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Affichage des articles dont le libellé est History. Afficher tous les articles
Affichage des articles dont le libellé est History. Afficher tous les articles

dimanche 13 novembre 2011

A Slice of Moroccan History in Fez


Fez in Morocco is famous for its medina (old city) known as Fes-al-Bali. It was founded in the ninth century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site encircled by an eight-kilometre wall. Visiting the medina is an unforgettable experience as it has changed little since mediaeval times. The streets are narrow and free of cars and there are many souks selling produce from all over Morocco.

The majority of the things to do in Fez are within its walls and joining a tour or hiring a guide is advisable, as visitors often get lost inside the medina.

Fun Activities in Fez

Shopping in Fez

Shopping is a fantastic experience inside the medina as there are many souks (markets) where visitors can purchase handicrafts, rugs, pottery, antiques, traditional Moroccan clothing, Jewellery, tea, spices and just about anything else. It is easy to spend a whole day wandering around the souks.

Festivals in Fez

In June each year Fez holds the Fez Sacred Music Festival, where musicians from all over the world play traditional music originating from their particular cultures. The festival has Sufi chants, Pakistani Qawwali music, Egyptian Madhi odes, flamenco music and much more. Furthermore, there are Whirling Dervishes from Turkey dancing at the festival and at the finale all the musicians perform a fusion of different styles of music together. Every year in April Fez the Fez Festival of Sufi Culture is held in the city. It has a program of Sufi music and chanting as well as dance performances and lectures about Sufism.

Cuisine in Fez

There is no shortage of places to eat traditional Moroccan cuisine in the city and the famous Tagine, and couscous dishes are very delicious. A Tajine is a type of traditional stew where food is cooked slowly in a clay tagine pot placed at low temperatures. This delicious dish is made from vegetables, fruits and meat. Spices in this dish include, Cinnamon, ginger, cumin and Saffron. Couscous is a staple in North Africa and made from semolina. The couscous is piled onto a plate and covered in a vegetable stew. It is usually served with either lamb or chicken.

What you should see in Fez

Karaouine Mosque

The Karaouine Mosque is the most important Islamic building in the medina. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter but the many religious schools that are around the mosque can be visited by anyone. The 14th century Attarin Madrasa is the most famous school with its beautiful Islamic architecture.

Tanneries

Morocco is famous for its soft leather and visitors can watch the process of leather dying at the tanner's quarter in the medina. A guide must accompany them in order to enter the tanneries, which can smell rather unpleasant due to pigeon droppings being used during the curing process.

The Merinid Tombs

On a hillside, north of the Medina, visitors will find the Merinid Tombs. These are the ruins of the graves of a Moroccan dynasty dating back to mediaeval times. The ruins of the palace and necropolis are close by and there are lovely views out over the city making for a fantastic place to spend a few hours.

Gates to the Old City

Fez has several beautiful gates leading into Fes-al-Bali, which are well worth visiting. The Bab Bou Jeloud in the west is beautifully decorated and a convenient area to stay in, as visitors are sure to find their choice of Fez hotel here, while there are also plenty of restaurants surrounding the gate. Bab Er Rsif is the central gate and opens out into a square with a mosque. In the southeast visitors will find the Bab el-Ftouhat, which opens out to the cemeteries and Bab Guissa is not far from the Merenid tombs in the north.




Lek Boonlert is an editor and content reviewer at DirectRooms and is responsible for all Fez Hotel content.





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Marrakech - The City of History and Pleasure


Those visiting Morocco can notice that this country has several old cities that are clear witnesses of the rich and long Moroccan history. Marrakech is an excellent example of these old cities, where you will get the opportunity to discover the many faces of Moroccan civilization. In this article, I invite you to explore some of the famous historical monuments of this Ochre City, and also some of its fantastic natural spaces.

Marrakech is the best destination to discover the Moroccan history, mostly because there are many perfect monuments and places of interest that are awaiting your visit.

First of all, you can find the Jamaa el fna square, which has been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage. In this amazing square, you can enjoy the rich popular culture of Morocco, which flourishes spectacularly in many domains, like music and folklore (gnawa, issawa, dekka el marrakchia, ahwach, rways, el halka, etc.) or gastronomy (tajin, couscous, etc.).

Equally, in this city there are many popular markets, called "swaks", where you can enjoy their varied and abundant offer of traditional products that reflect the savoir-faire of the local craftsmen.

In Marrakech, you can also visit many palaces and riads that will take you back to the magical oriental life and, in these riads and palaces, you will certainly be touched by the incredible elegance and skill of the masterful local craftsmen, who have contributed enormously to make them perfect architectural masterpieces.

