Morocco المملكة المغربية
Morocco lies on the northwestern tip of Africa. Separated from Europe by the narrow Straits of Gibraltar, one can travel from Spain on a high-speed ferry to Morocco in under an hour. We chose to fly into Casablanca from Barcelona, then rent a car to see the country. We drove from Casablanca to Marrakech (148 miles), then up to Fes (300 miles), and back to Casablanca (180 miles) a week later to catch our flight back to Spain.
With its proximity to Europe, Morocco has been heavily influenced by French, Spanish, and Arab cultures. The French took an official role with the signing of the Treaty of Fes in 1912, coming at the end of the European land grab in Africa. Within 50 years, Morocco would be independent again and Mohammed V would become king.
Spain also has a long history of extending its empire to Morocco. When Spain gave up its claim on Western Sahara in 1974, Morocco stepped in, although there was already a strong independence movement. Over the past 25 years, this area has seen war and UN-brokered cease-fires. Some maps, mainly those found in Morocco, show Western Sahara as part of Morocco, others show it as a disputed territory. Spain still holds on to its enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta on the Mediterranean Sea and the culture in the northeastern parts of the country is still influenced by Spain.
Morocco, for me, was an interesting blend of the unknown and the unexpected. Unknown were the customs of the culture, the openness of the people, and the response to an American in a Muslim country. Unexpected was their elegance and sophistication, the refined and simple culture, and the warm reception I received as a New Yorker. شكرا, Shukran bezzef (many thanks), Morocco.
