Morroco Holiday background

With long coastlines, breathtaking mountain ranges and awe-inspiring deserts, Morocco is a country that straddles the new and the old.

Although a multicultural, ethnically diverse country, Morocco still embraces its heritage and traditions. Morocco grew out of the Caspian culture thousands of years ago. The region was influenced by the Roman and Greek Empires. Morocco was invaded by Arab forces in the 7th century and later by Spain and the Ottoman Empire. Morocco was under the French protectorate until 1956. Although an independent state for over fifty years, the influence of other cultures on the Morocco can be seen through the region.
 

Southwest Morocco is home to the Souss-Massa-Dra region. Its capital, Agadir, is an important fishing port and mineral exporter. Agadir is also a busy tourist destination due to its gorgeous beaches and temperate climate. The visitor to Agadir will find modern roads and hotels and be treated to impeccable dining and shopping. Although now beautiful and surreal, Agadir was ravaged by an earthquake in 1960. Rebuilding of Agadir was a major undertaking for the people of Morocco.

The region of Fez-Boulemane is seated in Northern Morocco. The capital city of Fez-Bouleman, Fez, is the third largest city in Morocco. Fez is divided into three parts: Fez-al-Baldi, Fez-Djedid and Ville Nouvelle. Fez-al-Baldi is the oldest, part of the city.

Historians believe that Fez was the largest city in the world during the late twelfth century. Fez was a city of scientific and religious study, which welcomed many scholars, both Christian and Muslim. In 1548, Fez became part of the Empire of Morocco.

A Nation of Inspiration

Also in the north Morocco is Tangier. Tangier is positioned at the western mouth of the famed Straits of Gibralter and is the capital of the Tangier-Tetouan region. Tangier is a city rooted in mythology and history. According to some legends, Tangier was founded by the giant Antaeus. Others credit the son of Hercules with forming the city. The cave of Hercules, where Hercules was said to have slept during one of his twelve labors, is located in Tangier and is a major tourist attraction.

Many artists have been attracted to Morocco and Tangier. Tennesse Williams, the Rollings Stones, Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs are celebrities who have visited the fabled Tangier. Delacroix and Matisse made the landscapes of Morocco famous with the paintings inspired by their visits to Tangier.

In Southwest Morocco, the foothills of the Atlas montains are home to the Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz region. The capital of the region, Marrakech, is home to the largest market in Morocco and a must-see for any visitor.

The fact that Morocco draws its name from the city of Marrakech shows the importance of the city on the entire country. With over one million occupants, Marrakech is the home to several museums, palaces, gardens and parks, making it a cultural, as well as economic, hub of the Morocco.

Morocco is a country of intrigue and beauty. From the southern cities of Agadir and Marrakech to the northern destinations of Fez and Tangier, Morocco combines a diverse landscape and history into a brilliant tapestry