravids, and the city of historical weight and cultural and tourist radiation. Close to the ancient Kutoubia Mosque, and the arena is the home of the commercial movement and crossing the various joints of the Red City.
History
Historical sources link the origins of Djemaa el Fna square with the establishment of Marrakesh in 1071 by the Almoravids. Its commercial function was crystallized before it became more important after the construction of the nearby Kutoubia mosque, which was granted a greater status.
There are those who call it the courtyard of Jemaa el-Fna, in relation to the courtyard of the house, ie, the open courtyard, and there are those who depend on the opening to open the courtyard, claiming that it was the scene of execution in the ages of the era of absence, but there is a consensus that the arena formed over centuries long place to review the armies in their way To military campaigns.
According to some sources, the scene was the site of the army gathering in the era of the Almoravid state before launching military campaigns in various directions, including the campaign of Youssef Ben Tashfin to Andalusia, which culminated in his victory in the Battle of the famous "Zalka" on the Spaniards.
Despite its presence and its vital location in the Almoravid era, some historians associate the name "Al Fna" with the courtyard of the Great Mosque built by the Sa'dids in the Rued El Zaytoun district in the 16th century. The scene has been so widely known to be a space for many films, including Arabic.
Its classification in 2001 as UNESCO's World Heritage of Humanity was the most important turning point in the life of the place, as a universal recognition of its cultural value, a celebration of the pioneers of popular folkloric arts, and an oral memory of intergenerational heritage.
The Spanish writer Juan Guetisolo, who has chosen stability in Marrakech since the 1970s, has played an important role in rallying support for this international recognition of space protection, sustaining its activities and helping its leaders withstand the vicissitudes of modern life.
Cultural and tourism activity
Jemaa El Fna Square has become a registered tourist attraction that attracts visitors from around the world. It is one of the most famous open human spaces of its age. It stores the secrets and legacy of the times of the past through the art of watching suggested by practitioners who practice various forms of artistic communication with people, either folk singing, a mathematical and philological review, or chapters of traditional tales or snake-tasting art Monkeys and other offers that appeal to visitors according to their preferences.
In parallel with this constant activity, throughout the day and into the late night, traditional occupations such as the henna pattern and the traditional traditional cuisine of the region and the various regions of Morocco flourish.
In general, the displays of the arena, organized in the form of circular assemblies around the narrator, artist or acrobat, are an opportunity to see the richness and diversity of Moroccan cultural heritage in its Arab, Amazigh, Saharan and African dimensions.
According to Spanish writer Goetisolo, the scene is "unmatched across the world", although it can be eliminated by administrative decision, it is impossible to establish a similar arena by a decision of this kind.
The scene inspired many poets and novelists texts that immortalized this space and gave birth to it. Jemaa el Fna Square has been ranked the world's top ten theme parks by adioso.com.
Marrakesh Morocco's tourist front, its capital is the days of the Almoravids and the Almohads. It is called the red city. The text is in Twitter, compared to the predominant color on its buildings, and it is described in the city of Bahja.
Described by the Europeans as a charming city of nature and healthy climate, which made thousands of them choose to settle them, and they have global personalities and names of great in the world of politics, art and sports.
Site
Located in the south of Morocco at the foot of the Atlantic Mountains, 30 kilometers away, it is 450 meters above sea level. It is 327 kilometers from the capital Rabat. It is characterized by a semi-dry climate, mild wet weather and hot dry summer.
The city is estimated at about 230 square kilometers, and is described as "the red city, wide open, the university between free heat and shadow, and snow and palm."
Population
Marrakesh is Morocco's third-largest city with a population of more than 1 million of the country's population, according to official estimates. Most of them are employed in the modern and traditional services, industry, entrepreneurship and public service sectors.
Economy
The city's economy is heavily dependent on tourism and real estate, and it is based on traditional industry as an important source of tourism. More than 40,000 people work in the pottery, copper, leather, carpet and other industries, as well as exhibitions such as the Marrakech International Fair for Industry and Aviation Services.
The city has a modern transport network and roads, with a railway and an international airport, the second in Morocco in terms of passenger traffic.
Marrakesh was chosen as the world's top tourist destination by 2015, in a ranking compiled by the world-renowned Trip Advisor. Marrakesh excelled in the world's most prestigious capitals, including London, Rome and Paris.
