Rabat - American singer Usher Raymond took a stroll through the "medina," the old city of Rabat, Morocco during the Mawazine Festival on June 3, 2015.

Along with his fiancee Grace Miguel, the American singer visited many places in Rabat during his stay in the Moroccan capital.

Some of these places include the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Museum Mohamed VI of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the old medina.

During his visit, Usher posted many photos and videos on his Instagram account.
Usher stopped to pose for pictures with turtles and danced with the Gnawa band he encountered in the medina.

The global superstar expressed his happiness to perform in Mawazine before ten thousand fans who lit up the OLM Souissi stage like the night stars with their cellphones.

On an Instagram post, Usher described this amazing view as the “est view in the World.”

Moroccan whip lol ????

A video posted by Usher (@howuseeit) on Jun 4, 2015 at 2:36pm PDT

Best view in the world ?#mawazine #rabat

A video posted by Usher (@howuseeit) on Jun 5, 2015 at 10:59pm PDT

A photo posted by Usher (@howuseeit) on Jun 5, 2015 at 4:15am PDT

Mausoleum of Mohammed V #morocco

A photo posted by Usher (@howuseeit) on Jun 5, 2015 at 10:55am PDT

One person's trash is another person's treasure ???? #zbelmanifesto #plastic #MMVI #Morocco #artiseverywhere

A photo posted by Usher (@howuseeit) on Jun 5, 2015 at 5:17am PDT

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Rabat - Oscar-winning Marion Cotillard is in negotiations to co-star with Brad Pitt in an untitled World War II spy thriller to be filmed in Casablanca, Morocco.

The French actress Cotillard and American actor Brad Pitt will play the roles of two assassins who fall in love during a mission to Casablanca to a kill a German ambassador during the Second World War.

The couple will marry, however their marriage is cut short when Pitt's character, a French-Canadian, is informed his wife is a double agent working for the Nazi government and he must kill her, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

American film director Robert Zemeckis is directing the romantic drama which is being produced by Graham King, Steve Starkey and Zemeckis.

The movie is expected to shoot in the first quarter of 2016 in Casablanca, London and Canada.

The post Marion Cotillard to co-star Brad Pitt in WWII Drama to be filmed in Casablanca appeared first on Morocco World News.

By Daniela Frendo

Malta - You've heard about its lavish Moorish facades and luxurious riads, but Morocco has more to offer than just the splendour of its hamams. It is a country brimming with ethnic markets and rich traditions, and blessed with scenic landscapes.

This short guide of Morocco takes you high up the Atlas Mountains, across the golden dunes of the Sahara, and deep into the magical souks of Marrakech.

Live the Amazigh (Berber) life

Trekking along the Atlas Mountains offers a hands-on experience of Moroccan rural life. Berber villages of mud-built houses and cultivated fields stem from the heart of valleys and spread over red-soiled slopes. Herds of mountain goats can be seen perched on the rocky slopes, grazing away to their heart's content. On your way you are bound to come across a few stranded huts selling freshly-squeezed orange juice and tribal ornaments. If the long trek makes you peckish, the makeshift restaurants at these 'pit stops' usually serve bountiful salads, lentil soups and the famous tajine.

Immerse yourself in ancient Moroccan culture by spending a few days with a Berber family. There are quite a number of local tour operators that provide tailored excursions to the Berber villages tucked among the High Atlas Mountains.

Learn how to brew the traditional mint tea, get your hands and feet dirty with some farming, and dance to the primitive beats of Berber music.

[caption id="attachment_160535" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Photo Credit: Daniela Frendo[/caption]

Conquer Mount Toubkal

Being the highest mountain in North Africa at 4167m, the expedition to the summit of Toubkal should only be attempted if you've recently pushed your training level beyond the gym membership. It is a do-able, but still a rather challenging climb.

Staying at a refuge means you have to step out of your comfort zone for a couple of days. Don't get me wrong; the hosts are warm and the food abundant, but the toilets and showers leave much to be desired. The sleeping quarters are usually crammed, accommodating at least twenty visitors in a small confined room. It is highly recommended that you take your own sleeping bag just in case the refuge doesn't provide blankets.

The ascent can take up to 6 hours on the final day, depending on your level of fitness. The trail weaves along rocky and gritty terrain, and in some areas the slopes can be quite steep. It is a physically-demanding trek, but the rewarding feeling you get once you’re standing on top of North Africa is priceless.

The best time to attempt Mount Toubkal is between September and November as the unrelenting summer heat would have abated by then. Autumns in Morocco are generally mild. You are still likely to encounter strong gusts as you advance towards the summit. Make sure to pack thermal and waterproof gear - the temperature can drop below zero and rain showers are unpredictable.

The climb might seem a bit disheartening at first, but if you approach the challenge with a good dose of willpower and take all the necessary safety precautions, it will turn out to be an exhilarating experience.

Explore natural gorges and ancient kasbahs

Morocco boasts diverse, yet equally panoramic landscapes. A day's drive away from the lush green fields of the High Atlas Mountains takes you through arid moors and bare hills. The rugged scenery becomes more dramatic when you arrive at the Todgha Gorge, a canyon of golden-brown limestone. The sheer, smooth cliffs reach a height of almost 300 metres on each side, resulting in a dwarfing experience for anyone strolling through the gorge.

[caption id="attachment_160531" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The ksar of Ait Ben Haddou in Ouarzazate is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Photo by Daniela Frendo[/caption]

Along the trans-Saharan trade routes in southern Morocco stand the crumbling ruins of ancient fortified towns, known as kasbahs. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou in Ouarzazate is one of Morocco's most well-preserved and majestic kasbahs. Ait Ben Haddou has starred in many screen productions, including Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and Game of Thrones.

