For traveler: amazing facts about Morocco. Photo

Country with its own atmosphere.

Morocco is just a few kilometers from Europe, but life there flows differently. It is not only the birthplace of the most delicious mandarins, but also centuries-old traditions, architectural masterpieces and extraordinary landscapes.

We have collected 13 amazing facts about the country with a special atmosphere.

1. In Morocco is the oldest University in the world

The world’s oldest University was founded in 859. It was founded by the daughter of a wealthy merchant, Fatima al-Fihri. In contrast to the European tradition of the old Arabic universities do not issue diplomas on behalf of the institution: the focus was on training with individual mentors. Only in 1947, al-Qarawiyyin became a “University” in the European sense of the word.

2. In Africa there is snow

Winter in Morocco can be skiing, sledding, snowboarding and making snowmen. Among the Atlas mountains 75 km from Marrakech and offers a comfortable ski resort Oukaimeden. The snow lies from December to early April.

3. In Morocco, removed a number of popular films and TV series

The beauty of the local scenery could not leave indifferent the most famous film Directors. Since the 60-ies and with the legendary film Lawrence of Arabia, come to life every year hundreds of films. In 1983 he was one of the largest film studios in the world — the Atlas. This place was filmed the movie “Gladiator”, “Alexander”, “007: Spectrum” and the cult TV series “Game of thrones”.

4. We can not throw bread

Moroccans eat a lot of bread, and in all families, treat him with respect. The remains of the uneaten bread are fed to livestock. If the family has no farm, old bread can be exchanged, for example, detergents for the home.

5. Pour hot water into the sink is prohibited

This ban has nothing to do with pipes. In Morocco believe that the Jinn live in areas with water: public baths, drains, sinks, etc. are of the opinion that, pouring hot water into the sink, you will cross the Jinn. Therefore, merging the boiling water, open the faucet with cold water.

6. Morocco is closer to Europe than it seems

The Strait of Gibraltar separates Morocco from Europe is only 16 km away Standing on the shore of Morocco, you can watch the movement of cars in Spain. And the two Spanish enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla, situated on the territory of the Kingdom. So you can get to Europe without leaving Morocco.

7. Now in Morocco 2967 year

The majority of the population — the Berbers, and they have now 2967 year. Though the Kingdom is officially live on the entire planet chronology, in 2011 in Morocco tematiski (Berber) language became the official language along with Arabic.

8. It is impossible to give up meat

In Morocco, meat, and tea, plays an important role in the relationship between the guest and the host. Giving up meat is considered rude. Also you should not eat with the left hand because the left hand is considered “unclean”. There is only need right hand, using thumb, index and middle fingers.

9. The liver instead of the heart

A symbol of love in Morocco is not a heart like we used to, and the liver. I believe that a healthy liver AIDS digestion and promotes well-being. The phrase “you have conquered my liver” means a Declaration of love.

10. The wood that is used for furnish of salons of cars, Rolls-Royce, only grows in Morocco

Red-brown Moroccan thuja grows only in the foothills of the Atlas mountains. This rare and beautiful wood used for the manufacture of instrument panels in cars, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes and BMW.

11. The absence of oil and gas fields

Due to the lack of deposits of oil and gas is actively working to develop alternative energy sources. King Mohammed VI launched the tail of the concentrator solar energy in the Sahara. This high-tech construction is the largest solar station in the world.

12. In Morocco there is a city painted in blue

In Morocco there is a town, painted in blue color. Chefchaouen has become a place in which the Jewish community found their refuge from persecution. They repainted the buildings in blue (sacred) color. Modern Moroccans to paint the town seriously — in blue painted sidewalks, pavements, benches, fences, etc.

13. Don’t admire objects in the house

If you are invited to visit and you like any thing in the house, refrain from admiration. Otherwise, you will be asked to take this item with you. It is the fear of the evil eye: it is believed that the house can’t keep things can cause envy.

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