The "Flower of the South" ranked first in the national level, in terms of the number of tourists in the city, the number exceeded two million tourists in 2014, and ranked seventh in the Arab world, in the results of cities that saw the largest number of visitors, according to a report for the British newspaper.
Marrakech is the first tourist center in Morocco and has an important hotel infrastructure, with more than 1,400 housing units, including over 170 hotels.
History
The establishment of Marrakesh dates back to the time of the Almoravids, and the narratives differ in the interpretation of the name; some see Marrakesh as an Amazigh word meaning "pass quickly"; others see Aksh as the name of an ancient god.
There are those who believe that the name "Marrakesh" is due to the Amazigh word "Amor n Akush". It speaks Amazigh Amorrak, meaning the country of God or the land of God, a sign of its universal dimension and belonging to humanity as a whole.
Since its establishment as the capital of the Almoravids to the French occupation of modern times, the name of Marrakesh has been referred to all of Morocco. It is still spoken in all languages, such as Marrakesh, Marocos and Morroccos.
Historical sources say that the construction of the first nucleus of Marrakech was in 1070 by a group of Amazigh tribes came from the desert, and chose its location near the desert of Mtouna, and the mountains Almmsamda.
The red city is described as most of its houses were painted red and more beautiful and bright with the reflection of the sunset light on their homes.
Marrakesh is also known as the "City of Seven Men." The researchers trace the origin of this to a group of prominent scholars and Sufis who lived in the city and played a major role in spreading the political, intellectual and educational awareness among its inhabitants. They were: Yusuf ibn Ali al-Sanhaji, Ayad ibn Musa al-Yusebi, Abbas al-Sabti, Muhammad ibn Sulaiman al-Jazuli, Abdul Aziz al-Tabaaa, Muhammad ibn 'Ajal al-Ghazawani and' Abd al-Rahman al-Dareer.
The city was a major urban and organizational boom during the reign of Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashifin (1061-1107) and became the capital and political and cultural center of the Almoravid state and the entire Islamic West.
Al-Humairi described in his book Al-Rawad Al-Matar in the news of the countries that it is the largest city of Morocco, and its trade and its people were very competitive and the hotels and bathrooms were built there, and there is a great Caesarea in it.
After the year 1147, the Almohad state contributed to the development of the city after it took a capital and left it with landmarks still in place, and all those who came after them from the Marinids, even though they did not take it as the capital and the Saadian, continued to paint the walls of the bracelets and buildings with bricks and clay, The Red City.
Under the reign of the Alawites, it took place in the days of Sultan Sidi Mohamed, where many neighborhoods and landmarks were built and several of its mosques, walls and monuments were restored.
Landmarks
The city of Marrakesh is rich with historical and cultural monuments that bear witness to a long history, including the walls of Marrakech, which is estimated to be about nine kilometers long, and has doors, notably the door of Aknau and Doukkala.
It has the Almoravid dome, a living witness that highlights the beauty of the Almoravid architecture, and contains artistic inscriptions with arches and shapes resembling a seven-star.
Some of the ancient historians and geographers consider the palace in Marrakesh to be one of the wonders of the world because it contains four gardens, decorations, marble, crowns and pillars covered with gold leaves and multicolored tiles.
One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Koutoubia Mosque, the Ibn Youssef School and the Jemaa el Fna square, which is frequented by pilgrims from inside and outside Morocco. UNESCO in 1997 considered it a humane oral heritage.
The "Palm Capital" has other historical attractions, including the Majorelle Gardens, which contain rare flora and fauna from the five continents, and the Manara Gardens, which are surrounded by the large Manara reservoir
The discovery of hidden cameras in apartments rented by the company "Air BNP" America
By Dinarconsulting - Tuesday, April 09, 2019
Watch out for surveillance cameras in apartments rented by the famous Air BNP website
The discovery of hidden cameras in the rooms rented by Airbnb, the American company, has alarmed many customers from being subject to constant surveillance.
Surveillance cameras were found in counterfeit fire alarms over sleeping beds. In another case, a camera was found as a telephone charger in a bathroom, and in New Zealand a hidden camera was found in a light bulb.