Sleep in the desert

Contrary to popular belief, desert trips and night stays are completely safe in Morocco. The Moroccan Sahara remains unaffected by the rise of Islamist terrorist groups in neighbouring countries. In fact, sunset camel treks are all the rage in Morocco, but not everyone is willing to sleep in a desert tent in freezing temperatures.

Spend a night in the Sahara with the hospitable Bedouins, singing and playing the drums with them. Wake up early the following morning for an awe-inspiring experience - watching the sun rising over the sand dunes.

[caption id="attachment_160540" align="aligncenter" width="999"] Photo Credit: Daniela Frendo[/caption]

Experience the magic of Marrakech

Finally, spice up your trip by venturing into the hustle and bustle of Marrakech's spellbinding market. It is quite easy to get lost in the maze of the medina, but the locals will be more than willing to show you the way out... and then demand a tip.

The souks of Marrakech display a spectrum of vibrant colours. There are about 18 souks in Marrakech, all exhibiting different trades; pottery, ceramics, leatherwork, jewellery, carpentry, copper work, and of course, traditional cuisine.

[caption id="attachment_160534" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Photo Credit: Daniela Frendo[/caption]

Moroccans are crafty salesmen, and years of experience have helped them master all the tricks of the trade. They can be very persuasive and unyielding. The best thing to do if you feel trapped is to actually chat to them. Talk to them about your holiday so far, and what has interested you most about their country. Remember to smile and be polite, and they might put the price down by a few Dirhams.

And if by the end of the day you think you had seen it all, then Marrakech holds another surprise for you. As the sun sets behind the mosque's minaret, numerous food stalls set up shop in Djema el-Fna square, preparing for a long night of entertainment. Street performers showcase their eccentric talents to passersby. The snake charmers are usually the main attraction, but the square is also shared by storytellers, fire jugglers, Berber musicians and the occasional card reader.

Don't get too close to the performing area unless you are willing to leave a tip. However, this is a unique experience and it would be more enriching if you had to interact with the performers. The musicians are likely to catch you off guard and pull you into the circle.

Whatever you do, don't panic.

Let the magic fill your heart and mind with inspiration.

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Rabat - “Much Loved (Zin li Fik)," the highly controversial film by Moroccan director Nabil Ayouch which was presented at the Cannes Film Festival but censored in Morocco, will be released in France on June 16, according to French media.

 PYRAMID FILM INC., the company in charge of distributing the film, has organized eleven exceptional preview screenings in Paris and other French cities later this week on Thursday, June 11.

In Paris, the film will be screened at l’UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles, Gaumont Parnasse, MK2 Quai de Seine, MK2 Bibliothèque, Louxor, Cinéma des cinéastes and Caumartin.

In Provence, screenings will be held at Rennes (Ciné TNB), Nancy (Caméo Saint-Sébastien), Aix en Provence (Mazarin), and Brest (Studios).

Though "Much Loved" is banned in Morocco, the film reportedly became the number one selling film on the black market, and the title of the film the most popular google search.

Following are the times and locations of the film screenings:

 Paris

• UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles - 20h
• Gaumont Parnasse - 19h45
• MK2 Quai de Seine - 20h
• MK2 Bibliothèque - 20h
• Louxor - 19h30
• Cinéma des cinéastes - 20h
• Caumartin - 20h30

Rennes

• Ciné TNB- 21h15

Nancy

• Caméo Saint-Sébastien - 20h30

Aix en Provence

• Mazarin - 19h

Brest

Studios - 20h

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Rabat - The controversy over Jennifer Lopez’ concert at the opening of Mawazine Festival made headlines worldwide, with many international media mocking the backlash that her performance elicited from Moroccans on social media and from the Moroccan government. But amidst this debate, many overlook the fact that the Jennifer Lopez had also stirred an outrage in the UK 2 years because of the way she was dressed.

The Puerto-Rican American pop star Jennifer Lopez is no stranger to the spotlight. J-Lo is highly regarded as the most successful Hispanic entertainer in the United States and is credited with encouraging Latinos to pursue their dreams in the entertainment business. She has enjoyed successful world tours, number one albums and films, lucrative business deals, and a even her own nonprofit organization, the Lopez Family Foundation.

J-Lo is known internationally for her famous figure and impressive dance choreographies. At forty-five years old, Lopez moves with the same agility and confidence that she did back when she began her career as an entertainer, dancing backup for New Kids On The Block and Janet Jackson.

Her trademark curves and moves are what make her the incredible performer she is today, but they are not for everyone.

With J-Lo's long history of successes comes an equally long history of cultural offenses. The most recent of these occurred at the 15th edition of the Mawazine World Rhythms International Music Festival in Rabat, Morocco, when J-Lo opened the festival in a white studded leotard and not much more.

In very little clothing, sky-high heeled boots, and her sparkling smile, J-Lo delivered exactly what one would expect from a J-Lo show: seductive dance moves, provocative lyrics, and loads of booty shaking.

Being an Islamic society that exists under Islamic rules and expectations, the Moroccan public and government was mostly horrified by the risqué performance. The days following the performance were filled with criticisms of Lopez's wardrobe and dance moves by various media outlets.

In addition to disgust with Lopez's performance from the general public, more serious accusations were made by Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, ordering "an investigation into the broadcast of a Lopez concert which he describes as 'serious delinquency'," reports the National Post.

In short, Moroccans did not appreciate Lopez's disregard for their cultural values and laws.

But in the same way that Moroccan's have criticized Lopez, the rest of the world has been less than understanding with the Islamic nation's concerns, suggesting that they should have expected J-Lo to perform exactly as she always does. One Facebook commenter wrote, "If you invite a nun to a party she will pray, a clown will blow up balloons, a comic will tell jokes and a caterer will bring food - why would people expect performers to perform out of character?"

