Many believe that Muslim countries are full of taboos and restrictions, that one can't go from living in a western country to a middle eastern or a North African one...
Welcome to Casablanca, the land of everything
Did you really think all who live in Casablanca have the same lifestyle and follow the same religious rituals? You were wrong! Casablanca is a city of over 5 million people, coming from all over, Europe, North America, Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and many more regions...
But why the interest in this city if Muslim countries are so dreadful for foreigners?
Everyone is welcome... to do business!
You guessed it, it's mainly economical. Money, money, money!
Since the Moroccan government is very open to foreign investment and new opportunities for its people, Casablanca has become a hub of foreign tradition, languages and attitudes. The more open we are to new people and culture, the more we question ours! And is it really that bad?
Stick to your beliefs and you'll be fine.
While Morocco is a very religious country and Islam is driving most of its laws and traditions, religion has always been about faith rather than government policies. Moroccans are ready to accept the change around them, realizing that their past fears of being influenced or coerced by other cultures is only there to reaffirm their faith.
Aren't we all supposed to mix anyway? Isn't that how we really know who are?
So there you have it all you "Casablancais Foreigners", thank you for affirming our identity!
Credit Photo: Pixabay.com
That's so true, the only reason Casablanca is more secular than other parts of the Middle Eastern world is because it is a melting pot ever since World War I.
Unfortunately, though, living in Casablanca, you can't help but notice the locals do struggle to find their own identity and culture. Most people borrow from others - going to the mosque to pray at dusk then off to the local jam box to listen to some classic rocknroll songs and drink beer! :-)
TRUE! And it is a great thing, I believe Casablanca's identity in its people, and the sooner they figure out that they can be whoever they choose to be (assuming that it's legal) the better for Casablanca's economic and cultural development!
Morrocco is more liberal than Saudi Arabia. When I was travelling alone there, they didn't force me to wear a hajib. It's an interesting country, though the 'guides' are pesky.
It is definitely much more free than other Muslim countries, and especially for foreigners! There are many things that are still a handicap for its development, of course but with time and right state of mind, Casablanca could be a cultural hub for people across the globe...
Very nice post, the trully is in muslim country we never heard about christianophobia, hinduismophobia or other religionphobia But in a non-Muslim country we hear there is Islamophobia very ironic.
I've vote & follow U cannot wait your next post^^
Personally, in Morocco we have a phobia with locals that don't practice or are not religious than foreigners! No-one cares here if a Christian is going to church or Hindu is praying in his home BUT if a Muslim is not fasting in Ramadan!? My oh my!!
Thank you for your comment and I'll be sure to follow you for more.
U welcome^^
Actually Islam is easy and flexible is also full of a sense of tolerance among fellow people just nowadays most people mix it with the culture that is wrong and contradictory.
But sorry for ask these "R U Muslim? If U R_Happy Eid Mubarrak from Indonesia..
It's true! Many things are not considered a sin is Islam and are made sins by individuals! Islam is a beautiful religion, a relationship between humans and their God. It's sad to see that it's not understood sometimes!
Happy Eid to you too from Morocco!
I'd love to visit!