The History of Morocco

Africa is the second largest continent and a beautiful place to call home. Morocco is one of the countries in Africa on the top left and is an important part to African history. The population of Morocco is approximately thirty-three million people. The Moroccan people are full of love, happiness, and life. In order to understand the Moroccan people, it is important to understand the history that Morocco shares. The history of Morocco is an intricate topic that is seen through the beginning stages of the country, the culture of the Moroccan people, and the resources the land has provided.

            First, the country of Morocco was controlled by the Berber people who established themselves as a part of a tribe. The ruled the land of Morocco based on the standards of a specific tribe the Berber people lived under. However, the establishment of this government did not last long because the people were running the risk of invaders coming. [1]The first attackers were the Phoenicians in the twelfth century B.C. The invasion of the Phoenicians did not last and was soon followed by Carthaginians, then the Romans, then the Arabs, and then the Jews. The Jews settled in Morocco with the Moors from Spain. Eventually, France became in control of Morocco in the end. The various invasions involved the country of Morocco trying to settle with the proper ruling it needed for the country to prosper. Also, the different invasions were responsible for the establishment of the culture of Morocco. The Moroccan people wanted their freedom and no longer wanted to be invaded by other countries and people. [2]In 1904 France and Britain make a pact: Britain will allow France freedom of action in Morocco (provided that the coast opposite Gibraltar is not fortified) in return for France's acceptance of Britain's role in Egypt. The independence of Morocco gave the people the freedom they needed to establish the country’s standards.    
         

        Furthermore, the beginning foundations of Morocco tell the story of the culture and value that Morocco shares. The culture and value the Moroccan people shared is an important part of their history. One of the biggest cultures in Morocco is the religion they shared and currently share.[3]Today Islam is the constitutionally established state religion and the king claims his legitimacy as head of state and religion - in part his legitimacy is supported by the claim that he is a descendant of the prophet Mohammed. King Mohammed brought the religion of Islam to the people of Morocco. The Islamic religion is predominately the main religion and hold to being ninety-nine percent of the population of Morocco. Most of the population that share the same Islamic religion follow Allah and read the Koran. [4]Although Islam permeates most aspects of their everyday lives, Moroccans practice their religion relatively conservatively. One of the practices of the Islamic religion is the process of going to Mecca once a year to pray to their God, Allah. [5]The country of Morocco is also surrounded by many of the mosques, which is their center of worship for the Muslims. The Islamic religion surrounds the people of Morocco and is a major influence on what the people are involved in. The culture of Morocco also involves the aspect of music and the arts. [6]Ancient Moroccan music can be found in the mountainous regions and is performed within Berber villages while in the cities there is a strong Arabic classical tradition, of songs and instrumental music brought by Arabs from the east and Andalusian Spain. The Arabic and Berber people were one of the first founders/invaders of Morocco. The music of the country is based in the Arabic and Berber way. The music of Morocco is truly an experience and is always heard on the streets. The music and the arts are a major part of Morocco and are immersed in the country, which can also be experienced through various festivals that are going on. The festivals showcase the talent and the importance of the Moroccan people, which ultimately showcases the religion or culture the people share. The Islamic religion is an important part for the history of Morocco. Furthermore, the beginning foundations of Morocco tell the story of the culture and value that Morocco shares.  The culture and value the Moroccan people shared is an important part of their history. One of the biggest cultures in Morocco is the religion they shared and currently shared.