Although Morocco has received a hefty amount of backlash for its conservative expectations and cultural practices, it is not the only nation to criticize one of J-Lo's performances.

In 2013, J-Lo performed her then new single on Britain's Got Talent in the UK in traditional J-Lo attire and attitude. The performance in the UK was received with extremely negative comments from the Twittersphere, patronizing her for not covering up for a broadcast performance on a "family-friendly" TV show.

One tweet read, "#BGT does #jenniferlopez realise its a family show - only thing missing was the pole - cover up your cheeks please!" and another, "#JenniferLopez put some clothes on, #BGT is a family show, what sort of role model are you being for the young girls watching?"

The UK is not an Islamic nation, yet Jennifer Lopez was criticized in a similar fashion after her performance two years ago. Muslim or not, multiple nations have proven to disagree with J-Lo's performance style and overall persona. Regardless of the negativity, J-Lo continues to perform in her trademark style. The proud mother of two is not shedding her identity any time soon.

All in all, the large spectrum of international praise and disapproval that has been unleashed on Jennifer Lopez over her long, successful career goes to show how diverse the cultures of the modern world are. These instances of conflict raise many questions in regards to performance art and what boundaries are allowed to be crossed by those with a certain public image to maintain, such as Lopez.

Finding a way for differing cultures, ideas, and religions to coexist is something that the global community strives toward everyday, although disagreements are inevitable. A few things, however, are for sure-- in order to make any progress in the movement toward peace, we must first be respectful toward one another's beliefs and have open, honest communication to find common ground.

The post Before Morocco, Jennifer Lopez Had Also Stirred Outrage in the UK appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat - God’s Bridge is an impressive rock formation stretching over 25 meters above the water. It is a naturally formed bridge which stretches above the Oued Farda River in Chefchaouen.

The city of Chefchaouen, also known as Chaouen by the locals, is home to the impressive and serene Bridge of God. This popular tourist attraction is about a 40 minute drive outside of the main city and includes a challenging hike to the destination. Travelers can either take a taxi or a tour bus to this area.

After arrival, hikers find there are a few different paths to choose from, one much more challenging than the other. The path along the mountain takes hikers through the brush and dirt. Alternatively, hikers can venture on the dirt path, which is much clearer, down to the river.

[caption id="attachment_160662" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Serene Untouched Nature in Chefchaouen[/caption]

Once at the river, however, expect to jump from rock to rock and get a little wet. The path contains slippery rocks covered in moss and rickety bridges made from sticks. There are streams and small waterfalls throughout the hike. The scenery is beautiful and tranquil. Unfortunately, trash is seeping into the streams from the main water sources and from tourist traffic. Nonetheless, the entire hike provides views of lush foliage, impressive mountains, and crystal clear water.

There are also restaurants along the river where travelers can stop and hike. Camping along the river is also an option for those who want to experience the nature in its entirety, as there are small flat areas where tents can be set up. Also, along the river are pools of water which are great for cooling off on the hike.

Whichever way you choose to travel, God’s Bridge is sure to be a memorable landmark in your journey.

© Morocco World News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten or redistributed

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Rabat - Morocco is the site of several filming locations for the epic television series of Games of Thrones, which will conclude its fifth season on HBO next week.

Tourism website Lawrence of Morocco has put together a map of every real-life location used in the filming of the series.

Many of the scenes were filmed in Morocco, particularly in Season 3. Ait Ben Haddou, Essaouira, and Ourzazate were used for a number of scenes.

According to Forbes, Game of Thrones is attracting thousands of tourists to the countries where the series is filmed. Tours are also available in most of these filming locations.

Essaouira – Astapor

In the series, Essaouira stands in for the fictional city of Astapor. The windy city features in the Season 3 finale, with its cliff wall providing a backdrop for one of the series’ scenes.

Ourzazate – Pentos

Morocco's Hollywood, Ourzazate, has hosted many international films over the years, such as Gladiator and Babel. It is now used in Game of Thrones. The enigmatic city was used as the port of Pentos, where character Daenerys Targaryen lives in exile in the beginning of the series.

Ait Ben Haddou - Yunkai and Pentos

Ait Ben Haddou provides the backdrop for the cities of Yunkai and Pentos in Season 3, where the majority of Daenerys Targaryen’s scenes are set.

 The fortified city provided the setting for Daenerys’ battle with the Second Sons and another set of slaves for her to set free, , according to Lawrence of Morocco travel website.

In addition to Morocco, scenes from the series were also filmed in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Malta, Iceland, Croatia and Spain.

The post In Pictures: Morocco in TV Series Games of Thrones appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat - Three organizations are committed to working towards enriching travel experiences in Morocco. 

Creative Interactions, Marrakech Henna Art Cafe, and Open Doors Morocco are joining hands to encourage cross-cultural interaction between Morocco and its tourists.

Though they provide different services, these Marrakech-based companies have a similar goal: enhancing travel experiences and allowing people to deeply connect with the culture of Morocco.

“What we offer are unique and immersive travel experiences, so drop by the café, book a tour or sign up for a workshop with us,” says Rhoena Facun, director of Creative Interactions.

All three organizations have committed to giving ten percent of their profits to El Fenn Maroc, a non-profit charity. El Fenn is “dedicated to building bridges across cultures through visual art and promoting traditional Moroccan arts,” said Lori Gordon, co-owner of Marrakech Henna Art Cafe.

“We want people to experience the real Morocco though language, art, and travel. And at the same time for Moroccans to be empowered through cultural exchange, skills development, and education,” said Nancy Lauer, director of Open Doors Morocco.

