Statistics
The following statistics are provided by the CIA: World Fact Book
- Nationality: 99% Arab Berber, 1% Other
- Migration: -3.67% migrants/ 1,000 population
- Maternal Mortality: 100 deaths/ 100,000 live births
- Fertility Rate: 2.19 children born/ women
- Hospital Bed Density: 1.1 beds/ 1,000 population
- Physicians Density: 0.62 physicians/ 1,000 population
- Obesity: 16%
Moroccan Cuisine
Moroccan food is notorious for being heavily spiced. These spices are often imported into the country.There many ingredients that are home grown like saffron, mint, olives, oranges, and lemons. Fish and lamb are among the more popular meats. Most dishes are made using a tagine (pictured to the left) to slow cook meats and other delicacies. The making of good tea is often considered an art. Moroccans drink a lot of tea ( the most famous being green tea with mint). Tea is typically consumed after dinner.
Etiquette
Moroccan dinning etiquette has its roots in Islam and these traditions are still widely used today. For example, Moroccans will not eat pork or drink alcohol for it is forbidden in the Sharia (moral code of Islam) Moroccans use their hands to eat rather than utilize utensils like forks, spoons, and knives. A way to facilitate their consumption of food is the presence of bread at every meal. Also, Moroccans only eat with their right hand (it is commonly believed that the left hand is "dirty" as it is used to clean). Finally, it is common courtesy to bring "sweets" (dates, nuts, seasonal fruit, etc) to gift to the host of a party.
Etiquette
Moroccan dinning etiquette has its roots in Islam and these traditions are still widely used today. For example, Moroccans will not eat pork or drink alcohol for it is forbidden in the Sharia (moral code of Islam) Moroccans use their hands to eat rather than utilize utensils like forks, spoons, and knives. A way to facilitate their consumption of food is the presence of bread at every meal. Also, Moroccans only eat with their right hand (it is commonly believed that the left hand is "dirty" as it is used to clean). Finally, it is common courtesy to bring "sweets" (dates, nuts, seasonal fruit, etc) to gift to the host of a party.
Classic Moroccan Dish: Couscous Tfaya
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours, 55 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients:
Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours, 55 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1 small chicken, skin removed and cut up
- 1 very large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ras El Hanout
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon smen (Moroccan preserved butter, optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- 6 cups (about 1 1/2 liters) water
- ***** For the Tfaya *****
- 2 very large onions (about 1 kg), thinly sliced
- 1 cup raisins, soaked in water for 15 minutes, then drained
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled
- 1/2 cup water
- ***** For the Couscous *****
- 1/2 kg (about 1 lb.) dry couscous
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 to 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup fried almonds
- 1 hard boiled egg per person, whole or sliced (optional)
Preparation:
Cook the Chicken
In the bottom of a couscoussier, mix the chicken with the onion, spices, oil and smen. Over medium heat, brown the meat, turning occasionally, for about 15 minutes.
Add the 6 cups of water, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and continue simmering until the meat is tender – a little more than an hour for the chicken, and about 2 hours or more for the lamb. Check the level of the broth occasionally, especially towards the end of cooking, and add water if necessary. The broth should cover the meat, allowing ample sauce to stir into the couscous and additional to serve on the side. When ready to serve, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Make the Tfaya
While the meat is cooking, mix the sliced onions, raisins, spices, and sugar or honey in a large saucepan. Add the butter and water, cover, and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering for a half hour or longer over medium-low or low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and golden. Add water only if the liquids evaporate before the onions are cooked.
Once the onions are cooked and richly colored, reduce the liquids to a thick syrup. Turn off the heat, and set the caramelized onions aside. Reheat the onions prior to serving.
Steam the Couscous
The couscous will be steamed three times over the simmering meat. Begin this process while the tfaya is cooking.