            In addition, the country of Morocco is in a peak location and has many vast resources that are provided by the land. The resources of the land have given the people a huge history for Morocco. The beginning stages of Morocco shares a story of many countries and groups of people that wanted to take over the land because of the location. [7]Morocco is a country located in Northern Africa along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is officially called the Kingdom of Morocco and it is known for its long history, rich culture and diverse cuisine. The country’s geography is in a spot that provides many resources such as oil and mostly agriculture, which was the biggest reason many countries and groups of people wanted to occupy the land. The biggest energy source for Morocco is the sun and because of the many solar panels the sun is used to harvest energy. The country of Morocco was not always established, but when the Moroccan people were able to gain their independence the people had the opportunity to use their resources for other aspects, such as exporting. [8]Top produce exports include tomatoes, mandarins/clementines/tangerines (named after the city of Tangiers), oranges and olives. The examples are just some of the exports that Morocco is involved in, but because of the large country it is involved in much more. [9]In fact, Morocco is the seventy first largest export economy in the world. The large exporting and importing for Morocco has allowed the country’s economy to grow vastly and become a major influence on other countries because of trading. The resources were not always used properly, but now because of advancement in technology it is easier for many people to harvest and use the resources properly. [10]In a lush field 60 miles south of Casablanca, a farmer revealed one reason why this country's economy has so far kept healthy while others have fallen ill. The harvesting of agriculture is one of the main reasons why the country has prospered and was able to stay independent. The history of the resources is large and is important to understand the reasoning behind why the country of Morocco is so important.

            In conclusion, the country of Morocco is an important part to African history and is not a country that can be easily overlooked. The history of Morocco shares the experience of being invaded several times, but able to stand independently as a country. The Islamic religion makes up most of the population because of this Islam has become an important part in the aspect of understanding the culture and values the country shares. Lastly, the location of Morocco has served as a great purpose to help the land prosper and remain independent through its uses in agriculture along with other resources being used as exports for the economy. Morocco is a special place for the people and special place that can continue to prosper even more.

Bibliography

Briney, Amanda. “Geography of Morocco.” About Education (20 Jan. 2016). 9 March 2016. http://geography.about.com/od/moroccomaps/a/morocco-geography.htm
Hami, Iris. “Vibrant History of Jewish Morocco.” Gil Travel Group (2 Feb. 2015). 9 March 2016. http://www.giltravel.com/blog/tag/jewish-morocco/
Sapegina, Olga. “Morocco – Religions.” Nations Encyclopedia. 9 March 2016. http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Africa/Morocco-RELIGIONS.html

“Big Harvest Boosts Moroccan Economy.” Boise Weekly (29 July 2009) 9 March 2016. http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/big-harvest-boosts-moroccan-economy/Content?oid=1120714

“Economy and Industry.” Our Africa. 9 March 2016. http://www.our-africa.org/morocco/economy-industry

“History of Morocco.” History World. 9 March 2016. http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ac97

“History of Morocco – Discover an Ancient Land.” Morocco.com (2016). 9 March 2016. http://www.morocco.com/culture/ancient-morocco/

“History of Religion in Morocco.” Naturally Morocco: Experience the Real Morocco (Jan. 2014). 9 March 2016. http://www.naturallymorocco.co.uk/about-us/morocco-travel-blog/islam-in-morocco-history-of-religion.html

“Morocco.” The Observatory of Economic Complexity (2013). 9 March 2016. http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/mar/
“Morocco.” World atlas. 9 March 2016. http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/africa/ma.htm  
“Morocco Country Profile.” BBC News (11 Nov. 2015). 9 March 2016. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14121438
“’Morocco Days’ Brings a Small Part of Morocco to Norway: Director of the Artisan House, Abdellah Aadnani, Tells the Oslo Times.” Oslo Times (6 Jan. 2016). 9 March 2016. http://www.theoslotimes.com/article/%E2%80%98morocco-days%E2%80%99-brings-a-small-part-of-morocco-to-norway%3A-director-of-the-artisan-house,-abdellah-aadnani,-tells-the-oslo-times

“Religion.” Complete Morocco (2015). 9 March 2016. http://www.completemorocco.com/about-morocco/religion

“Religion.” Frommer Media (2016). 9 March 2016. http://www.frommers.com/destinations/morocco/642792

“Travel Morocco: Moroccan Music & Artists.” Travel Exploration: Discover the Best of Morocco (2016). 9 March 2016.. http://www.travel-exploration.com/mpage.cfm/Moroccan_Music_Artists

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[1] “History of Morocco – Discover an Ancient Land,” Morocco.com (2016), 9 March 2016, http://www.morocco.com/culture/ancient-morocco/.