The post Three Organizations Seek to Enhance Morocco’s Travel Through Charity appeared first on Morocco World News.

By Daniela Frendo

Malta - The cheerful vendor watched us admire his collection of money notes. There were hundreds of them, all flattened out next to each other under smeared glass sheets.

"Look, this is from Australia. And this one from Mexico," he smiled proudly.

Truth be told, I was more interested in his colourful array of jewellery. The walls of his tiny shop were curtained with long beaded necklaces, chunky bracelets, and intricate silver earrings reminiscent of ancient queens.

I could have spent all night in the shop, and probably all my money too, but it was hard to browse through the dazzling jewellery on an empty stomach.

Luck and hunger

A very old man sat on a stool at the side of the shop, his wide, curious eyes following us around. When I approached the counter with a silver khamsa pendant (or Fatima's Hand, a talisman for good luck and protection in North Africa), the elderly man uttered something to the shop keeper.

"My father wants to know where you're from."

He gave his father a comprehensive lesson on Malta, then turned back to me, his eyes twinkling.

"What currency is used in Malta?" he asked, smiling eagerly.

"It used to be the Maltese lira, but now it's the euro."

His smile dropped. I took one last glance at his money collection and realised I hadn't seen a Maltese banknote anywhere.

"If I ever come to Marrakech again, I'll bring you a small gift.”

His face lit up.

"Shukran. You are always welcome in my country. And I wish you a Happy New Year."

Returning to Djema el Fna, you could hardly tell it was New Year's Eve. It was business as usual at the heart of Marrakech. Local women emerged from the narrow streets of the souks, carrying heavy shopping bags across the square. A strong smell of incense filled up the area around the tea and herb stalls. Behind them, young men wheeled in carts loaded with miniature tajines. A few others were arranging glowing lanterns on the ground. If it wasn't for the tempting aroma of the nearby food stalls, I would have carried on shopping.

[caption id="attachment_160740" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Photo credit: Morocco World News[/caption]

Dinner

Clouds of smoke lingered over the long rows of food stalls. Waiters with glossy menus stepped in front of us from all sides and angles, addressing us in at least five different European languages. We watched diners sipping lentil soup and wincing at bowls of snails. Many stalls had a variety of fresh salads and grilled skewers, and we could have just settled for that, but my adventurous boyfriend had recently been inspired by Andrew Zimmern's forays into bizarre street foods.

We scanned the stalls for a particular local delicacy, but the ever-persistent waiters kept blocking our sight. After spending ten minutes telling each one of them that we had just had dinner, I decided to change tactics. When the next waiter leapt in front of us with a colourful menu and a broad smile, I made our request.

"Where can we have ras el kharuf?"

His smile widened, "Are you sure you don't want to see the menu?"

Our insistence took him by surprise. He asked us to sit at the stall on our right and relayed our order to the chef. The stall served everything except the delicacy we were after. Fearing that we might have just fallen into a trap, I summoned the chef to confirm our order.

"A sheep's head for you Monsieur. And for you as well, Madame?"

The chef had the same look of surprise as the waiter. We were served complimentary soup and olives as starters, and still there was no sign of our dinner being cooked. I nibbled on the spicy olives with growing anticipation for trying the sheep's head, until suddenly, out of nowhere, a different chef appeared at our table with two plastic plates and placed them right in front of us.

[caption id="attachment_160741" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Photo credit: Morocco World News[/caption]

It took me a few moments to come to terms with the sight of my dinner.  Then, slowly, I removed the greasy skin, forked out the tender flesh, and braved my way through the first taste. The succulent, mildly spiced meat melted in my mouth - I couldn't believe I was actually enjoying it. When all of the meaty bits were gone, I was left with just the crispy, browned skin and...

"Is it OK to eat the eyeball?" I asked the chef.

"Of course," he said, inspecting our progress, "And don't forget the tongue."

We left the food stall with a full stomach and a proud smile.

Extra nibbles

Our pregnant bellies didn't dissuade waiters from holding up tourist menus in our faces. We were just exploring the rest of the food market, savouring the pleasant aroma of spices and grilled meat, when we spotted something that had clearly been missing from our sheep's head. The two chefs behind the stall met our curious gaze and beckoned us over.

Arranged neatly on a white plate was a set of glistening brains.

One of the chefs introduced himself, his voice struggling over the fierce hissing of whatever he was frying.

"I'm Abdul, and this here is my best friend, Obama."

I looked at the other chef, whose dark skin shimmered like bronze as he moved closer to the cooking fire, and instantly realised what Abdul was on about.

The Obama lookalike (we never learnt his real name) put a small plate between us, in which a single brain wobbled in sauce. Both chefs watched us take the first bite over thick oily fumes. I braced myself for a strong unpleasant taste, but the brains turned out to be bland. Abdul and Obama grinned at our contorted faces, then handed us a glass of mint tea each to restore our faith in the Moroccan palate.

A New Year's Eve toast

In the absence of champagne, we went for two large glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice for just 5 dirham (€0.50). There were no fireworks nor countdowns to welcome the new year in Djema el Fna - just the usual commotion and spontaneity that I had grown to love so much about Marrakech. In fact, a big part of me was relieved that for once I wouldn't have to pretend I know the words to Auld Lang Syne.

We drank a toast to a year filled with happiness, health and more adventures. The stall vendor took our empty glasses and asked us to wait as he moved about busily behind the counter. I watched him from the foot of the high stall, wondering what he was up to.

"Bonne année!" 

He had refilled our glasses to the brim, and before I had time to become suspicious again, he let us know that the second drink was on the house.

The post An Evening in Marrakech’s Djema el Fna appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat- Moroccan international actor Said Taghmaoui leveled harsh criticism against Nabil Ayouch’s controversial film “Much Loved.”