Marrakech is also full of many exciting natural spaces, such as Oukaimeden, which is an amazing ski resort that will give you the chance to practice innumerable mountain sports.

There is also the Ourika Valley, one of the most beautiful and attractive valleys in Morocco thanks to its excellent geographical position, located 15 miles from Marrakech and displaying a stunning passage to the famous Siti Fadma village, the Asni valley, the Lalla Takerkoust Lake, and the Toubkal, the highest mountain summit in North Africa.




So, in short, Marrakech is the best destination to have a clear picture of Moroccan culture, history and natural beauty. Marrakech hotels and the typical Marrakech riads and guest houses put all their resources at your disposal for you to have a comfortable stay, and to have a fantastic holiday in Marrakesh, also called "Mdint El bahja", which means "City of Happiness". Certainly, in this Ochre City you will enjoy the real pleasures of life.

Siham Ben Chikh studied in the special centre for blind people Organisation Alaouite Pour La Protection Des Aveugles in Taroudant, in Morocco. She got her Baccalaureate in Literature (English option) from the Mohammed VI High School in Ouarzazate. She continued her studies at the Ibnou Zouhr University in Agadir where she obtained her DEUG (Diplome d'Etudes Universitaires Generales) with Honours in English as well as her BA degree in English Studies. She successfully obtained a Certificate in Communication Studies from the Sea English Academy International American Association in ISIAM, Agadir. Siham has also taken some piano courses and now works as a freelance writer and translator for the Marrakech based reservation centre 3wkom.





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mardi 8 novembre 2011

A Slice of Moroccan History in Fez


Fez in Morocco is famous for its medina (old city) known as Fes-al-Bali. It was founded in the ninth century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site encircled by an eight-kilometre wall. Visiting the medina is an unforgettable experience as it has changed little since mediaeval times. The streets are narrow and free of cars and there are many souks selling produce from all over Morocco.

The majority of the things to do in Fez are within its walls and joining a tour or hiring a guide is advisable, as visitors often get lost inside the medina.

Fun Activities in Fez

Shopping in Fez

Shopping is a fantastic experience inside the medina as there are many souks (markets) where visitors can purchase handicrafts, rugs, pottery, antiques, traditional Moroccan clothing, Jewellery, tea, spices and just about anything else. It is easy to spend a whole day wandering around the souks.

Festivals in Fez

In June each year Fez holds the Fez Sacred Music Festival, where musicians from all over the world play traditional music originating from their particular cultures. The festival has Sufi chants, Pakistani Qawwali music, Egyptian Madhi odes, flamenco music and much more. Furthermore, there are Whirling Dervishes from Turkey dancing at the festival and at the finale all the musicians perform a fusion of different styles of music together. Every year in April Fez the Fez Festival of Sufi Culture is held in the city. It has a program of Sufi music and chanting as well as dance performances and lectures about Sufism.

Cuisine in Fez

There is no shortage of places to eat traditional Moroccan cuisine in the city and the famous Tagine, and couscous dishes are very delicious. A Tajine is a type of traditional stew where food is cooked slowly in a clay tagine pot placed at low temperatures. This delicious dish is made from vegetables, fruits and meat. Spices in this dish include, Cinnamon, ginger, cumin and Saffron. Couscous is a staple in North Africa and made from semolina. The couscous is piled onto a plate and covered in a vegetable stew. It is usually served with either lamb or chicken.

What you should see in Fez

Karaouine Mosque

The Karaouine Mosque is the most important Islamic building in the medina. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter but the many religious schools that are around the mosque can be visited by anyone. The 14th century Attarin Madrasa is the most famous school with its beautiful Islamic architecture.

Tanneries

Morocco is famous for its soft leather and visitors can watch the process of leather dying at the tanner's quarter in the medina. A guide must accompany them in order to enter the tanneries, which can smell rather unpleasant due to pigeon droppings being used during the curing process.

The Merinid Tombs

On a hillside, north of the Medina, visitors will find the Merinid Tombs. These are the ruins of the graves of a Moroccan dynasty dating back to mediaeval times. The ruins of the palace and necropolis are close by and there are lovely views out over the city making for a fantastic place to spend a few hours.

Gates to the Old City

Fez has several beautiful gates leading into Fes-al-Bali, which are well worth visiting. The Bab Bou Jeloud in the west is beautifully decorated and a convenient area to stay in, as visitors are sure to find their choice of Fez hotel here, while there are also plenty of restaurants surrounding the gate. Bab Er Rsif is the central gate and opens out into a square with a mosque. In the southeast visitors will find the Bab el-Ftouhat, which opens out to the cemeteries and Bab Guissa is not far from the Merenid tombs in the north.