First Steaming: Lightly oil the steamer basket and set it aside. Empty the dry couscous into a very large bowl, and work in the vegetable oil with your hands, tossing the couscous and rubbing it between your palms. (This will help prevent the couscous grains from clumping together.) Next, work in 1/2 cup of water in the same manner, using your hands to evenly distribute the liquid into the couscous. Transfer the couscous to the oiled steamer basket, being careful not to pack the couscous. Place the steamer on top of couscoussier, and steam the couscous for 15 minutes, timing from when you see steam rise from the couscous.
Note: If you see steam escaping from between the basket and couscoussier, you'll need to seal the joint. You can do this in several ways:
Transfer the couscous back into the steamer, taking care not to pack or compress the couscous, and place it atop the couscoussier. Steam the couscous a second time for 15 minutes, timing from when you see the steam rising from the couscous. (Again, seal the joint if you see steam escaping.)
Third Steaming of the Couscous: Turn the couscous out into the large bowl again. Break it apart, and leave to cool a few minutes. Gradually work 1 1/2 cups of water into the couscous with your hands, tossing it and rubbing the grains between your palms to break up any balls.
Transfer the couscous to the steamer basket for its final steaming. Again, try to handle the couscous lightly and avoid packing it.
Time your final steaming of the couscous to coincide with when your meat is done cooking. If preparing chicken, go ahead and steam immediately after adding the 1 1/2 cups of water. If cooking lamb, allow the lamb to finish cooking – perhaps another hour – before steaming the couscous for the last time.
Place the couscous back on top of the couscoussier, and steam for a final 15 minutes, timing from when you see the steam rise through the couscous. Again, seal the joint between the steamer and the pot if you see steam escape.
Serving the Couscous Tfaya
Empty the couscous into the large bowl, and break it apart. Gently mix in a tablespoon or two of butter, and two ladles of sauce.
Spread about one-third of the couscous on a very large serving plate or platter, and pour a ladle of sauce all around. Arrange half of the chicken or meat in the center, and top with some of the caramelized onions and raisins.
Mound the remaining couscous over the meat to conceal it, and generously ladle more sauce all around the couscous. (Reserve some sauce to offer on the side, if desired.) Place the remaining chicken or lamb in the center of the mound or couscous, and top with the remaining caramelized onions and raisins. Decorate with the fried almonds and hard-boiled eggs.
Serve immediately. Tradition is to gather round the couscous, with each person eating from his own side of the plate.
Source: http://moroccanfood.about.com/od/maindishes/r/couscous_tfaya.htm
Cook the Chicken
In the bottom of a couscoussier, mix the chicken with the onion, spices, oil and smen. Over medium heat, brown the meat, turning occasionally, for about 15 minutes.
Add the 6 cups of water, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and continue simmering until the meat is tender – a little more than an hour for the chicken, and about 2 hours or more for the lamb. Check the level of the broth occasionally, especially towards the end of cooking, and add water if necessary. The broth should cover the meat, allowing ample sauce to stir into the couscous and additional to serve on the side. When ready to serve, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Make the Tfaya
While the meat is cooking, mix the sliced onions, raisins, spices, and sugar or honey in a large saucepan. Add the butter and water, cover, and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering for a half hour or longer over medium-low or low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and golden. Add water only if the liquids evaporate before the onions are cooked.
Once the onions are cooked and richly colored, reduce the liquids to a thick syrup. Turn off the heat, and set the caramelized onions aside. Reheat the onions prior to serving.
Steam the Couscous
The couscous will be steamed three times over the simmering meat. Begin this process while the tfaya is cooking.
First Steaming: Lightly oil the steamer basket and set it aside. Empty the dry couscous into a very large bowl, and work in the vegetable oil with your hands, tossing the couscous and rubbing it between your palms. (This will help prevent the couscous grains from clumping together.) Next, work in 1/2 cup of water in the same manner, using your hands to evenly distribute the liquid into the couscous. Transfer the couscous to the oiled steamer basket, being careful not to pack the couscous. Place the steamer on top of couscoussier, and steam the couscous for 15 minutes, timing from when you see steam rise from the couscous.