In a post on his Facebook page, Taghmaoui said that the film “undermines Moroccan cultural and religious values” and cannot be viewed as an artistic way to address the phenomenon of prostitution.

“How can Moroccans move forward on these issues when the film goes against their religious, cultural, and moral values?”

The acclaimed actor went on to say that the film’s goal is not to find solutions to the problem, but to shock people and create a buzz around it, adding that it is an “insult” to the Moroccan audience worldwide.

“Many Moroccans and expatriate families are hurt by this attack on the values of our country. Cinema is a popular art and only if you put your talent to your. If for the buzz, you insult your audience, it is legitimate that this audience does not endorse it and make it known,” he noted.

“Most Moroccan families could not attend a screening of the film as it is subversive and detrimental to the socio-cultural heritage of our country. Not to take this into account does not make sense,” he added.

Explaining the reason why he won’t watch this film, he stressed that these sensitive issues should be tackled with talent, dignity, and respect for Moroccan values, adding that the filmmaker showed a lack of responsibility by embarking in this undertaking without taking the Moroccan context into account.

“Sensitive subjects are treated with talent, respect, and dignity, not by compromising our values for commercial purposes. I have nothing against the director or the fact that it deals with this topic, but we must recognize that a majority of Moroccans do not understand the form used in the film. Not to not hear or recognize is selfish and irresponsible,” he concluded.

Following the controversy sparked by video clips of “Much Loved” posted on YouTube in May, Morocco decided to ban   the film’s screening in the country’s cinemas.

Morocco World News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten or redistributed without permission

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London UK - Author Samantha Herron fell in love with Morocco many years ago. This led her to study Arabic and spend time living with an Amazigh (Berber) family of former nomads in the Draa Valley on the edge of the Sahara Desert in Morocco.

She immersed herself in the language, culture and traditions of the country. Captivated by the ancient art of storytelling, which was alive and thriving amongst the community, she began to collect stories that she was hearing. She then found herself imagining and composing her own Moroccan stories.

This debut collection of her stories, all set in contemporary Morocco, takes the reader on a journey into the hearts and minds of ordinary Moroccans and offers a glimpse into life in this magical and ancient land. It is her first work of fiction.

Tahir Shah, author of 'The Caliph's House' and 'In Arabian Nights', comments: 'Samantha Herron has succeeded triumphantly in doing what many Occidental writers have failed in for centuries - showing Morocco from the inside out. The stories she has so eloquently told are part of the 'real' Morocco, a kingdom that is so often invisible to visitors. This magical realm has traditionally been received orally, and not through written text. It exists, not in the grand touristic sites, but in the ancient fabric of places like the Draa Valley, from where her stories come. A wonderful collection, highly recommended.'

Tim Mackintosh-Smith, Arabist and author of 'Travels with a Tangerine: A Journey in the Footnotes of Ibn Battutah', comments: 'Samantha Herron found some of her Moroccan stories ready-made. Others she imagined or dreamed. In size they are miniatures; but they all express big things on a small scale. Reading them is like peering through a series of keyholes – and, each time, glimpsing something momentary but momentous, instants with life-long consequences. They will make you smile, and shiver. And they will tell you as much truth about their Moroccan setting as a shelf-full of ethnologies.'

Samantha Herron’s previous work includes the English and Arabic publication 'Dardasha: Testimonies of Migration by Moroccan Women' (Soul Bay Press 2011) which was produced in association with the Al Hasaniya Moroccan Women’s Centre in London and featured at London’s Nour Festival 2013. She presented some of the stories from 'The Djinn in the Skull: Stories from hidden Morocco' as part of 'The Storytelling Circle' at Nour Festival 2014. This is her first work of fiction.

THE DJINN IN THE SKULL: STORIES FROM HIDDEN MOROCCO will be published on 23rd October 2015. A free advance copy of the publication for reviewers will be available from mid-July.

The post The Djinn in the Skull: Stories from Hidden Morocco appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat - Nabil Ayouch's film on prostitution "Much Loved" continues to spark outrage in Morocco.

The Franco-Moroccan film director defied the ban on his prostitution-themed drama and screened the film last week at a private university in the capital Rabat.

According to daily newspaper Al Akhbar, the private university located in Rabat is a French-Moroccan venture headed by Faycal Laaraichi, CEO of La Société nationale de radiodiffusion et de télévision (SNRT), Morocco's public broadcaster.

Contacted by news website le360, Laaraichi said he is simply one of the founders of the institution, adding that 'he is not the boss of the school'.

SNRT chief said he was 'surprised' by the screening of the film at the university. He also insisted the screening of "Much Loved" was the idea of a student club.

A debate on censorship and freedom of expression took place following the screening. Only a limited number of the university students and academics participated in the debate.

Al Akhbar newspaper said Journalists were denied access to the university to participate in the debate. The same source added that the university assigned extra security to keep "uninvited" people from entering the premises.

During the debate, Nabil Ayouch defended his controversial film and thanked people who published some of the clips on social media platforms. "They offered me free publicity," Ayouch said, adding that "it was inappropriate to ban the film."

A source quoted by le360 deemed as 'illegal' and 'against the law' the screening of "Much Loved" by the university.

"The screening of the film in this space requires authorization," the source said. "Neither the school nor the director had applied for a permit for it to be shown for cultural purposes."

"Nabil Ayouch is a man who likes to break the rules and laws," the source added.

Following the controversy sparked by leaked clips of “Much Loved” posted on social media, the Moroccan government decided to ban the film’s screening in the country’s cinemas.

A statement from the Ministry of Communications said the “film undermines moral values, and dignity of Moroccan women, and a flagrant attack on the kingdom’s image.”