According to NBC News, an investigation of the Airbnb data sheet in San Francisco was detected, and hidden cameras were detected in less than 1% of the rooms.
For his part, spokesman for the "Airbnb" Charlie Orbinsk, the number of customers exceeded 400 million people and negative incidents are rare, he said, adding that the security and privacy of customers is the priority of the company.
The talk about hidden cameras has caused widespread concern for many, prompting Airbnb customers and others to acquire hidden camera detectors and carry such messages on Twitter.
According to NBC News, an investigation of the Airbnb data sheet in San Francisco was detected, and hidden cameras were detected in less than 1% of the rooms.
For his part, spokesman for the "Airbnb" Charlie Orbinsk, the number of customers exceeded 400 million people and negative incidents are rare, he said, adding that the security and privacy of customers is the priority of the company.
The talk about hidden cameras has caused widespread concern for many, prompting Airbnb customers and others to acquire hidden camera detectors and carry such messages on Twitter.
The Moroccan Dirham
When planning for a trip to Morocco, it’s easy to focus on labyrinthine souks, exotic scenery and mouth-watering cuisine. However, a little studying up on the local currency will ensure that you are knowledgeable about exchange rates and that you can easily access cash so that you can enjoy your tours in Morocco to the fullest.
In small shops or markets, you may be quoted a price in francs. This can be a little confusing, since the some Moroccans may use franc to stand for the equivalent of a dirham when speaking French, while the traditional usage of franc typically refers to 1/10 of a dirham.
Exchange, Banks, & ATMs
The dirham is officially designated as a closed currency, which means that it can only be legally traded within Morocco. Despite this regulation, small amounts of dirhams are usually available for exchange at larger travel agencies and at a few major airports (notably in the UK and France). While it is technically against the law to take dirhams outside of Morocco, the import and export of the currency is tolerated up to a limit of 1000dh.If dirhams are not available to you in your home country, don’t panic. All international airports in Morocco have a currency exchange counter. Exchange rates are fixed by law and charging high commissions is forbidden, which means that there are very small differences in fees between banks and exchange counters.
In larger cities, banks abound. Remember to bring your passport and always ask for a receipt following a transaction. Note that many banks close during lunchtime and that during Ramadan and summertime, many banks are only open until 2pm or 3pm. The most convenient and best option for travelers is to withdrawal funds using a debit card at one of the many ATM machines (commonly called a guichet automatique) located throughout the country. While ATMs tend to thin out in rural areas, they are plentiful in the cities, with more than twenty ATMs in the vicinity of the medina in Marrakesh alone. You can search for ATMs all over the world here for Cirrus/Maestro and here for Plus. Check with your bank to ensure that your PIN will work and to find out about any fees or commissions. Save all exchange and ATM receipts in order to facilitate the exchange of any leftover dirhams back into your local currency.
Credit cards are accepted in modern shopping centers, fancier restaurants and large hotels. Contact your bank before you leave to find out about any exchange rate fees. Traveler’s checks are not recommended for use in Morocco and are becoming less useful; banks often charge high fees to exchange them.
Tipping & Common Costs
Tipping is customary in Morocco. Guides, chauffeurs, as well as hiking and trekking guides are typically tipped between 100dh and 200dh per day. At larger restaurants, check the bill to see if a service charge has been added. If not, 10% of the bill is a nice tip to reward good service, although Moroccans generally tip slightly less. In a smaller restaurant or cafe, anywhere between 2dh and 5dh is fine. Parking lot attendants should be paid 2dh to 5dh (more in heavily trafficked areas) and are usually tipped an extra dirham or two on top of the parking fees. Gas station attendants are usually tipped a few dirhams as well after they have pumped your gas. Taxi drivers are generally only tipped for helping with baggage. Porters at hotels are usually tipped between 10dh and 20dh, depending on the amount, size and weight of the luggage. Hotel cleaning staff members are not tipped as a rule, but tips are always appreciated.The prices of some services in Morocco are much lower than in North America and Western Europe. A short taxi ride within city limits in a small taxi (called a petit taxi), for example, will cost around 5-7dh. You can purchase a cup of coffee or soft drink for around 5dh. A glass of orange juice from a stall in the main square of Marrakesh, known as the Djemaa el Fna, will run you 3dh. A regular djellabah, the traditional garment worn by men and women, can be had for between 180-300dh. Keep in mind that in the souks and smaller shops, bargaining is absolutely expected.
