October 2007 Archives
Check out Lalla Mira.
Jillian York has a great interview with Bouba on the struggle of the Amazighen (Berbers) for recognition and fair treatment. Among other topics, the interview touches on the linguistic complexity of Morocco, European prejudices reflected in the search for Madeleine McCann, and the use of the blogosphere to transcend traditional restrictions on communication.
As the original inhabitants of Morocco, the Berbers' influence in the country has waxed and waned over the centuries. The Berbers were instrumental in the conquest of Spain and for centuries Berber dynasties ruled the Maghrib. In modern times, the Berbers have played major roles on both sides of the colonization of Morocco, but have also been variously exploited, oppressed, and marginalized.
In my experience, however, Moroccan Berbers maintain a fierce pride in their lineage and culture, piquing themselves particularly on a spirit of generosity. They have a constant struggle, however, to be allowed to use and teach their language publicly and to have their culture acknowledged through a veneer of Arabization.
Bouba's interview addresses some of the ways Berbers today are striving to assert themselves.
Congratulations to My Marrakesh on winning a Bloggy Award.
Laila Lalami speaks on NPR about the importance of maintaining artistic integrity in the creative process, even if the demands of governments or the marketplace force one to make compromises after a work is completed.
The View from Fez has an interesting piece on the future of the hammam ("Turkish bath") in the Mediterranean. So far, it appears to be holding its own in Morocco, despite being studied by the EU.
Happy breaking of the fast to all my Muslim friends and readers.
My entry for Simply Moroccan's competition:*
wili, wili, wili
3mra rasi fi khnona; j'ai vraiment mal à la tête.
wa fi kershi, farasha.
tbeeb qrzâz, ma ataynish doua;
bghreet nmshi el maghreb fi el babbor,
but now my vacation is ruined,
and I will only see Morocco on the Internet.
*Sponsored by SpeakMoroccan.