[2] “History of Morocco,” History World, 9 March 2016, http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ac97.

[3] “History of Religion in Morocco,” Naturally Morocco: Experience the Real Morocco (Jan. 2014), 9 March 2016, http://www.naturallymorocco.co.uk/about-us/morocco-travel-blog/islam-in-morocco-history-of-religion.html.

[4] “Religion,” Frommer Media (2016), 9 March 2016, http://www.frommers.com/destinations/morocco/642792.

[5] “Religion,” Complete Morocco (2015), 9 March 2016, http://www.completemorocco.com/about-morocco/religion.

[6] “Travel Morocco: Moroccan Music & Artists,” Travel Exploration: Discover the Best of Morocco (2016), 9 March 2016, http://www.travel-exploration.com/mpage.cfm/Moroccan_Music_Artists.

[7] “Economy and Industry,” Our Africa, 9 March 2016, http://www.our-africa.org/morocco/economy-industry.

[8] Amanda Briney, “Geography of Morocco,” About Education (20 Jan. 2016), 9 March 2016, http://geography.about.com/od/moroccomaps/a/morocco-geography.htm.

[9] “Morocco,” The Observatory of Economic Complexity (2013), 9 March 2016, http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/mar/.

[10] “Big Harvest Boosts Moroccan Economy,” Boise Weekly (29 July 2009), 9 March 2016, http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/big-harvest-boosts-moroccan-economy/Content?oid=1120714.

Boundaries and Government

         

The geography of Morocco is a strong location and envied by many countries. Morocco is located is across the Strait of Gibraltar on the Mediterranean and on the shoulder of Africa, which looks out towards the Atlantic Ocean. The borders of Morocco have changed throughout the years and not for the better of Morocco. The neighbors of Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania, caused the country to go under redrawn borders during the French colonial period. The changing of the borders causes many people to believe that Morocco has a right to the Mauritania land as well and all the resources that are provided there. The history of Morocco shares how the Berber people lived on the land until the Phoenicians took control of the land, but soon after the Romans took over control of Morocco. However, during the fifteenth century the United Kingdom established that Morocco was on France’s land. The Moroccan people did not appreciate the many cultures and countries trying to take over this, which caused Morocco to establish their independence after World War II. The country of Morocco fought hard for its independence and enjoys that privilege today. The independence of Morocco has helped the country become unified and use their resources to the maximum.

          In addition, the boundaries of Morocco were not the only thing to change inside the country. In the beginning, Morocco did not have an established government. The tribal Berber people only lived to the requirements of the tribes they currently were in. Morocco was lacking in unification, which caused the country to be invaded on several different occasions including the first invaders the Phoenicians. The country of Morocco did not obtain an established government until the country gained their independence. The people of Morocco then established constitutional monarchy and still lives by constitutional monarchy today. A constitutional monarchy gives the Moroccan people an executive branch with a chief of state from the king and a head of the government. However, the government is established based on Islamic laws, which hurts the people of Morocco that are trying to live by a different religion.

Briney, A. “Geography of Morocco.” About Education (20 Jan. 2016). 2 March 2016. http://geography.about.com/od/moroccomaps/a/morocco-geography.htm

“History of Morocco.” History World. 2 March 2016. http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ac97

 “History of Morocco – Discover an Ancient Land.” Morocco.com (2016). 2 March 2016. http://www.morocco.com/culture/ancient-morocco/

 “Morocco.” Info please. 2 March 2016. http://www.infoplease.com/country/morocco.html?pageno=1

“Morocco.” World Atlas (29 Sept. 2015). 2 March 2016. http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/africa/ma.htm

Morocco's Mission Work

           