Is Morocco a Safe Country to Travel?
Morocco is a truly delightful country to discover. Charming ruins, pristine beaches, enchanting palaces, picturesque streets and bustling medinas are all a part of what makes the country so diverse and wonderful to explore.
But, as with any other North African, Muslim country, life in Morocco is very different from that in the West and that may raise some safety concerns for travelers. In the various sections below, we cover the main safety issues in Morocco while offering plenty of practical and easy solutions to help you deal with them during your stay.
Health Concerns
Health does not need to be a main concern for those looking to travel to Morocco. As a virtually malaria-free country, you do not need to worry about mosquito bites, but you can take the usual precautions to stay safe (i.e. wearing lightly-colored clothes, using insect repellent in the warmer months, etc.).
There are also no required vaccines to enter the country but you are advised to have your polio and tetanus vaccines in order. If you like to be as safe as possible, having the Typhoid and Hepatitis A (and even Hepatitis B) vaccines are recommended.
Food and Water Safety
As with any other foreign country, the local food (and especially street food) is not always cooked in the same conditions your stomach is used to. For that reason, be aware of where you choose to try street food. Generally, the Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakesh, Skala du Port in Essaouira and Port in Agadir are safe places to try Morocco’s local flavors.
Many guidebooks recommend only drinking bottled water. However, most water from taps are safe to drink as cistern systems are well maintained (and are relatively new) throughout the country. While drinking bottled water is OK, our team has partnered with an international organization called TAP. We suggest that you bring a small filtering mechanism or a Steri-Pen with you to treat water as you consume it. We also advise travelers to not eat uncooked vegetables or fruits that you haven’t washed yourself or cannot peel in order to avoid an upset stomach during your travels.
Crime in Morocco
In general, crime does not pose a significant threat to the outlook of tourism to Morocco; although petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching are more common in crowded areas. Hustlers and con artists also target tourists. The most sensible way to avoid them and keep on enjoying your time in Morocco is to politely refuse their services and to be sensibly guarded against strangers.
The biggest concern for a tourist in Morocco is the popularity of faux guides. Although these have decreased in number due to the great work of the Brigade Touristique, there are still many opportunistic men roaming the streets of popular hotspots waiting for the perfect traveler to con. But there are some effective ways to spot faux guides, as they tend to use some these tactics or similar:
Many will pretend they are students when they approach you and tell you that they just want to practice their English and learn about your culture. Invariably, if you follow them, you will end up in some kind of shop where you may feel pressured to make a purchase.
Others may approach you asking for help translating something into English and, again, during the conversation, they will lead you to a shop.
When they lead you to these shops, the vendors may offer a “free gift”. Do not accept it, as a group of people will be waiting to approach you, accuse you of stealing and extort the price from you.
Faux guides will always tell you that everything and everywhere is “closed” as a con to get you to follow them instead.
At bus or train stations, faux guides may also tell you that there have been cancellations or that you won’t be able to catch the specific bus or train you are waiting for as a way to get you to accept a high taxi fare.
When you do spot a faux guide, hustler, or con artist trying to trick you, here are some of the best ways to avoid him without causing any trouble:
Avoid eye contact and ignore them. This will usually suffice to discourage them.
If eye contact happens, just ignore them and walk away.
If they continue to approach you, walking away swiftly but politely is an effective way to avoid them.
If they are persistent, don’t be afraid to simply say no. You can opt for saying “La” (the Arabic word for “no”) to avoid revealing your native language.
In all cases, ignoring touts and faux guides is the best option in all cases. If you talk to them, then they have already succeeded in their first step.
In general, to be safe, it’s best to simply never accept the services of people who approach you and avoid eye contact when you see someone drawing near. Once these men start talking, it can be hard to get rid of them as this is their way of making a living. A firm and strong “no”, however, can do wonders.
Beware that the majority of crimes against tourists is main tourist locations in cities such as Marrakesh, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, and Rabat. Pay close attention to these tips especially when visiting those areas.