Note: If you see steam escaping from between the basket and couscoussier, you'll need to seal the joint. You can do this in several ways:
- wrap and tie a long piece of damp cloth over the joint, or
- tightly wrap a long piece of kitchen plastic film around the joint, or
- wrap and drape a long piece of kitchen plastic film onto the rim of the couscoussier, and then place the basket on top (this is my preferred method)
Transfer the couscous back into the steamer, taking care not to pack or compress the couscous, and place it atop the couscoussier. Steam the couscous a second time for 15 minutes, timing from when you see the steam rising from the couscous. (Again, seal the joint if you see steam escaping.)
Third Steaming of the Couscous: Turn the couscous out into the large bowl again. Break it apart, and leave to cool a few minutes. Gradually work 1 1/2 cups of water into the couscous with your hands, tossing it and rubbing the grains between your palms to break up any balls.
Transfer the couscous to the steamer basket for its final steaming. Again, try to handle the couscous lightly and avoid packing it.
Time your final steaming of the couscous to coincide with when your meat is done cooking. If preparing chicken, go ahead and steam immediately after adding the 1 1/2 cups of water. If cooking lamb, allow the lamb to finish cooking – perhaps another hour – before steaming the couscous for the last time.
Place the couscous back on top of the couscoussier, and steam for a final 15 minutes, timing from when you see the steam rise through the couscous. Again, seal the joint between the steamer and the pot if you see steam escape.
Serving the Couscous Tfaya
Empty the couscous into the large bowl, and break it apart. Gently mix in a tablespoon or two of butter, and two ladles of sauce.
Spread about one-third of the couscous on a very large serving plate or platter, and pour a ladle of sauce all around. Arrange half of the chicken or meat in the center, and top with some of the caramelized onions and raisins.
Mound the remaining couscous over the meat to conceal it, and generously ladle more sauce all around the couscous. (Reserve some sauce to offer on the side, if desired.) Place the remaining chicken or lamb in the center of the mound or couscous, and top with the remaining caramelized onions and raisins. Decorate with the fried almonds and hard-boiled eggs.
Serve immediately. Tradition is to gather round the couscous, with each person eating from his own side of the plate.
Source: http://moroccanfood.about.com/od/maindishes/r/couscous_tfaya.htm
Morocco and Religion
Religion
During the 7th century soldiers of the Prophet Muhammad traveled to North Africa and within a century had nearly all the Berbers converted to Islam. By 829, a group of elites established the Iddrisid state with its capital located in Fes (Anonymous , 2012). This led to the rise and fall of several Islamic dynasties ultimately leading to the rise of the current Alawite dynasty (Watkins, 2013). The second largest religion in Morocco is Christianity— it is practiced by nearly 1% of the population. It was brought to the country by French and Spanish settlers (Anonymous , 2011).
The Moroccan Constitution states that everyone has the freedom to practice any religion. Contrary to that article, the Moroccan Penal Code prohibits conversation to other religions other than Islam. Religion is an important aspect in the lives of the Moroccan people and thus Islam is respected by all the people (Anonymous , 2006). For example, Moroccans practice salah (prayer) five times a day. If an individual is a public area, and the bells of the mosque begin to ring, he/she must proceed to the mosque for prayer (Latif, 2011).
Sacre-Coeur Cathedral in Casablanca was built in 1930. It was constructed by the catholic French when they had power over Morocco. Today, the building is used to host fairs and exhibitions (Anonymous , 2011). Nearly 99% of all Moroccans are Muslim, thus mosques are the most prominent sacred building. Two of the most important mosques are Kairaouine in Fes and Hassan II in Casablanca. Kairaouine was founded in the year 857 and is considered the holiest mosque in all of Morocco. Non-Muslims are not granted permission to enter the mosque. Hassan II was built in 1993 and it is the second biggest mosque in the entire world (O'Connor, 2012). Lastly, Moulay Idriss is the town in which Moulay Idriss el Akhbar, a great-grandson of Muhammad, is buried. Moulay Idriss founded the first Arab dynasty. His tomb can only be visited by Muslims.