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Rabat - With thousands of animals, 130 distinct species, and five authentic ecosystems, the Rabat Zoo provides both an entertaining and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

The Rabat Zoo features five authentic gardens (The Atlas Mountains, The Desert, The Savannah, The Rainforest, and The Wetlands), which mimic the actual diverse ecosystems of Morocco. While walking through the different gardens, visitors feel as if they are immersed in the unique nature of each one. Known as the “wild encounter,” the zoo allows for up close and personal views of animals. It is a center visitors can experience nature and wildlife.

Morocco has very distinct ecosystems due to the infusion of oceans, the Mediterranean, and the Sahara. Therefore, the Atlas Mountains are home to over 40 species of mammals, 140 species of birds, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. The Atlas Mountains exhibit at the zoo features the African lion and the Barbary sheep and macaque. The garden also contains typical Moroccan foliage, creating a harmonic and authentic environment with the animals.

The Desert houses animals that thrive in sandy and rocky terrains. These animals, mostly found in the Sahara Desert, are unique to Africa. Not only can visitors see the common animals specific to the desert, such as various species of antelope, but they can also see endangered and rare animals that are under protection, such as the desert monitor lizard and the cheetah.

The cheetah is considered a vulnerable species, as they are lacking genetic diversity to reproduce at high rates successfully. Further, they are illegally sold through street markets to be taken as pets in parts of Africa. However, these pets have low survival rates.

The Savannah is one of the main attractions of the zoo, as it houses many animals native to Africa: elephants, lions, white rhinos, giraffes, baboons, and African ostriches. The species found here are very diverse. One large exhibit houses many species of animals, where they coexist in a balanced ecosystem. These animals are quite active; it isn’t uncommon to see gazelles running through the field or elephants spraying themselves with dirt or water.

The Rainforest garden provides a different experience entirely. Housing mostly primates, birds, and snakes, the rainforest contains landscapes of dense forests and swamps. The animals in the rainforest are quite entertaining; guests can watch mandrils chase each other and chimpanzees show off their powerful hands and feet.

The Wetlands of the zoo contain numerous species of birds, mostly roaming free in their unenclosed water territories, we well as hippos, fish, and crocodiles. One of the highlights of this area is the peafowl exhibit. Inside a mesh enclosure, visitors can take a walk through the peafowl territory, where the birds roam free, crossing the paths and jumping around on the hills and grass. The males, known as peacocks, frequently display their feathers as a courtship ritual to females. Visitors can witness this intimidating but impressive display as the peafowl scurry around their home.

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Rabat - Chorouk Chelouati will participate as Morocco’s beauty ambassador at the Miss Universal Peace & Humanity Pageant 2015 that will be organized in the United Arab Emirates from August 18 to 30, 2015.

The Moroccan beauty, who was crowned Miss Arab beauty in Beirut in 2014, will compete with 18 other candidates from five different continents for the title of Miss Universal Peace & Humanity 2015.

Chelouati, 23 years old, has received 3024 votes so far, coming in second place after Ruhi Singh, Miss Punjab Indopak 2015.

Karolina Euler, Miss Western Europe, is currently in third place with 2967 votes.

The organizers of the beauty contest opened the voting for internet users on May 31, and votes may be cast until June 30. The online votes will count for 35% of the final grade of the candidates, while the jury will have a decisive say in evaluating the contestants with 65% of the points.

In addition to pursuing her successful modelling career, Chelouati will feature in the series "Merhba b Sahbi " (Welcome my friend) to be aired on Morocco’s channel Al Oula during the holy month of Ramadan.

To vote for Chorouk Chelouati click here

[caption id="attachment_160933" align="aligncenter" width="714"] Photo Credit: Chorouk Chelouati Facebook page[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_160934" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Photo Credit: Chorouk Chelouati Facebook page[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_160935" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Photo Credit: Chorouk Chelouati Facebook page[/caption]

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Rabat - Afternoons after work in Rabat are spent mainly at my host home, journaling about my ever-changing perception of the Muslim world and its people, sharing stories of clumsy conversations with the Souk vendors with my housemates, and of course, napping.

My naps are usually short yet profound, uninterrupted, and satisfying. So when my roommate and host mom woke me up from one of my usual naps with an unusual request—a trip to the hammam—I was surprised, excited, and a little bit nervous. I had heard of the hammam before, but only very briefly on one of my mothers’ Turkish telenovelas and during my school mandated research of Moroccan traditions.

No amount of research on the internet could have really prepared me for the interesting cultural immersion waiting for me in the very near future. Half asleep, holding a bag of toiletries, and wearing a bikini under my loose clothing, I set out toward the infamous public bath house in the medina with my roommate and host mom.

A Moroccan hammam is very similar to traditional Roman baths complete with hot air, cold water, and nudity. The baths are separated by gender, so men and women are welcome either in separate buildings or during different times of the day, which is the case here in Rabat. During the day, women in the hammam strip down completely and begin the sometimes multiple-hour process of intense scrubbing, shaving, washing, cleansing, and scrubbing again. So much scrubbing.

Our host mom decided that my roommate and I were capable of scrubbing each other, so we skipped out on hiring one of the hammam workers to scrub us down, although I’ve heard from other foreigners in Rabat that it is quite the experience. Once we paid a small entry fee of 15 dirhams and stepped into the hammam it was go time—our host mom was undressed within seconds and gesturing for us to do the same. With slightly nervous but mostly, “well, why not?” smirks on our faces, my roommate and I stripped down to our bathing suit bottoms and embraced yet another opportunity to fully experience Moroccan culture.

No one holds back in the hammam—women scrub every inch of their aunts, sisters, daughters, mothers, and friends’ bodies—yes, even the private parts.