Drugs
For centuries, people have been enjoying hashish, or kif as it is called locally, in Morocco. Especially in the Rif Mountains, where the majority of the cannabis is grown, it is not uncommon to find men smoking hashish. However, despite the somewhat commonplace practice of smoking kif in the country, the drug is illegal and the penalty for breaking the law can include up to ten years imprisonment in a not-so-friendly Moroccan jail.
As cannabis has become a multi-million dollar industry, the government has not taken serious action to disband the drug business and those who are most often penalized are foreign travelers smoking on a street or being careless when buying from an undercover police officer.
If you happen to find yourself in the latter situation, see if you can pay a fine on the spot. If you cannot avoid going along with the police to a local station, avoid signing papers you do not understand, ensure you have a competent translator and lawyer, and contact your embassy as soon as possible. If you are given a court date and are set free, consider leaving the country.
Civil Unrest and Terrorism
Civil unrest is uncommon in Morocco. Between 2011 and 2012, some peaceful demonstrations gathered tens of thousands of people nationwide but violence between police and protesters was sporadic.
Domestic terrorism incidents were a more serious concern at the beginning of the millennium but have also become more rare as Moroccan security services increase their emphasis on finding and arresting potential terrorist cells before they become operational.
Generally, world governments have emphasized to keep caution when traveling to Morocco, which is essential in any country you are visiting. This advise is often so general and vague that it doesn’t truly provide insightful information. Moroccans as a population do not wish to have any political instability and while they do criticize the government in various ways, most Moroccans support the modern, progressive king, Mohamed VI. So, politically, Morocco is very stable and has been a fine example of solidarity in the region for decades. Of course, in any country, isolated incidents can occur (as in the US, France, and other countries), but if an incident occurs in a Muslim country, it tends to stand out and become immediately labeled as unstable.
In reality, like most of the world, Moroccans are a peace-loving people and will stand strong together against any group or individuals who attempt to dismantle peace. Officials and Moroccans in general are doing a very good job at keeping the country safe. Each country of the world is very different in terms of its relation to the other and an uprising or terrorist events in Algeria, Tunisia, or even France have hardly impacted Morocco’s stability. We encourage travelers to think outside of the box, trust our on-the-ground team to access current issues (whether ebola, events in France, Tunisia, or in Boston, among other perceived threats) that may be explored/exacerbated by the media which may not pose any real threat to travelers coming to Morocco. And, if an incident does occur, it’s mostly single individuals who are able to go undetected and slip through the cracks to accomplish their demented goal.
As an American, Canadian, or European (or in fact, from anywhere), you’ll be welcomed to Morocco by honest, friendly, and open-hearted Moroccans. You will not be targeted or singled out for acts of terrorism. We believe that large buses of tourists are slightly more at risk (albeit extremely low) than the more intimate, private trips to Morocco that we organize. With our drivers, guides, and local professionals, you are in the best of hands. We take our commitment to providing you with an amazing, safe, and unique experience seriously and ask as much from our travelers; that you trust we’ll be doing the best job we can. The entire world is hard to predict. Through thick and thin, we are carrying on as normal, with heightened awareness, but without fear. For travelers and the population, Morocco is a very safe country to travel and to live.
Road Safety
Road quality in Morocco varies throughout the country and throughout the year. From high-speed toll roads to secondary roads which may be more poorly maintained, the safety of the roads depends on the season as heavy rains or snow can create more dangerous driving conditions.
Drivers are known to be more erratic and all kinds of vehicles, from bicycles to donkey carts, are legally allowed to share a road. Traffic accidents are a major concern in Morocco so it is essential to be as careful as possible when driving around the country.
Is it Safe for Kids to Travel in Morocco?
Moroccan society is a very family-oriented one and you will be sure to witness that especially when you travel to Morocco with your family and young children. Family is the priority for Moroccans and children are typically spoiled rotten by elder relatives, being able to stay up later than is customary in the West and allowed to play freely indoors and on the streets.
When you travel with your little ones, you may then notice a friendlier attitude from the locals with people frequently coming up to you and admiring your children, affectionately caressing or possibly kissing their cheeks, inviting you in to their shops and cafés, and even offering free tea. This is all friendly behavior and you should not feel uncomfortable or unsafe about it. Morocco has an extremely child-friendly culture and bringing your little ones along on your journey may even be an advantage for you to interact with the locals and explore the Moroccan way of life first hand.
