The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music 2015 provisional programme is now available thanks to another superb translation by Helen Ranger The programme has few surprises, but certainly some interesting variations. The intriguing 'tea and music in private riads' sounds very interesting. The opening night is titled Fes: in search of Africa and is described as a musical tale evoking the spirit of African heritage. It takes its inspiration from The History & Description of Africa written by Hassan Al Wazzan (c 1490-1550), known as Leo Africanus or Yuhanna Al Assad in Arabic, as well as highlighting the history of the Tijani Sufi brotherhood. Hussain Al Jasmi The closing concert is sure to be a huge hit with the locals as it stars Hussain Al Jasmi from the UAE who has a large following throughout the Maghreb. The African theme of the festival is well served by the inclusion of performers such as Tiken Jah Fakoly (pictured below).
Beirut-based Moroccan photographer Leila Alaoui has packed up her cameras, lights and a small portable studio and set off on a road trip to some of her homeland’s remote rural villages. On a mission to document vanishing traditions, she sets up her small studio on market day and takes portraits of the locals against a plain black screen. A selection of the best photographs from the ongoing project is currently on show at the Black Gallery in the Beirut Jewellery Souks, as part of Lebanon’s second annual Photomed festival. See more in the SHARE THIS!
However, it is doubtful it will be of much use, as many of the 2,700 names listed go back as far as 1972 and are reportedly no longer in business. There are also no contact details for a guide. It is doubtful that a tourist would have the time or inclination to find a guide then consult the internet in order to verify their status. The list, which can be downloaded as an Excel CSV format file, lists the guide's name, the city in which he or she operates and the languages spoken by the individual. The law governing the profession distinguishes between city guides and those in rural areas.
Since 2014 guides need a certificate demonstrating proof of skills acquired in the field and after two years of training. There appears to be little success in cracking down on the commission system which is a lucrative source of income for official guides. Tourists are warned to insist on 'no shopping' in order to overcome the problem of being taken to shops rather than having a cultural experience. This initiative is part of a broader government desire to secure the tourism sector. The was put online in early January. When The View From Fez visited on Monday, minutes before the 4 PM opening time, children ran along the street towards the library laughing and shouting.
More than 20 children lined up, impatient to enter. It seemed extraordinary that this amount of enthusiasm should be generated by a small library providing books in Arabic, French and English. It wasn't for a movie, or a musical, or a new video game parlour, but for children's books they could read in a quiet, warm space, with local librarians on hand to explain words they didn't understand. While in Western countries, children have a plethora of entertainment and educational options available to them, in the Fez Medina there is precious little for children. There are few, if any, children's books available in the home and no playgrounds. When not at school, kids spend their time with their families. Or boys hang out on street corners, perhaps kicking pieces of rolled up paper in the place of a soccer ball, while girls help their mothers with cooking, or looking after younger children.
Aicha Morelli is one of the story readers giving daily sessions The aim of the Medina Children's Library is to improve literacy levels in the Medina, by encouraging children to develop a love of reading. While the general level of illiteracy in Morocco hovers around 30%, in the Fez Medina that figure is considerably higher - particularly among women. In the aftermath of the Paris attacks, many tourists wishing to visit soon in Morocco solicit the opinions of several of online discussion sites such as TripAdvisor or Fodor to overcome their fears. The View from Fez also receives frequent questions on security and solo travel in Morocco. The question that comes up most often is: 'Can I get safely to Morocco after the French attacks?' This is despite the blindingly obvious fact that Paris is some 3000 kilometres away!
Thankfully, most responses rightly point out that the attacks took place in France and terrorist risks relate more to France than Morocco. They also point out that Moroccans strongly condemn the recent attacks and has a valued reputation as a safe hospitable destination. Other potential tourists seem anxious because they wrongly equated Moroccan people as supporters of ISIS. It can not be stated more clearly - the Moroccan government and the population despise radical groups and Moroccan Security has an ongoing and successful campaign against dissident elements. On other sites as Routard.com, users are unanimously reassuring potential tourists by pointing out Morocco's stability and and control of security issues. While it is true that nobody is able to predict where terrorists will strike, foreigners on holiday or living in Morocco praise the efficiency of joint police and military patrols. See our story on Morocco's enhanced security plan 'Hadar' Unfortunately, some foreign governments security warnings appear to be out of touch with the reality on the ground.
While it is understandable that governments err on the side of caution, some are less than realistic in their assessments of conditions in Morocco. The Australian ' website that, despite recent events, has not been updated since October last year, warns: We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Morocco because of the threat of terrorist attack against Western interests. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks. There is a possibility of retaliatory attacks against Western targets in Morocco. The Moroccan authorities have warned of an increased threat linked to the number of Moroccans belonging to international terrorist organisations operating in Syria and Iraq. We have received reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by tourists.
Tourist areas have been attacked in the past. You should monitor the media for reports of protest activity and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations as they may turn violent. You should exercise particular caution on weekends, including in the period surrounding Friday prayers. There is a general threat of kidnapping against Westerners in North Africa. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times and especially when travelling in southern and border areas of Morocco. As an Australian resident in Morocco pointed out, 'There have been no kidnappings of tourists in Morocco. However, the warning that appears to be the view from the embassy in Paris, it certainly is out of touch with the reality here in Morocco.