        The religion of Morocco has always been predominately an Islamic country. The religion of Morocco also shows the Sunni identity. The country of Morocco wanted to establish ties with the Shia identity, but after much argument the country decided to continue with the identity of Sunni. However, the Moroccan Shia still exist in Morocco, but the members are fewer in size. The Islamic country is continuing to change based on the education, Christian missionaries, and much more. The religion of the country has heavily affected the aspect of mission work that many want done. For instance, the population is around thirty million, but 99.6% of the country is Muslims and the Christian population is .2%. Many people have decided because of the small Christian population Morocco needs to be reached in a great way. Morocco is in desperate need to be reached by Christians, which means there are many websites from churches that want people to go reach Morocco for Christianity. The Sunni Islam is the dominant religion for Morocco, but they do tolerate the missionaries for Christianity coming to the country to reach unsaved people. The Christian missionaries are in desperate need for more individuals who want to help reach the unsaved people of Morocco. Furthermore, another big development towards mission work in Morocco is the Peace Corps. The individuals involved in the Peace Corps go through several months of training in the United States. The individuals who work with the Peace Corps have worked in Morocco since 1963, but throughout recent years the Peace Corps have been focusing on the Youth Development. The Youth Development for Morocco helps the youth establish their roles in their family life, which involves training citizens and working on various projects for the community. The Peace Corps volunteers for Morocco have grown towards the five thousands. The mission work for Morocco is vast, but many churches and the Peace Corps still want individuals to help with the people of Morocco.

 “Morocco.” Christian Aid Mission: A Witness for Christ in Every Nation (2016). 24 Feb. 2016. http://www.christianaid.org/Interactive_World/countryPages/Morocco.aspx

“Morocco: Explore Morocco with a 36 Degree Sailing Morocco Yacht Charter.” 36 Degree Sailing (2016). 24 Feb. 2016. http://36degreessailing.com/morocco-yacht-charter/

“Morocco’s Shia Identity.” Words for Change (April 2008). 24 Feb. 2016. https://wordsforchange.wordpress.com/2008/04/06/moroccos-shia-identity/

“Peace Corps Country Overview for Morocco.” United States Diplomatic Mission to Morocco. 24 Feb. 2016. http://morocco.usembassy.gov/peacecorps.html

Russia/Morocco and Europe/Morocco

          

 Morocco has always been a strong country, but the relationship between Russia and Morocco has also been strong since the 18^th century. The two countries built a relationship based on the location of Morocco. Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah and Queen Catherine II started the relationship between Russia and Morocco because they shared many letters between each other. The two individuals discussed the topic of the location Morocco had possessed. Morocco agreed to allow Russia to have access to the Moroccan’s shores in order to fish. The opportunity Morocco gave Russia allowed a long and strong relationship to grow between the two countries, even through some difficult times of political stance in the 19^th century. Morocco and Russia hold their relationship of trade as something that is very important towards the two countries. Morocco has become Russia’s largest trading partner in order to increase their relationship they hold. The location of Morocco was the most important aspect to the country of Russia, but because of the permission to fish on their land it allowed the door of trading to be open between the two countries.

            In addition, Morocco became an important location to Europe in the 1900s. France became in possession of Morocco and Italy became in possession of Libya. However, another agreement of possessing different countries became in dispute between France and Spain, which Morocco was the division territory between these two countries. Britain made a pact to allow France to have access to Morocco, but France had to give over the role Britain would have in Egypt. However, Germany declares the importance of Morocco remaining an independent country. Russia along with Europe wanted possession of the unique country of Morocco in order to better their country through trade and location. Morocco remained an independent country and still uses the natural resources the land offers today.

