Moroccan Glossary

A sand dune desert characterized by rolling dunes formed by wind-deposited sand. Morocco's two major ergs are Erg Chebbi near Merzouga and Erg Chigaga near M'Hamid.

When most visitors imagine the Sahara, they picture an erg—the classic golden dunes.

Also: Sahara, Merzouga, M'Hamid, Erg Chebbi, Erg Chigaga

See: Hammada, Reg

A stone or rock plateau desert, characterized by barren, hard, rocky surfaces with minimal sand. The Agafay Desert near Marrakech is a hammada.

Unlike the dunes of an erg, a hammada offers stark, lunar landscapes of ochre rock stretching to the horizon.

Also: Agafay, stone desert, rock desert

See: Erg, Reg

A gravel plain desert, covered with small stones and pebbles rather than sand or large rocks. Also called serir in some regions.

Much of Morocco's desert terrain is technically reg—the flat, gravelly expanses between mountain ranges.

See: Erg, Hammada

A traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard. The name derives from the Arabic word for garden (ryad). Riads are built inward, with rooms arranged around a central open space, often featuring a fountain, trees, or tiles.

Most riads in the medinas have been converted to guesthouses, offering an intimate alternative to hotels.

Also: Moroccan architecture, courtyard house, traditional accommodation

See: Dar, Medina

A traditional Moroccan townhouse, similar to a riad but typically smaller and without a garden—featuring a simple courtyard with a light well instead.

The distinction between dar and riad is often blurred in tourism marketing, with many dars called riads.

See: Riad

A fortified stronghold or citadel, typically built of pisé (rammed earth). Kasbahs served as the residences of local chieftains and as defensive structures along trade routes.

The kasbahs of the Draa Valley and Dades Gorge date from the 17th-19th centuries, built to protect caravan routes.

Also: fortress, citadel, pisé, rammed earth

See: Ksar, Pisé

A fortified village, larger than a kasbah, consisting of multiple dwellings surrounded by defensive walls. Plural: ksour.

Ait Benhaddou is Morocco's most famous ksar, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Also: fortified village, Ait Benhaddou, ksour

See: Kasbah

The old walled city center, characterized by narrow winding streets, traditional architecture, and car-free zones. Morocco's imperial cities—Fes, Marrakech, Meknes, and Rabat—each have historic medinas.

Fes el-Bali is the world's largest car-free urban area and one of the best-preserved medieval cities.

Also: old city, walled city, Fes el-Bali, historic quarter

See: Derb, Souk

A narrow alley or lane within a medina, often dead-ending at a cluster of houses.

Medina addresses typically reference the derb name rather than street numbers.

See: Medina

Rammed earth construction technique using compacted layers of soil, clay, and straw. The traditional building material for kasbahs and ksour in southern Morocco.

Pisé buildings require constant maintenance; without repair, they dissolve back into the earth within decades.

Also: rammed earth, adobe, earth construction

See: Kasbah, Ksar

A traditional market or bazaar, typically organized by trade or product type. Souks may be permanent structures within a medina or weekly open-air markets in rural areas.

Marrakech's souks are organized by craft: the souk of dyers, the souk of metalworkers, the souk of leather goods.

Also: market, bazaar, marketplace

See: Medina, Fondouk

A historic caravanserai or merchants' inn, typically featuring a central courtyard surrounded by two stories of rooms and storage. Many now serve as artisan workshops.

Fes has over 100 historic fondouks, some dating to the 13th century.

Also: caravanserai, khan, merchants' inn

See: Souk

Traditional Moroccan mosaic tilework made from hand-cut geometric pieces of glazed terracotta. Each piece is individually chiseled and assembled face-down to create intricate patterns.

Zellige work requires years of apprenticeship. The craft is centered in Fes, where master craftsmen (maâlems) maintain techniques unchanged for centuries.

Also: mosaic, tilework, Islamic geometric art, Moroccan tiles

See: Maâlem

A traditional waterproof lime plaster, polished with flat stones and treated with olive oil soap. Originally used in hammams, now popular for bathrooms and feature walls.

Authentic tadelakt uses lime from the Marrakech region and requires specialized application techniques.

Also: lime plaster, Moroccan plaster, waterproof finish

An ancient underground irrigation system using gravity-fed tunnels to channel water from mountain aquifers to agricultural areas. Similar to Persian qanats. Some date back over 1,000 years.

The khettaras of the Tafilalt oasis once numbered over 300; today fewer than 30 remain functional.