After entering the farthest and hottest room in the hammam, (they’re separated by temperature levels—really hot, not as hot but still hot, and cool) our host mom told us to cover our face and bodies in henna. We quickly went to work, laughing at our obvious lack of experience in the hammam and talking about how bizarre this would look to our friends back home. Our host mom noticed our nervous giggles and laughed with us or maybe at us, I’m still not sure.

One thing that made the experience more enjoyable was how quickly my roommate and I became comfortable with each other—perhaps it was the fear of sticking out as the prudent Americans in the back corner of the hammam scared to look at a naked female body or the fact that we’ve become good friends since living with each other, but the experience was never awkward once we got past the initial shock and began the actual process.

We realized that it was much easier and quicker to help each other rub the henna on our backs and, similar to the other women in the hammam, soon began helping each other scrub it off too.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t out of my comfort zone at some points, but I’d be lying even more if I said that I didn’t welcome the challenge to my pre-existing beliefs about nudity and personal space, which certainly isn’t a thing in the hammam.

With that being said, the lack of personal space by no means brings a lack of respect toward each other’s bodies. The hammam is all about community and cleansing—it is a space to bond, converse, relax, and cleanse the body to remove oneself from, both literally and figuratively, the filth that seeps under our skin in the outside world.

Speaking of filth, the amount of it that came off of our bodies as we scrubbed them vigorously was actually incredible. And here I am, thinking that my ten minute showers before bed are the most cleansing things in the world. “I feel like a new woman!” I yell almost every night before lying down; finally clean after a long, hot day. Yeah, right. The loads of dead skin and dirt that washed off of my body beg to differ.

After scrubbing for ages in the “really hot” room, we moved to the “not as hot but still hot” room and grabbed buckets to wash off with cold water from faucets lining the room. The cold water felt amazing and refreshing; I began to understand the appeal of the hammam in no time. This is where most of the action happens, meaning that groups of women not only scrubbed their bodies but also shaved them, shampooed and combed their hair, brushed their teeth, and shared laughs over conversation, as women often do.

The moment reminded me of the hours spent in my kitchen with my own friends, laughing over silly gossip and giving each other advice about the latest events in our lives. I wondered if our group dynamic would be as strong as that of the women in the hammam if we were all sitting here half naked, or if we’d focus instead on feeling insecure about our bodies or silently judging each other on our appearances.

Just then, the hammam became a place void of any judgement and insecurity—I realized that not one single woman glanced at another with judgmental eyes or with the intention of making them feel insecure about their bodies. “Fat” and “skinny” bodies seemed to disappear; after all, they’re just bodies. What I witnessed and experienced in the hammam that afternoon was an incredible bonding experience between women of all shapes, sizes, and ages. From here, we moved on to the “cool” room and washed off any remaining henna and soap.

Both my roommate and I left the hammam feeling clean and rejuvenated. I remembered something my program director said to us a few days prior to our visit to the hammam—“You’ll feel different—I want to talk to you after the hammam!” With little explanation as to why or how we would feel different, he laughed and assured us that we would soon understand.

I think I get it now.

I curled up in my warm bed as soon as I reached my room, felt every muscle in my body relax completely, and drifted back into my sleepy state, feeling as light and free as a feather.

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By Hajar Jannad

Rabat - On the occasion of the 5^th edition of the “salon regional du livre” held in Tangier from June 22 to 28 , Fouad El-Omari, the city’s mayor, announced that starting in July free outdoor Wi-Fi will be provided in public parks throughout the city.

An outdoor public wireless internet network–available free of charge and lasting an hour–was already launched in Casablanca in collaboration with the three mobile operators (Meditel, Inwi, and Maroc Telecom); this initiative was highly praised by the city’s youth. Free Wi-Fi was also launched in Marrakech’s Arsat Moulay Abdeslam garden.

For Fouad El Omari, the public network is part of the “Tanger Metropole” program and the vision for a twenty-first century downtown aimed at promoting the human development and integration of the city.

This initiative will enable Tangier’s residents and visitors to connect to the Internet on laptops, smart phones and other mobile devices while outdoors. M&T Bank is leading the effort to engineer, purchase, and install the wireless system.

It is now time for Tangier’s residents to benefit from free Wi-Fi and connect wherever they are. If succeeds, the initiative will be further expanded into other zones and other cities.

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Rabat - Moroccans and Muslims believe that during Ramadan demons are chained to let people practice their prayers, contemplate their supplications to God, and indulge in charitable work. The irony is that during Ramadan, people avoid social interactions for fear of having arguments, while criminal acts surge and street fights proliferate.

When I visited the university hospital in Fez to check on a family member on the second day of Ramadan, I was horrified by the number of victims I saw who came to the hospital because of injuries involving stones, sticks, knifes and machetes. I saw groups of young men occupying the emergency’s front gate to brag about their friend’s war stories swearing in the process, and a father threatening to kill his son’s aggressor.

The most shocking scene I witnessed however, was the three people who stormed into the hospital, frightening all the hospital staff in the process, to take revenge on a patient who had reportedly attacked one of their brothers. This patient, who was being treated for severe wounds to his hand, managed to escape with the help of the hospital’s security guard.

“Scenes like this one occur every day in the hospital during Ramadan,” a security guard who works in the hospital said.

How can these acts promote the image of our country and encourage others to understand our culture if we taint it? Indeed there is a huge gap between what Ramadan should be about and our deeds.

Ramadan is a holy month where Muslims are expected to be tolerant towards each other, ask God for repentance and promote a peaceful and positive image of Islam. It is disappointing, shameful that foreigners who come to visit Morocco witness such barbarous behavior during this holy month, potentially brand our country as uncivilized.