“European Farmers Faking ‘Made in Morocco’ Label To Sell Products in Russia.” The Moroccan Times: Intellectually Yours (Aug. 2015). Feb. 17 2016. http://moroccantimes.com/2015/08/16543/european-farmers-faking-made-morocco-label-sell-products-russia

“History of Morocco.” History World. Feb. 17 2016. http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ac97

Caid, Hamid Ait El. “Morocco-Russia Relations: Who Is In More Need of the Other?” Morocco World News (Dec. 2014). Feb. 17 2016. http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2014/12/148258/morocco-russia-relations-who-is-in-more-need-of-the-other/

Sattin, Anthony. “An Insider’s guide to Fez.” Traveller (Nov. 2014). Feb. 17 2016. http://www.cntraveller.com/recommended/cities/insider-guide-fez-morocco/viewgallery/1278062

Trading Resources with Morocco

            

               Morocco has created a strong supply in their natural resources, which the land gives to the people. One of the key natural resources used today is phosphate. In the 1970s, the people of Morocco came into possession of the land that supplied the phosphate that was in much need. The phosphate allows people to fertilize the ground in order to grow crops and feed many animals. The lands phosphate also constitutes for around a third of their foreign trade. Furthermore, Morocco is in great need for basic energy such as oil and gas. The land has no oil or gas and because of this Morocco imports most of their oil and gas from other countries. However, Morocco is home to one of the most important energy source, which is the sun. The energy of the sun allows the land to be highly plentiful in order to provide for many important sources. The sun can also allow the growth of many of the exports from the land such as tomatoes, oranges, and olives. Morocco also exports many other goods including canned vegetables and fruits. The sun has allowed many of the exports being provided in order to help the economy grow stronger. In fact, the growth of the economy for Morocco has increased annually at about four percent. The exports that Morocco provides is growing list and a long one including cars, minerals, petroleum, and much more. Morocco trades their exports with many countries such as France, Brazil, Belgium-Luxembourg, and Italy. However, Morocco’s biggest export and import is the country of Spain. France, the United States, China, and Saudi Arabia are the following countries who provide imports to the country of Morocco. The country of Morocco takes pride in their increasing rates of exporting and importing. The natural resource of the sun has never changed, but country hasn’t changed in their resources or trade since the 1970s. Morocco as whole has increased in their natural resources and trade in order for the country to grow within the economy.

Labrini, A. “My 20 Impressions of Morocco: Part 1.” AIESEC (2010). 9 Feb. 2016. http://www.aiesec.ma/humans-of-aiesec/my-23-impressions-of-morocco/  

“Morocco.” The Observatory of Economic Complexity (2013). 9 Feb. 2016. http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/mar/

“Economy and Industry.” Our Africa. 9 Feb. 2016. http://www.our-africa.org/morocco/economy-industry  

“Big Harvest Boosts Moroccan Economy.” Boise Weekly (29 July 2009) 9 Feb. 2016. http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/big-harvest-boosts-moroccan-economy/Content?oid=1120714

History Without Words

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The Woman under the Water

           The country of Morocco is home to only a few myths and legends for the people of Morocco. However, one of the most well-known myths for the country of Morocco is along the waters of Fez medina. These waters bring to life to the myth of Aisha Kandisha. Most of the Moroccan people will hesitate before saying the full name of Aisha Kandisha because she instilled so much fear into them. Aisha Kandisha is a woman who has the legs of goats, but is known to be a very attractive woman. As the legend goes, she lives under the riverbeds and the flames of Morocco in the waters of Fez medina. The Moroccan people typically give information about legends and other stories through the oral aspect. However, sharing with someone a story means the message seems to get confusing and expanded upon, which means the listeners are not left with the same message that started it in the first place. The story of Aisha Kandisha mostly remains the same, but there are pieces that seem to have been added on to the story. The different variations of the story of Aisha Kandisha are mostly based upon the area you live in. Some story tellers share Aisha as having goat feet, but some view her as a beautiful mermaid. Also, some story tellers think of Aisha Kandisha as being an old woman trying to break up couples, but some see her as a demon.