The official religion of Morocco (as stated by the constitution) is Islam. The Moroccan government is a constitutional monarchy and is ruled by Mohammad VI (Lambert, 2012). Although Islam is the official state religion Moroccans are free to practice any religion. The royal family claims to be direct descendants of the prophet Muhammad. Thus, article 23 of the Moroccan constitution claims, “the person of the King shall be sacred and inviolable” (Watkins, 2013).
Works Cited
Anonymous (2012). The arrival of islam. Retrieved from http://www.our-africa.org/morocco/history-politics
Anonymous (2011). Sacre-coeur cathedral, casablanca. Retrieved from http://www.sacred-
destinations.com/morocco/casablanca-cathedral-sacre-coeur
Anonymous (2006, October 21). Constitution of morocco, 1996. Retrieved from http://www.al-bab.com/maroc/gov/con96.htm
Latif, I. (2011, July 26). How does muslim prayer work.Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/imam-khalid-latif/how-muslim-prayer-works_b_909127.html
Lambert, T. (2012). A brief history of morocco. Retrieved from http://www.localhistories.org/morocco.html
O'Connor, A. (2012, May 04). The largest mosque in africa & red light green light: A two week recap. Retrieved from http://blogs.iesabroad.org/aoife-oconnor/the-largest-mosque-in-africa-red-light-green-light-a-two-week-recap/
Watkins, T. (2013, March 17). The political and economic history of morocco. Retrieved from http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/morocco.htm
The Moroccan Constitution states that everyone has the freedom to practice any religion. Contrary to that article, the Moroccan Penal Code prohibits conversation to other religions other than Islam. Religion is an important aspect in the lives of the Moroccan people and thus Islam is respected by all the people (Anonymous , 2006). For example, Moroccans practice salah (prayer) five times a day. If an individual is a public area, and the bells of the mosque begin to ring, he/she must proceed to the mosque for prayer (Latif, 2011).
Sacre-Coeur Cathedral in Casablanca was built in 1930. It was constructed by the catholic French when they had power over Morocco. Today, the building is used to host fairs and exhibitions (Anonymous , 2011). Nearly 99% of all Moroccans are Muslim, thus mosques are the most prominent sacred building. Two of the most important mosques are Kairaouine in Fes and Hassan II in Casablanca. Kairaouine was founded in the year 857 and is considered the holiest mosque in all of Morocco. Non-Muslims are not granted permission to enter the mosque. Hassan II was built in 1993 and it is the second biggest mosque in the entire world (O'Connor, 2012). Lastly, Moulay Idriss is the town in which Moulay Idriss el Akhbar, a great-grandson of Muhammad, is buried. Moulay Idriss founded the first Arab dynasty. His tomb can only be visited by Muslims.
The official religion of Morocco (as stated by the constitution) is Islam. The Moroccan government is a constitutional monarchy and is ruled by Mohammad VI (Lambert, 2012). Although Islam is the official state religion Moroccans are free to practice any religion. The royal family claims to be direct descendants of the prophet Muhammad. Thus, article 23 of the Moroccan constitution claims, “the person of the King shall be sacred and inviolable” (Watkins, 2013).