Satan is innocent from these practices or: Satan does not commit these practices. As some Moroccans say when they are enraged: “Satan must be human as I have never seen Satan.”

This is not to doubt religious beliefs about the existence of demons. Rather it should be a call to control ourselves and be responsible about what we do. We should not only respect our values, but also transform them to acts. No more of this schizophrenia.

Edited by Miriam El Ofir

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The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Morocco World News’ editorial policy

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Rabat - In an effort to support cultural heritage and sustainable tourism development, Moroccan authorities have launched a conservation plan for the ancient medina of Marrakech.

The conservation plan, which will be jointly financed by the Ministry of Housing and the Urban district of Marrakec, will cost an estimated MAD316 million, according to L'Economiste.

The project includes renovating fondouks in the ancient medina, the Jewish quarter known as the Mellah, as well as public squares and reconstruction of buildings and neighborhoods.

The rehabilitation of the Jewish quarter, once inhabited by Jewish communities who mixed with the locals and later by Sephardic Jews who escaped persecution in Spain, will cost an estimated MAD194 million. It was built in the sixteenth century under the reign of Moulay Abdallah.

Since the establishment of the State of Israel, most Jews have emigrated and left their homes, trading booths and shops. Nowadays Mellahs in Marrakech and across the kingdom are inhabited by Muslims and they have become historical places for tourists to visit while in Morocco.

Spreading over 16 hectares, the Mellah in the ancient medina of Marrakech is surrounded by fortified high walls that used to separate the Jewish and Muslim communities.

Authorities are also planning to undertake safeguarding actions regarding houses threatened with collapse, the rehabilitation of around sixty houses and the demolishing of another twenty.

The conservation plan will also compensate residential owners and occupiers in the Jewish quarter who will be affected by property demolition and construction work.

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Rabat - The 11th annual International Festival of Amazigh Culture will take place in Fez this year from July 24 to 26.

The 11th edition of the festival will be co-organized by the Esprit de Fès foundation and Fès-Saiss association the festival. This year’s theme is “The Alliance of Cultures and Religions for Peace.”

The festival will include conferences, cultural meetings, art exhibitions, documentary films screenings, poetry reading, workshops, and musical performances of folkloric troops from across Morocco.

This event will focus on the promotion of the Amazigh and Moroccan cultures and the historical, social, and global significance of allying cultures and religions of the world for peace.

Additionally, an international conference related to the theme of the festival will also be held. The congress will host Moroccan, as well as foreign intellectuals, experts, researchers, and scholars who will speak about the strategies to consolidate intercultural communication, social cohesion, and the culture of democracy.

The festival will also host a variety of international, Amazigh, and Moroccan artists such as Latifa Raafat, Khadija Atlas, and the Symphonie Amazighe Adrar.

Edited by Darren Raspa

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By Sara Elhamdaoui

Rabat - Ramadan is the month of spirituality, prayer, charity, and abstention from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. The spirituality of the holy month also carries with it elements of Moroccan tradition dating centuries. Aspects of cultural traditions are linked to the observance of Ramadan. as it is a unique and essential time of the year when people are eager to openly celebrate tradition without fear of being judged.

Traditional food

Traditional dishes and pastries are at the top of the list of most consumed foods during Ramadan. Sandwiches and chips are quickly replaced with a delightful soup called Harira and with rich honey pastries called Chebbakiya,. The ftour – the Arabic word for breakfast as Muslims break their fast in a literal sense upon sunset – is undoubtedly the most important meal in a Ramadan day. For that matter, Moroccan households enthusiastically decorate their tables with all sorts of Moroccan dishes and pastries, including customary pastries like briwate, baghrire, and msemmen. In the past, it was common for most Moroccan families to make these pastries at home. Today, many opt to purchase these delicacies at bakeries that increase in numbers during Ramadan.

Traditional Music

[caption id="attachment_159138" align="aligncenter" width="1536"] Photo credit: Omar Chennafi[/caption]

Ramadan is the time of year to listen to Amdah and Andalusian music, traditional music genres originating in Muslim Spain consisting of poems praising the Prophet Muhammad. This has become a part of Moroccan tradition for the past four centuries. Moroccan national television broadcasts Amdah and Andalusian music a few minutes before the ftour everyday; it has now become one of the most refined genres of Moroccan music. Andalusian music is enjoyed in other religious holidays, such as Eid El Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid Al Adha, the Muslim feast commemorating Abraham’s sacrifice.

Traditional clothing

This holy month is characterized quite distinctly by the adoption of wearing abayas, a robe-like cloak, and djellabas, the Moroccan traditional costume. Men and women of all ages wear djellabas during Ramadan as they are comfortable and are considered appropriate attire for prayer. Although the tradition of wearing djellabas has died out among the younger generations, Ramadan makes it a popular and trendy outfit for all ages.

Family gathering

With busy schedules consuming our lives, Ramadan is the occasion that gathers families around the ftour tables—a custom that, for some, has begun to fade with the advent of technology. Family gatherings also become more popular during Ramadan as per Islamic recommendations that aim to maintain a close-knit family and encourage Muslims to visit their extended families as well.

Celebrations

1400 years later, the most important night of the whole month of Ramadan, the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), is still celebrated by Moroccans. In Islam, Laylat al-Qadr is the night when heaven's doors are opened, motivating people to engage in night-long prayers and Quran recitations. Some Moroccan families typically celebrate the spirituality of this day by cooking couscous, applying makeup and henna to their children, and by taking their children out for pictures and videos so as to make this day a memorable one

The observance of Ramadan is evidence of Morocco’s strong attachment to its rich Islamic and cultural traditions. Thus, this holy month is the ideal opportunity for our generation to transmit the Kingdom’s rich culture and multitude of traditions to generations to come.

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