Also: qanat, irrigation, underground canal, foggara

The indigenous people of North Africa, also known as Berbers. The name means 'free people' in Tamazight. Amazigh culture predates Arab arrival by millennia.

Approximately 40% of Moroccans are ethnically Amazigh, with the highest concentrations in the Atlas Mountains and Rif.

Also: Berber, indigenous North African, Imazighen

See: Tamazight, Tifinagh

The family of Amazigh languages spoken across North Africa. In Morocco, the three main variants are Tashelhit (south), Tamazight (central Atlas), and Tarifit (Rif). Recognized as an official language of Morocco since 2011.

Also: Berber language, Tashelhit, Tarifit, Amazigh language

See: Amazigh, Tifinagh

The traditional alphabet used to write Amazigh languages, with origins dating back over 2,000 years. A modernized version was adopted for official use in Morocco in 2003.

You'll see Tifinagh script on government buildings and road signs alongside Arabic and French.

Also: Berber alphabet, Amazigh script, Libyco-Berber

See: Tamazight, Amazigh

A spiritual music tradition with roots in sub-Saharan African and Sufi practices. Gnaoua ceremonies (lilas) use hypnotic bass rhythms, metal castanets (qraqeb), and call-and-response singing.

The Essaouira Gnaoua Festival each June is the largest celebration of this tradition.

Also: Gnawa, spiritual music, trance music, African diaspora

See: Lila, Maâlem

An all-night Gnaoua ceremony combining music, dance, and spiritual healing. Literally 'night' in Arabic. Each lila progresses through a sequence of ritual songs invoking different spirits (mluk).

Authentic lilas are private spiritual ceremonies, not tourist performances.

Also: Gnaoua ceremony, spiritual healing, trance ritual

See: Gnaoua, Maâlem

A master craftsman or musician. In Gnaoua tradition, a maâlem leads the spiritual ceremonies. In craft, a maâlem has completed formal apprenticeship and mastered their trade.

The title carries significant respect—it denotes not just skill but transmission of traditional knowledge.

Also: master craftsman, master musician, guild master

See: Gnaoua, Zellige

A religious festival or pilgrimage, typically honoring a local saint (marabout). Moussems combine religious devotion with markets, music, and social gathering.

The Imilchil Marriage Moussem in the High Atlas is one of Morocco's most famous, where young people traditionally chose marriage partners.

Also: festival, pilgrimage, saint's day, religious gathering

Morocco's highest mountain range, running southwest to northeast for approximately 1,000 kilometers. Includes Jebel Toubkal (4,167m), the highest peak in North Africa.

The High Atlas separates the Mediterranean climate of the north from the Saharan climate of the south.

Also: Atlas Mountains, Toubkal, mountain range

See: Jebel, Middle Atlas, Anti-Atlas

The northernmost of Morocco's Atlas ranges, characterized by cedar forests, lakes, and Amazigh villages. Lower and wetter than the High Atlas.

The Middle Atlas is home to the endangered Barbary macaque and the cedar forests of Azrou.

Also: Atlas Mountains, Azrou, Ifrane

See: High Atlas

The southernmost Atlas range, older and more eroded than the High Atlas. Known for dramatic rock formations, ancient granites, and almond groves.

The Anti-Atlas contains some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth, dating back over 2 billion years.

Also: Atlas Mountains, Tafraoute, geological formations

See: High Atlas

Morocco's longest river valley, stretching from the Atlas Mountains toward the Sahara. The Draa River feeds a chain of oases and palm groves, with kasbahs and ksour lining its banks.

The valley was historically a key caravan route for trans-Saharan trade in gold, salt, and slaves.

Also: Draa River, palm oasis, caravan route

See: Kasbah, Ksar, Oasis

Mountain or hill. Used in place names throughout Morocco: Jebel Toubkal, Jebel Saghro, Jebel Siroua.

The Arabic term; the Amazigh equivalent is 'Adrar.'

Also: mountain, Adrar, peak

A river or riverbed, often dry except during rainy season. Also spelled 'wadi.'

Most Moroccan oueds are seasonal—raging torrents in spring, bone-dry wadis in summer.

Also: wadi, river, riverbed, seasonal river

A fertile area in the desert sustained by groundwater or river water. Moroccan oases typically feature date palms, irrigation channels, and fortified villages (ksour).

The Tafilalt oasis near Erfoud is one of the largest in Morocco, with over a million palm trees.

Also: palm grove, date palms, Tafilalt, Zagora

See: Khettara, Ksar

Both a conical clay cooking vessel and the slow-cooked stew prepared in it. The cone-shaped lid returns condensation to the dish, allowing cooking with minimal liquid.