Maybe they should come see for themselves.' It is estimated that there are some five million Moroccans living abroad.
The Brotherhood In Saffron
The skills and knowledge of these Moroccans represents a valuable resource which Morocco is keen to tap into While not all Moroccans living abroad are financially well-off, there are many who are able to invest at home or return with their skills. For those struggling with the social and economic problems in their countries of residence, the government has pledged that 2015 will see a continuation of the efforts it has already made to assist them.
This will involve improved social services at consulates abroad, and development of the partnership with national associations working in the field of Moroccan expatriates and migratory affairs. Authorities will also put in place a 'return programme' to integrate returnees into Morocco's social and economic fabric. In addition, the government intends to provide suitable conditions to guarantee that Moroccans living abroad can easily contribute their skills to the various development projects launched in the kingdom. The minister responsible for Moroccan expatriates and migratory affairs, Anis Birou, has expressed this determination on several occasions. Anis Birou, Minister for the Moroccans Residing Abroad and Emigration The ministry plans to establish a detailed profile of the Moroccan diaspora, which is estimated at five million people.
Up to now there have been general figures, but they would benefit from being broken down into more detail to give a clear idea of the Moroccans who have settled in the different host countries. According to official data, more than 16% of Moroccan expatriates are studying or working in the best foreign universities and establishments. The Quebec region alone, for example, has more than 350 Moroccan professors. There are also some 8,000 doctors identified around the world, whilst Morocco has a shortage. Birou says that the government is very aware of the importance of expats skills for Morocco's development.
'Our country has launched some major projects and embarked on far-reaching reforms in all sectors, and those plans need greater involvement of the Moroccan expatriate skills base,' the minister said. 'Morocco has committed itself to some major projects, particularly in aerospace and the car industry, and yet has not managed to put together skilled human resources in these two specialist fields. This situation requires that we identify Moroccan skills, get them involved, listen to their needs and improve their networking capabilities.' Meanwhile, the minister for higher education, scientific research and management training, Lahcen Daoudi, indicated the time had come to review the methods aimed at attracting Moroccan skills abroad to contribute to the country's development.
He announced his government was ready to finance scientific research and any other project put forward by skilled Moroccan expatriates designed to contribute to the country's development. Karim Zidane To achieve these targets, it will be necessary to adopt a national action plan involving all stakeholders to benefit skilled Moroccan expatriates. That message was underlined by Karim Zidane, who chairs the German-Moroccan Skills Network (DMK). The objective is to bring together all the efforts and individual initiatives currently under way to increase the diaspora's contribution to the various development programmes, Zidane explained. In the field of investment, the government has promised to provide guidance for Moroccan expatriates looking to participate in the kingdom's economy.
According to Bouchaib Rami, president of the Moroccan Expatriate Investors' Club (CME), administrative and bank procedures are no longer an obstacle to investment. He pointed out that efforts have been made by the public authorities and the banking sector, which has not held back from financing projects put forward by Moroccan expatriates. The Australian blueberry varieties developed for plantings in Morocco have shown that the interaction between the fruit and the Moroccan soil and climate produces a high quality yield. “Moroccan blueberry production is well-positioned and can offer fruit during a unique window,” explained Jean Cesar, supply chain manager for African Blue. “Chile finishes its season by February, and the next country that can supply blueberries in the Northern Hemisphere is Spain, which starts around mid-April. From February 15 to April 15 no other country can offer quality Kirra blueberries during this period.” Kirra blueberries are African Blue exclusivity, they have excellent size, colour, sugar and texture, noted Jean Cesar, making them an attractive option for consumers. While local consumption skews toward strawberries, demand for blueberries abroad has been robust.
The tribute has been organsed by the Hotel Oumnia Puerto, Tangier-Tetouan Pocket, and sponsored by The American Language Center. The concert will bring together five musicians well known to the Tangier audiences - Amine, Adil, Ismael, Sarah and Hicham. The concert will take place in the Grill Restaurant La Terrassa Hotel Oumnia Puerto which has been transformed into a concert hall for the event, and can easily accommodate up to 300 people. 50 Dh entry to the concert with a soft or beer consumption Ticket on sale at the hotel with the concert taking place January 24 from 21h.
For more info: Hotel Oumnia Puerto, La Terrassa Grill, Tel. 05 39 93 34 30 - 06 61 92 87 97 SHARE THIS!
Salaheddine Mezouar and his French counterpart Laurent Fabius Despite the fact that France and Morocco are allies in the fight against terrorism and traditionally bound by strong ties of friendship, the relationship has been running cold since February 2014 when a Parisian magistrate issued a summons against the head of Moroccan intelligence, Abdellatif Hammouchi, in connection with an alleged torture case. Yet, the two countries have more that links them than divides them. The jihadist threat is a common cause, with hundreds, even thousands, of citizens enrolled in the civil war in Syria alongside the Islamic state or alQaeda, with clandestine support networks within their territory. To break the deadlock, Paris and Rabat are negotiating a revision of their judicial collaboration. This is to avoid a repeat of the incident at the origin of the quarrel, but also to reframe the relationship between the two countries. Controversy over Hollywood using Moroccan army resources The French language magazine Telquel reports the controversy over the use by film crews of vehicles, weapons and personnel of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces (FAR).