Works Cited
Anonymous (2012). The arrival of islam. Retrieved from http://www.our-africa.org/morocco/history-politics
Anonymous (2011). Sacre-coeur cathedral, casablanca. Retrieved from http://www.sacred-
destinations.com/morocco/casablanca-cathedral-sacre-coeur
Anonymous (2006, October 21). Constitution of morocco, 1996. Retrieved from http://www.al-bab.com/maroc/gov/con96.htm
Latif, I. (2011, July 26). How does muslim prayer work.Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/imam-khalid-latif/how-muslim-prayer-works_b_909127.html
Lambert, T. (2012). A brief history of morocco. Retrieved from http://www.localhistories.org/morocco.html
O'Connor, A. (2012, May 04). The largest mosque in africa & red light green light: A two week recap. Retrieved from http://blogs.iesabroad.org/aoife-oconnor/the-largest-mosque-in-africa-red-light-green-light-a-two-week-recap/
Watkins, T. (2013, March 17). The political and economic history of morocco. Retrieved from http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/morocco.htm
Status Report
Morocco is ranked the #30 country with rapes by capita with .035 per 1,000 people (Harrendorf, Heiskanen & Malby, 2010). The figures included in the statistic are only those reported to the police. In some countries, women are fearful of reporting the incident to the police department. The following graph shows the number of rapes in each country per 100,000 inhabitants as recorded by the United Nations (Soria, 2012). The world map shows that developed nations have higher number of rapes than less developed countries. These statistics do not accurately depict the reality women face in their home countries; women are mistrusting of the law (laws are sometimes unfavorable to women).
For example, Article 475 of the Moroccan Penal Code absolves rapists from any charges if they marry their victim. If a woman loses her virginity outside of a marriage, regardless of the conditions, she is considered an unsuitable partner. It is often encouraged by the families, out of good intentions, for the victims to marry their abusers. Last year, Amina Filalli (16) committed suicide after being forced to marry the man (25) she accused of raping her (Anonymous, 2013). This tragedy sparked uproar in the Moroccan community, specifically with women’s rights activist. To this day, the Moroccan government has made no definite changes to Article 475— authorities are attempting to propose changes. It is unfortunate to see such demeaning laws still being in affect in today’s society. These laws should be outdated by now, but it is difficult to bring whole societies to a consensus on what is “right” and “wrong” given their beliefs. There is no easy solution to Article 475, to the treatment of women, other than educating Moroccans about equality for all genders.
Access to education for women in Morocco has become more accessible in recent years, but it is still a working progress. Nearly two thirds of Moroccan women are illiterate and evidence suggests that women are underrepresented in the classroom (Laskaridis, 2011). If women are not equally represented in higher education, then they cannot be equally represented in the society in which they live. The following graph depicts rates of illiteracy around the world. Country size is proportional to the number of illiterate women age 15 and above (World Mapper, 2006).
Access to education for women in Morocco has become more accessible in recent years, but it is still a working progress. Nearly two thirds of Moroccan women are illiterate and evidence suggests that women are underrepresented in the classroom (Laskaridis, 2011). If women are not equally represented in higher education, then they cannot be equally represented in the society in which they live. The following graph depicts rates of illiteracy around the world. Country size is proportional to the number of illiterate women age 15 and above (World Mapper, 2006).
Morocco is significantly inflated in comparison to its original size. The ratio of illiterate women to illiterate men is not equal. Morocco is noted for having a patriarchal family structure— the men are the core of the family. Thus, women are often encouraged, or even forced, to stay and care for the home. Some families believe that if a woman is too “educated” she will not be suitable for marriage (Laskaridis, 2011). These beliefs have been embedded in the Moroccan culture from the beginning. It is nearly impossible to change the mindset of a whole society from one day to another. The issue at hand requires for the Moroccan community to be open minded and ready for change— a change is much needed.
World Map of Religions
Additional Resources
The following links are filled with valuable information regarding the culture of Morocco. The information from the first link is provided by the Embassy of Morocco; assuring accurate facts. The second link has an array of information-- from early settlement to current etiquette.
1. http://www.moroccoembassyin.org/culture.html
2. http://www.everyculture.com/Ma-Ni/The-United-Kingdom-of-Morocco.html
1. http://www.moroccoembassyin.org/culture.html
2. http://www.everyculture.com/Ma-Ni/The-United-Kingdom-of-Morocco.html