Morocco

Africa's closest approach to Europe. Morocco is also very close to Spain. From here Arab armies first crossed to Europe in A.D 711 and dominated much of Spain for nearly 8 centuries.

Embroidered caftans splashed by shafts of sunlight, bolts of Brilliant silk, Spangled saddles and fine carpets dazzle the eye. Racks of blue pottery, silver jewellery and bright coloured slippers overflow in the streets. The aromas of saffron and sandalwood mingle with earthier smells of leather, potter's clay and red hot iron.

Above the cacophony of the crowd, a coppersmith's hammer, the pitch man's shouts, the water peddler's jingling bells can be heard. Suddenly all is cut short by the afternoon call to prayer.

Though the history of Fez tells of mosques and palaces, of sultans and conquests. It was the superb craftsmen of Fez who shaped the city's character. Enriched by several thousands of artisans, immigrants from Cordoba in Spain and Qairiouan in Tunisia.

Fez began to prosper soon after its founding in the eighth century. It's weavers, potters and coppersmiths fond eager markets overseas. The skiing of their tanners and bookbinders helped make the word 'Morocco' synonymous with fine leather.

Students in a Koranic school learn Islamic scripture and writing. The basic curriculum continues to emphasize religion, the Arabic language and arithmetic. The Berber people speak the language of Imlill or Tachelhit. They learn classic Arabic and the language of the Koran. In the larger markets the way Berbers have to deal with Moroccan Arabic. And to get ahead they must know French too.

In Morocco culture triumphs where politics fail. To summarise : From 1912 until 1956 they resisted French rule only to be seduced by French culture.
Europeanization is inevitable because they are close neighbours.

The problem is to sort out its curses from its blessings. With their cultural footings set deeply in a rich and pertinent past, and supplied with the building blocks of modern technology, Moroccans to the task.

Sources : Wikipedia World book, National Geographic, Goolge Images