The latest occasion was in the filming of American Sniper, a film based on Chris Kyle’s autobiography “ American Sniper: The autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History”. American Sniper, which was partly shot in Morocco, is said to have also featured real Moroccan army personnel in one of its battle scenes. Telquel says that Moroccan soldiers are suitable for American films because they have been trained by US military instructors so they move and fight like their American counterparts.
Eastwood’s American Sniper grossed an estimated $105 million over its first weekend in wide release. Other films to utilise Morocco's army resources include Ridely Scott’s Gladiator (2002), Kingdom of Heaven (2005) and other American mega production films. Film crews may also have access to military bases of the Moroccan army, the source said. New Meters for Moroccan Taxis According to Amjad Hemidach, writing for, the Moroccan Ministry of Commerce has ratified six models of new meters for small taxi drivers to promote transparency and quality service for clients.
Aquarium Casablanca will be established on an area of 15,000 m2. The aquarium was inspired by the Valencian model which is home to more than 500 species. Each section of the aquarium in Europe will represent different marine ecosystems: the Mediterranean, wetlands, temperate and tropical seas, oceans, Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Red Sea. In addition there will be a Dolphinarium with 24 million litres of water and a depth of 10.5 meters.
It is intended that in the different facilities, visitors will get an explanation on the behaviour and lifestyle of over 45,000 specimens of 500 different species, including dolphins, beluga whales, walruses, sea lions, seals, penguins, turtles, sharks, rays, sawfish, jellyfish, starfish, sea urchins and crustaceans. Morocco will experience strong economic growth in 2015 based on expectation of a bountiful harvest and the drop in oil prices, authorities said on Tuesday Ahmed Lahlimi Alami, the high planning commissioner, told journalists that growth was expected to be 4.8 percent in 2015, a dramatic increase over 2.6 percent the previous year, which was marked by a poor harvest. '2015 will be a good year because we are counting on predictions of a good agricultural year,' Alami said. 'We will also profit from the fall in the price for oil.' However, other reports suggest that the weather will play a part in lowering expectations of some agricultural products, particularly citrus and industry insiders say adverse weather toward the end of 2014 led the Moroccan citrus industry to substantially revise its production estimate for the season. The Moroccan Citrus Producers’ Association (ASPAM) now believed total volumes would not exceed 500,000 metric tons (MT), down from the initial forecast of 600,000MT. Heavy rainfall and strong winds in November last year are said to have caused extensive crop damage, particularly in the southern region of Souss where more than half of the country’s export volumes are produced.
Although the weather took its toll on citrus production, the rainfall did provide some relief to drought conditions in the country. With a current estimated production of some 1.9 million MT, it is now believed no more than 30% will be fit for export.
Energy Subsidies Unlike neighbouring Algeria whose economy depends almost entirely on oil, Morocco imports nearly all of its energy and has experienced a windfall from the dramatic fall in prices. Morocco's Islamist-led government has pursued austerity programs since coming to power in 2012, freezing government hiring, cutting sensitive fuel subsidies and spending. According to Alami, the amount spent on subsidies fell from nearly $6 billion in 2012 to $3.5 billion in 2014. Faced with the pro-democracy Arab Spring demonstrations in 2011, Morocco's previous government incurred a great deal of debt by dramatically raising salaries and increased government spending in 2011. Tourism On the tourism front, things are looking good for Morocco. The country experienced a good result over the Christmas and New Year period and although tourist numbers are low at the moment they are expected to rise again by the end of January.
Dspite the decline in the number of French tourists, Marrakech achieved a 6% growth both in arrivals as nights, especially with strong growth of the British and German markets. As an example of the trends, tourism in Marrakesh managed to stay on course for growth in 2014. Tourism in the Red City performed well with 1.89 million arrivals and growth of 6% for overnight stays and indicators arrivals. According to statistics obtained from the Regional Tourism Council (CRT) of Marrakech, in late December 2014 and all markets, the city recorded a cumulative 1.89 million arrivals (+ 6%) and 6088 000 overnight stays (+ 6%) with an occupancy rate reaching 53%. French market decline In terms of growth, the English and the Germans are leading the pack with growth rates between 30 and 40%. The French market has experienced significant declines - 6% for arrivals and - 5% for overnight stays in 2014.
This performance, exceeding the global growth rate of 4.5% forecast by the World Tourism Organisation for the year 2014 and that recorded nationally, are explained by several factors, including the growth in airline flights. Marrakech has improved by 33 additional air services to and from European markets, bringing the offer to 280 rotations week performed by thirty companies. With the launch of new lines, particularly from Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany and Austria, Marrakech Menara Airport has achieved a 4 million passenger record, up 5% in one year. The steady growth of the tourism sector in Marrakech in recent years is also due to the development of the activity related to business tourism, conferences and events. With three convention centres, Marrakesh confirms its leadership in the national and continental congress tourism.