Is it Safe for Women in Morocco?
There is no doubt that for women traveling in Morocco it is different than traveling to a Western country. In Morocco, gender roles are much more defined and the traditional views of a patriarchal society are quite prominent which means women will have to take extra precautions when discovering the colorful streets of Morocco.
Moroccan men have very little contact with women outside of their family growing up and that coupled with their misconceptions of Western sexuality (very much fed by their easy access to internet pornography) can sometimes lead them to misinterpret the actions and behaviors of Western women. Cat-calling and some lewd comments can be targeted frequently to both Moroccan and foreign women and the best response is to simply ignore those remarks. It is rare for things to be taken a step further, but if sexual harassment becomes physical, feel free to respond how you would at home: screaming, yelling and calling for help are all acceptable and helpful ways to react. This will not only shame your aggressor but also alert locals who will rush in to help you (especially if you yell out “Ha-Shooma!” which means “Shame on you!”). Whenever possible, report the harasser to the local Brigade Touristique.
Some practical tips for women traveling to Morocco include:
Use common sense: Although this applies to almost any kind of international trip, it is especially fitting for women traveling in Morocco. Be sensible, try to adhere to most local customs and do your research before traveling to be as informed as possible.
Dress modestly: Wear covering that covers the knees and shoulders. If you are comfortable with it, wearing a headscarf, even in the larger cities, can also help to avoid those types of uncomfortable situations.
Look confident: When walking through the busy medinas (old city centers), a look of confidence and purpose in your eyes as opposed to one of disorientation can help to deter young men from harassing you.
Behave appropriately: Men and women have very strict codes of interaction. In general, avoid intense eye contact and especially any kind of touching as this can be considered a come-on for Moroccan men.
Mention your “husband”: If things start to feel uncomfortable when you are talking with a Moroccan man, casually mention your “husband” who is just around the corner. No matter who your male travel buddy is, introducing him to others as your husband will help to safeguard you against unwanted harassment.
Keep your cool: Ignoring the sexual remarks can be difficult especially for women who have not had to deal with such behavior before, but the best way to handle the situation is to keep a calm attitude. There is no reason to be afraid and it would be a shame to let an unpleasant situation ruin your whole trip.
Although Morocco remains a conservative country with respect to gender roles, change is occurring. Many women today don’t wear a full facial veil and while some opt for a simple headscarf other young women can be seen drinking alcohol in up-scale bars with a mixed-gender group of friends. However, rural areas are still more conservative than cosmopolitan cities such as Marrakesh and Fez so it is advisable to follow the tips above to avoid uncomfortable situations.
Traveling through Morocco (as you continue reading over our blog) can be a more challenging experience for women as opposed to men. Nonetheless, the fear of sexual harassment occurring is not a reason to avoid a trip to this wonderful country. It may or may not happen to you but remembering the fact that neither Islam nor any respectable Moroccans condone sexual harassment will help you see that the situation is not that threatening after all.
Is it safe for Jewish Travelers in Morocco?
Morocco has always been a culturally diverse country and, since its earliest beginnings, many different people have called its land home. Although today it is a majority Arab Muslim country, Jewish and indigenous Berber populations actually predate the Arab immigration and have greatly contributed to Morocco’s history, leaving behind a fascinating heritage that can still be felt today.
For centuries, Muslim, Jewish and Berber populations coexisted peacefully and in respect of their different religions, customs and traditions. Indeed, just half a century ago Morocco was home to the largest Jewish population in the Arab world with over half a million Jews living freely in the Moroccan Kingdom. Today, only some 2,500 remain but their legacy is far from forgotten.
In fact, it’s not difficult at all to find remnants of the historical Jewish presence in Morocco. Whether it be in the fascinating Mellahs (Jewish quarters) that have survived in the country’s grandest medinas for centuries, or in the only Jewish heritage museum in the Arab world set in cosmopolitan Casablanca, Moroccans take pride in their Jewish heritage and recognize its importance in their country’s history.
Above all, Morocco has always strived to be a place of acceptance. Today, that same acceptance remains making it perfectly safe for Jewish travelers to visit and get to know this country’s incredibly diverse history.
What about the LGBT Community in Morocco?
In general, LGBT travelers to Morocco are another group of people who need to take some precautions while exploring the country.