Regional variations are significant: Marrakech favors sweet-savory combinations; Fes uses more preserved lemons and olives.

Also: Moroccan stew, clay pot cooking, slow cooking

A tomato-based soup with chickpeas, lentils, and herbs, traditionally served to break the fast during Ramadan. Recipes vary by region and family.

During Ramadan, harira is served at sunset with dates, chebakia (honey pastries), and hard-boiled eggs.

Also: Ramadan soup, Moroccan soup, iftar

Steamed semolina granules, traditionally hand-rolled and served with vegetables and meat. Friday couscous after midday prayers is a Moroccan institution.

Authentic couscous is steamed three times over a simmering stew; instant couscous is a pale imitation.

Also: seksu, semolina, Friday lunch

A pan-fried flatbread made by folding and stretching dough into thin layers, creating a flaky, slightly chewy texture. Served for breakfast with honey or cheese.

Also: Moroccan flatbread, rghaif, meloui, breakfast bread

A layered pie of thin warqa pastry filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, eggs, and spices, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar. A signature dish of Fes.

The sweet-savory combination—meat with sugar and cinnamon—reflects medieval Andalusian influence.

Also: bastilla, b'stilla, pigeon pie, Fassi cuisine

Moroccan mint tea, made with Chinese gunpowder green tea, fresh spearmint, and generous sugar. Poured from height to create a frothy top.

Refusing tea is considered impolite. The ritual of preparation and serving is as important as the drink itself.

Also: Moroccan mint tea, whiskey Berber, nana mint

A 16th-century Islamic college in Marrakech, once the largest madrasa in Morocco. Built by the Saadian Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib in 1564-1565, it housed up to 900 students studying theology, law, and rhetoric.

The medersa's courtyard features exceptional zellige tilework, carved stucco, and cedarwood—a pinnacle of Moroccan decorative arts. Closed for renovation 2020-2024, now reopened.

Also: Marrakech, Islamic architecture, Saadian dynasty, madrasa

See: Zellige, Medina

A 19th-century palace in Marrakech built for Si Moussa, grand vizier of Sultan Hassan I, and expanded by his son Ba Ahmed. The name means 'Palace of the Brilliant' or 'Palace of the Beautiful.'

Spread over 8 hectares with 150 rooms, the palace was designed to be the greatest of its time. Each room was decorated by master craftsmen from Fes. The French Protectorate later used it as the residence of the Resident-General.

Also: Marrakech, 19th-century Morocco, Moroccan palace

See: Riad, Zellige

The ruined 16th-century palace built by Saadian Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour to celebrate the victory over the Portuguese at the Battle of the Three Kings (1578). Once one of the world's most magnificent palaces.

Al-Mansour funded construction with Portuguese ransom money. The palace took 25 years to build, featuring gold from Sudan, Italian marble, and Irish oak. Later stripped by Moulay Ismail to build Meknes.

Also: Marrakech, Saadian dynasty, Battle of Ksar el-Kebir

See: Saadian Tombs

Royal necropolis in Marrakech containing the remains of Saadian dynasty rulers, including Ahmed al-Mansour. Sealed by Moulay Ismail and forgotten until 1917 when French aerial surveys rediscovered them.

The main mausoleum, the Hall of Twelve Columns, features Italian Carrara marble and intricate muqarnas ceilings. Some 60 members of the Saadian dynasty are buried here.

Also: Marrakech, Saadian dynasty, mausoleum

See: Palais El Badi

The largest mosque in Marrakech, built by the Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansour in the late 12th century. Its 77-meter minaret is the city's most iconic landmark and the template for Seville's Giralda and Rabat's Hassan Tower.

The name derives from 'kutubiyyin' (booksellers), as the mosque was once surrounded by manuscript dealers. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the minaret dominates the skyline and is visible from across the city.

Also: Marrakech, Almohad dynasty, mosque, minaret

See: Medina

A botanical garden in Marrakech created by French painter Jacques Majorelle over 40 years, starting in 1923. Famous for its cobalt blue buildings (now called Majorelle Blue), bamboo groves, and cactus collection.

The garden fell into disrepair after Majorelle's death but was rescued by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980. It now contains the Berber Museum and YSL's memorial.

Also: Marrakech, Yves Saint Laurent, botanical garden

The main square in Marrakech's medina, a UNESCO-recognized 'Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.' By day a market, by night a carnival of food stalls, musicians, storytellers, and performers.