            In addition, the story of Aisha Kandisha started when the Spanish invaded the country of Morocco. Aisha was waiting for her prey under the riverbeds and flames of Morocco. The riverbeds of Morocco consists of the waters of the Fez medina, but when stating the flames the myth is directly related to jinns. Jinns are known to be one of various forms of genies, which is heavily believed in the country of Morocco. The genies of Morocco take many forms, but are not typically thought of as bad. As a society, we typically associate genies to be good and to grant wishes like in the movie “Aladdin”. However, Aisha is associated with waters because of the riverbeds she resides in. Moreover, the jinns are just one of the creations of Allah with humans and angels being the other spiritual beings created by Allah. Most Moroccan people follow Allah because there is a high percentage of the population that follows the religious practice of Islam. The spirits of inns can be good, evil, or neutral because they have free will.

Furthermore, the many Spanish soldiers invading the country were walking around and across the land that Aisha Kandisha seemed to have possessed and waited for them. As the men continued to approach her, she would use her seductive qualities in order to entice them towards her. However, the different versions of Aisha’s myth becomes confusing after the point of the men being drawn to her through seduction. One of the versions of the myth claims that Aisha Kandisha takes them down under the riverbeds and flames in order to kill them. Another version of the myth states she possesses the men with spirits, demons, sorcery, jinns, and even jnun. The jnun are somewhat similar to jinns because they are invisible spiritual beings. The two different versions of the myth are both terrifying because the Spanish soldiers are never found again. The Spanish soldiers either end up dead or they end up being possessed by spiritual being forever and never to be found again. The people of Morocco believe Aisha was responsible for getting rid of the Spanish invaders and for taking back the country of Morocco for their own.

The story of Aisha Kandisha is still told and believed today by some of the people of Morocco. The Moroccan people typically instill fear into the various lives. The people typically view Aisha as being scary because of the aspect of possessing others with a spiritual being or a demon. Some of the parents in the country tell their children that if they do not behave Aisha would come for them. The Moroccan people wanted Aisha to be seen as something to be feared, but also as a spiritual being that truly helped their country. However, some Moroccan people take the stance of viewing Aisha as a call to help them and speak with them. Many of the residents believe that if they pour boiling water down the sink drain and call to Aisha, she will come and speak in order to help with a situation. Some of the people of Morocco gather every Thursday led by men to the river where she is known to reside. The gatherers bring milk and bread, but they also bring incense and candles to burn beside the river. Some of the people want to continue to honor Aisha Kandisha through this ritual and tradition of Morocco.

In conclusion, the different variation of the legend of Aisha Kandisha does not matter to the residents of Morocco. The Moroccan people are only concerned with honoring Aisha and showing her respect for protecting their proud country. Aisha Kandisha goes beyond just a legend for the people of Morocco, but she is what saved their country. For many people it is hard to understand the concept of believing in a legend or myth. However, the people of Morocco demonstrate how important the religion of Islam is to the people. Islam is one of the main focal points to the country and surrounds the country in many of the traditions displayed. The religion of Islam is impeded throughout the story of Aisha Kandisha. She represents one of the spiritual beings of the demons of jinns that surrounds the legend. The gathering of believers also shows the devotion the Islamic people possess because of the aspect of going to Mecca every year. The people of Morocco value their traditions and their cultures and because of this they hold to the truth of any legend of myth being told. The myth or legend of Aisha Kandisha represents how important tradition is to the Moroccan people. The story of Aisha Kandisha should be seen as part of the culture of Morocco.

Bibliography

 “Back to My Roots: Aisha Kandisha’s Leaky Body.” Leaky Ink (June 2012). Feb. 2016. https://leakyink.wordpress.com/2012/06/24/back-to-my-roots-aisha-kandishas-leaky-body/

“The Story of Aisha Kandisha.” Hidden Waters (Sept. 2011). Feb. 2016. https://fezfilm.wordpress.com/2011/09/28/the-story-of-aisha-kandisha/

“Moroccan Folklore: The Story of Aisha.” All About Occult: Fortean News…and Other Stuff (April 2015). Feb. 2016. http://www.allaboutoccult.com/2015/04/moroccan-folklore-the-story-of-aisha/

Youssouf, Ajinnah. “Djinns (Genies).” Essaouira (Dec. 2012). Feb. 2016. http://www.essaouira.nu/culture_djinns.htm  

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