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lundi 7 novembre 2011

The history and uses of Argan oil


Argan oil is very rare that comes from the argan tree grown in the desert Southwest of Morocco. It has become very popular throughout the world in the last decade. It is mainly used in two very different ways. First of all, the oil is used as a culinary delight due to its nutty flavor and health benefits. Secondly, it is used as a powerful ingredient in many products of beauty and wellness. It is rich in vitamin e and contains many antioxidants. In fact, the Berbers that inhabit this region of Morocco have used oil for hundreds of years, and was particularly valuable in protecting and conditioning skin and hair.

The Berbers are also used the wood of the argan tree as a source for coal, firewood and building materials. Women's cooperative that produces and commercializes argan oil, however, has established an ecosystem reforestation project so that these trees will be protected. So, the trees are no longer being used in this way. The growing popularity of oil in beauty products, in fact, can be traced to the marketing of the oil that has generated new economic growth for the Berber region of Morocco deliberate poor.

The Berber people still use the oil for themselves, but the growth of this sector has been truly remarkable.

Oil production

The extraction of oil from the fruit of the almond tree argan is sometimes done by hand, but more recently has become a more automated process.

The extraction process by hand is time-consuming. The fruit is opened and the almonds are taken from inside pulp. These almonds are then allowed to dry in the Sun. Dried almonds are then broken open with stones or stones. The seeds are then removed and ground into a thick paste. The dough is then transformed to produce the juice or oil. If the oil must be used in cooking, dried almonds are roasted before breaking them open. This highlights the nutty flavor in oil.

The oil has a variety of uses and contains an overwhelming number of health and beauty benefits. This is true when it is added to a healthy diet, and when it is applied directly to skin, hair and nails.

Health benefits

Roast oil can be added to dishes as you should add olive oil. Has been published widely that argan oil can positively affect cholesterol levels of an individual, and its anti-inflammatory properties also Show an improvement in arthritis and cardiovascular health. Unlike other oils, this oil contains sterols, which helps block the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. Sterols have also been reported to be anti-cancerous.

In addition to the healthy benefits of adding this oil to a diet, it's also been reported that using it as a massage oil for individuals with arthritis helps relieve symptoms. And, has shown a positive impact on chicken pox and acne, which is linked to its powerful anti-inflammatory. Because of those skills, is also a product that can minimize the pain and scars or other abrasions.

The secret of Argan beauty

The introduction in the aesthetics and beauty of this oil was expansive. Because of the multiple benefits experienced by the Moroccan people for hundreds of years, the market is taking advantage of this ingredient and marketing and an audience worldwide.

The oil has an incredible impact on the skin. Can be used as a whole above moisturizer; It protects against sun damage, prevents stretch marks, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and revitalizes the skin to highlight his youthful appearance.

He also does wonderful things for hair. Conditions, restores luster, bounce and manageability. It provides a barrier between the hair and many environmental stressors including the Sun and dry air. Can repair and smooth the cuticle hair when it was damaged by the environment or by means of heat-styling. The oil serves as a barrier between the hair and future heat styling as well. When used as a hair conditioner, oil is easily absorbed and provides a stylish and healthy without looking heavy or greasy.

This also works wonders for oil, nails and cuticles. Is popping up in various manicure products, because the oil revitalizes and returns a youthful look in the hands. It also encourages the growth of healthy nails.

The variety of uses of argan oil and helped achieve some sort of super celebrity, and this interest and demand for the product seems to have provided the Berber people with a successful global trading opportunity.




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mercredi 2 novembre 2011

Its hats: what they are, their history and how to wear them


Kufis or Its accessories are wonderful. But if you've ever seen or heard of a hat, its can be a difficult thing to imagine. An its is a rounded brimless hat, and that is often worn by children and infants. They are usually made of cotton and are present in different colors for you to choose from. They are usually woven 100% cotton sweater and a model attractive. Sometimes its that hats are made in the United States have a short brim. Its headwaters are made in a multitude of colors ranging from white, pink, blue, green, purple, black.

The origin of Its hats

These hats have a very rich history. Its hats were traditionally worn by men in West Africa and are part of the national costume during religious ceremonies of some countries in Africa. These hats are generally worn by older men to mean in wisdom, age and religion. In fact, most men in the United States who wear a hat to wear its to show pride in their ancestry and culture. The hat type Crown worn in African culture is referred to as the "Dashiki". In addition to this, there are many different types of hats that originate in Africa. Wool fez Hat comes from North Africa, where it is known as a "tarboush" and is very similar to CAP its brimless, short and round worn by Nigerians. And then it is crochet and knitted kufis that are worn by children and infants.