In theory, homosexuality is illegal in Morocco. In practice, however, the application of this law varies throughout the country and poses no real threat to gay travelers to Morocco. Homosexuality is not uncommon in Morocco but it is largely unacknowledged and it is almost completely unacceptable among women. Nonetheless, police will never get involved if the homosexual couple is foreign but will generally intervene if one of the partners is a Moroccan citizen.
Some practical tips for LGBT travelers include:
Be informed: Before traveling anywhere, it’s always important to be aware of which LGBT rights exist at your destination. This will help you to also get a sense of the local attitude and tolerance toward the LGBT community.
Be discrete: Public displays of affection are strictly frowned upon between heterosexual couples and even more so between gay or lesbian couples. Although it can be common to see Moroccan men holding hands, this is interpreted as a sign of friendship and nothing more. Moroccan men know, however, that hand-holding between Western men means greater intimacy so this too is discouraged in public.
Get to know the locals: Although Morocco in general is a conservative and religious country, some places are more so than others. Thus, getting to know the local community is extremely important as this will let you know how to adapt your behavior in public to respect local beliefs and codes of behavior.
Opt for foreign-owned accommodation: If you are concerned about the possible reaction of a Moroccan company to your booking a shared room for you and your partner, you can always opt to stay in foreign-owned hotels or riads. That way, you will know for sure that your stay will be treated with normality and the appropriate respect.
Book with a special LGBT travel agency: There are plenty of travel agencies that cater specifically to the concerns and special needs of the LGBT travel community in Morocco. At Journey Beyond Travel, we can help you customize a unique experience in Morocco where you can discover the local culture while staying safe and hassle-free.
Despite the seemingly hostile environment toward the LGBT community in Morocco, the truth is that locals will usually be tolerant so long as you respect the local customs. For this reason, Morocco remains a popular destination for LGBT travelers from all around the world with cities like Tangier (allegedly the world’s first gay resort), Marrakesh, and Agadir especially attracting the homosexual community. With beautiful beaches and even a small gay scene at bars and clubs in these cities, there are plenty of places that are open to gay, bi, lesbian and transgender travelers in Morocco.
Who to Contact in an Emergency
In the case that a misfortune does occur during your stay in Morocco and you do become a victim to a crime (whether it be a faux guide, sexual harassment or theft), the simplest way to get help is to reach the the Tourist Police. In popular urban centers, it’s quite easy to find one in just about every corner but you can usually also ask at your hotel for information on the nearest police office. In emergency situations, you can dial 19 to reach the police in urban areas, 177 for the Royal Gendarmerie (the police force in rural areas), and 15 for an ambulance or firemen.
It’s also a good idea to always have the address and contact number of your national embassy in Morocco so you can quickly get in touch if needed.
So how safe is Morocco, really?
In general, Morocco is a safe country to explore. Moroccans are well known for being a hospitable and tolerant people which makes traveling through the country a much more enjoyable experience. That said, the conservative nature of the local culture does mean that traditional customs should be respected in public in order to avoid less desirable situations. As with many other countries, tourists are a special target of pick-pockets and faux guides so being aware of your surroundings and belongings is general common sense.
There is no need to be afraid of traveling to Morocco. Staying calm, looking confident and brushing off the occasional cat-call are all much more positive attitudes which, in the end, will help make your stay in Morocco one you will remember for all the right reasons.
Ramadan is the month-long Islamic holiday celebrated each year. The Islamic calendar follows a lunar pattern so every year Ramadan moves 10 days forward on the Gregorian calendar. This year it falls primarily during the month of July – a high season for Moroccans living abroad to come back for a visit. While many people balk at visiting during this month, wondering what they’ll encounter, there’s no reason to put aside your plans. However, before you begin your trip, it is important to know a few things about Ramadan and how that will affect your visit.
During this month Muslims fast from all food and water from sunrise to sunset. During the evenings people break their fast with friends and family and wake up early before sunrise to eat a meal before beginning another day fasting. People are also meant to abstain from smoking cigarettes and avoid ill tempers and gossip. Ramadan is a time to reflect on the blessings each person has been given and to understand the suffering of those who go without having their basic needs such as food and water. Many Muslims attend special prayers known as tahraweh in the mosques after they break their fast.