The name may mean 'assembly of the dead' (referring to public executions) or 'mosque at the end' (a destroyed Almoravid mosque). The square has been the heart of Marrakech since the city's founding.

Also: Marrakech, medina, UNESCO, night market

See: Souk, Medina

A UNESCO World Heritage fortified village (ksar) in the foothills of the High Atlas, along the former caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara. One of Morocco's most photogenic sites.

Though largely abandoned (only a few families remain), the ksar has appeared in numerous films including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. The earthen architecture requires constant restoration.

Also: UNESCO, ksar, film location, Ouarzazate

See: Ksar, Kasbah

The ancient walled medina of Fes, founded in the 9th century and recognized as the world's largest contiguous car-free urban area. Contains over 9,000 narrow streets, 11,000 historic buildings, and some 300 functioning mosques.

Fes el-Bali preserves medieval urban planning virtually intact. The medina contains the University of Al-Qarawiyyin (founded 859 CE, the world's oldest continuously operating university) and the famous tanneries.

Also: Fes, medina, UNESCO, Al-Qarawiyyin

See: Medina, Fondouk, Souk

The largest and oldest of Fes's medieval tanneries, operating since the 11th century. Workers process hides using traditional methods with lime, pigeon dung, and natural dyes in hundreds of stone vats.

The tannery is best viewed from surrounding leather shops' terraces. The process and smell have remained unchanged for nearly a millennium—visitors are offered mint to mask the odor.

Also: Fes, leather, traditional craft, medina

See: Fes el-Bali, Souk

The best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Meknes. Founded in the 3rd century BCE, it became the Roman administrative center of Mauretania Tingitana.

The city flourished producing olive oil and grain for Rome. Notable features include the Capitol, Basilica, and several houses with intact mosaic floors. Largely abandoned after an earthquake in 1755.

Also: Roman Morocco, Meknes, UNESCO, ancient ruins, Moulay Idriss

An incomplete 12th-century minaret in Rabat, intended for what would have been the world's largest mosque. Construction halted when Sultan Yaqub al-Mansour died in 1199; the tower reached only 44 of its planned 86 meters.

The site now includes the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and remains of 348 columns that would have supported the mosque. The minaret shares the same Almohad design as the Koutoubia and Seville's Giralda.

Also: Rabat, Almohad dynasty, minaret, Mausoleum of Mohammed V

See: Koutoubia Mosque

A mountain town in the Rif known for its distinctive blue-washed buildings. Founded in 1471 as a fortress against Portuguese invasion, it later became a refuge for Jews and Moors expelled from Spain.

The blue color tradition has various explanations: Jewish residents painting homes to represent the sky and heaven, mosquito repellent properties, or simply keeping buildings cool. The medina was closed to foreigners until 1920.

Also: Rif Mountains, blue city, medina, Andalusian refugees

See: Medina

Morocco's largest sand dune field, near the village of Merzouga. The orange-gold dunes reach heights of 150 meters and stretch approximately 22 kilometers long by 5 kilometers wide.

Erg Chebbi is Morocco's most accessible Saharan dune experience, about 9 hours from Marrakech. The area is home to the Ait Khebbach nomads and seasonal flamingo populations at Dayet Srji lake.

Also: Sahara, Merzouga, sand dunes, desert

See: Erg

A canyon carved by the Todra River through the eastern High Atlas, with sheer limestone walls rising 300 meters on either side. At its narrowest point, the gorge is only 10 meters wide.

The gorge is a popular rock climbing destination with routes for all skill levels. The paved road through the canyon passes traditional Berber villages and palm oases.

Also: High Atlas, canyon, rock climbing, Tinghir

A river valley running through the High Atlas, known as the 'Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs' for its concentration of historic fortified structures. The Dades Gorge offers dramatic rock formations including 'monkey fingers.'

The valley was a crucial segment of trans-Saharan trade routes. Today it's famous for its roses—the annual Rose Festival in Kelaat M'Gouna celebrates the harvest used for rosewater and cosmetics.

Also: High Atlas, kasbahs, Rose Valley, Kelaat M'Gouna

See: Kasbah

An 18th-century fortified port city on Morocco's Atlantic coast, designed by French architect Théodore Cornut for Sultan Mohammed III. A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its blend of Moroccan and European architecture.

Once called Mogador, the city served as Morocco's primary trading port. Today it's known for wind sports, its annual Gnaoua World Music Festival, and a thriving arts scene. Jimi Hendrix famously visited in 1969.

Also: Atlantic coast, UNESCO, Gnaoua, port city

See: gnawa, Medina