What does this mean for those visiting?
What an exciting time to see up close Moroccan and Islamic rituals and traditions! If you’re visiting during Ramadan you will see aspects of the culture that you would not experience at any other time of the year. At the end of the day when it’s time to break the fast, cannons sound to announce that it’s time to eat. Many mosques have tables spread out to feed the hungry after prayers. You will be able to witness thousands of people coming together in mosques big and small to worship. In the markets and streets special foods are made and prepared during this time – many aren’t found at other times of the year. This is a very special, spiritual time for Muslims and if you’re visiting, it’s hard not to be caught up in the infectious excitement.
I’m not Muslim, should I fast?
The simple answer is no, there’s no need for you to fast. Restaurants, cafes, and other eating establishments will mostly remain open. No one expects tourists to fast and they likely would be concerned for your health and well-being if you did attempt it. Some people worry about eating in front of the Muslim friends or guides. Don’t be. They’re used to this and it’s really not a problem. If you are concerned, you may consider eating inside restaurants or out of plain view on the street.
What about holiday hours?
Just as with special holidays around the world, businesses do adjust their hours during Ramadan. Perhaps the biggest time change you should be aware of is daylight savings time. During the month, Morocco cancels daylight savings time, so the time changes to -1 GMT. You may find that shops are not open in the early hours of the morning and close up right before sunset. This is done to accommodate eating and prayer times. Of course this doesn’t mean everything will close but it’s generally the case. Monuments, historical sites, and other attractions may adjust their hours and have shorter times when they are open. Keep this in mind as you plan and try to be as patient as possible. If you’re visiting Morocco with us at Journey Beyond Travel, we do our best to accommodate while working around these alterations to schedule. Travelers who visited Morocco during Ramadan have commented on the late eating schedule that begins to resemble that of Spain – those eating with families or in their riads can use the sunset meal (known as ftour – or breakfast; the breaking of the fast) as their main dinner or should expect to wait until later to eat supper since preparation for it does not commence until at least 30 minutes after ftour. In other words, don’t expect to eat your main dinner before 9pm during Ramadan in the summer months.
Be sure to walk by a mosque during the sunset prayer to witness the flood of congregants in prayer, it can be truly awe inspiring to see hundreds, and thousands of people worshipping together. Enjoy an iftar meal. Many restaurants and hotels offer set meals at the breaking of the fast. These include a variety of Moroccan sweets, spiced harira soup, and juices. If possible, being invited into someone’s home to experience a traditional iftar is truly a wonderful experience. You’ll be able to witness the celebration and excitement people truly feel at this time of year.
Anything else I should keep in mind?
July is one of the hottest months in Morocco. Couple the heat with lack of food, water, and some sleep deprivation and there’s bound to be short tempers. For those visiting please keep in mind that the Moroccan people around you may be a bit on edge. Everyone goes out of their way to maintain a calm, cool demeanor but it’s inevitable for tempers to flare at some point. You might also find people are more apt to sleep in later in the mornings or take a nap in the afternoons. Be as patient as possible, wish them a Ramadan Kareem, and enjoy experiencing their holiday.
Are there any special experiences I should have when visiting during Ramadan?
Be sure to walk by a mosque during the sunset prayer to witness the flood of congregants in prayer, it can be truly awe inspiring to see hundreds, and thousands of people worshipping together. Enjoy an iftar meal. Many restaurants and hotels offer set meals at the breaking of the fast. These include a variety of Moroccan sweets, spiced harira soup, and juices. If possible, being invited into someone’s home to experience a traditional iftar is truly a wonderful experience. You’ll be able to witness the celebration and excitement people truly feel at this time of year.
Anything else I should keep in mind?
July is one of the hottest months in Morocco. Couple the heat with lack of food, water, and some sleep deprivation and there’s bound to be short tempers. For those visiting please keep in mind that the Moroccan people around you may be a bit on edge. Everyone goes out of their way to maintain a calm, cool demeanor but it’s inevitable for tempers to flare at some point. You might also find people are more apt to sleep in later in the mornings or take a nap in the afternoons. Be as patient as possible, wish them a Ramadan Kareem, and enjoy experiencing their holiday.
by Amanda Ponzio-Mouttaki | Morocco Articles