How to wear Kufis?

In America, kufis became a well-known accessory which is also worn by children and babies celebrities! Is extremely popular to wear the hat with its attached a crochet hook or plastic flower to the brink. Simply clip or paste the flower on the CAP by using the spacing design knitted as an anchor for decoration. Then place the CAP firmly on your child or the child's head. Is that came just as the original African, so its a fashion accessory is great during the winter and fall.

Who should wear them?

Kufis have been featured on many shows and look fabulous on infants, children, and children of all ages. And now, kufis are made with the larger, being able to fit young adults. Nevertheless, these hats are primarily on infants and toddlers. Therefore, these hats are mainly for young girls, teenagers and occasionally young women. These hats are great during the winter or fall seasons.

What are the costs?

Like most winter hats, these hats are inexpensive-its a can be run anywhere from $ -5 each. Even cheaper if purchased through wholesalers online. A large wholesaler able to supply images, prices and more information is http://www.thehairbowcompany.com online




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lundi 31 octobre 2011

A slice of Moroccan history in Fez


Fez in Morocco is famous for its medina (old city), known as Fes-al-Bali. It was founded in the 9th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by a wall of eight kilometres. Visit the medina is an unforgettable experience, as it has changed little since the middle ages. The streets are narrow and free of cars and there are many Souks selling products from all over Morocco.

Most of the things to do in Marrakech are within its walls and by joining a tour or hire a guide is recommended, as visitors often get lost inside the medina.

Fun activities in Fez

Shopping in Fez

Shopping is a fantastic experience inside the medina, as there are many souks (markets) where visitors can buy handicrafts, carpets, pottery, antiques, traditional Moroccan clothing, jewelry, tea, spices and whatnot. It's easy to spend an entire day wandering around the souks.

Festival in Fez

In June each year Fez holds the Fez Sacred Music Festival, where musicians from all over the World Playing traditional music from their particular cultures. The festival has Sufi Qawwali music songs, Pakistani, Egyptian Madhi Odes, flamenco music and much more. In addition, there are no Dervishes from Turkey dance festival and at the end of all the musicians perform a fusion of different styles of music together. Every year in April the Fez Fez Festival of Sufi culture was held in the city. It has a program of Sufi music and singing as well as dance performances and lectures on Sufism.

Kitchen in Fez

There is no shortage of places to eat the traditional Moroccan cuisine in the city and the famous Tagine and Couscous dishes are delicious. A Tajine is a type of traditional stew where food is cooked slowly in a clay pot tagine placed at low temperatures. This delicious dish consists of meat, fruit and vegetables. In this dish include spices, cinnamon, ginger, cumin and saffron. Couscous is a staple in North Africa and made from semolina. The couscous is piled onto a plate and covered with a vegetable stew. It is usually served with chicken or lamb.

What you should see in Fez

Karaouine Mosque

The Karaouine Mosque is the most important Islamic building of medina. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but many religious schools that are around the mosque can be visited by anyone. The Attarin Madrasa 14th century is the most popular school with its beautiful Islamic architecture.

Tanneries

Morocco is famous for its soft skin and visitors can watch the process of dying in the neighborhood of tanner in the medina of leather. A guide must accompany in order to enter the tanneries, which you can smell rather unpleasant because of pigeon droppings in use during the polymerization process.

The tombs of Merinid

On a hill north of Medina, visitors will find the Merinid tombs. These are the ruins of a Moroccan dynasty tombs that date from the middle ages. The ruins of the Palace and necropolis are close and there are lovely views over the city for a great place to spend a couple of hours.

Gates to the old town

Fez has several beautiful doors leading into Fes-al-Bali, which is worth visiting. The Bab Bou Jeloud West is beautifully decorated and a convenient area to stay, as visitors are sure to find their choice of hotel Fez here while there are also many restaurants surrounding the gate. Bab Er Rsif is the central door and opens into a square with a mosque. The South-East England visitors Bab el-Ftouhat, which opens out to cemeteries and Bab Guissa is not far from Merenid in the North.




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dimanche 30 octobre 2011

Azrou-a perfect combination of nature and history, near the city of Oujda


Azrou is a name that reflects the geomorphologic landform. In fact, the city owes its name to a large rocky outcrop ("Azrou", meaning "Rock" in the Berber language Tamazight). The city of Azrou (51, 000 inhabitants) is a municipality in the province of Ifrane, Morocco is located in a strategic crossroads between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas near Midelt through Timahdite and the plain of Tadla near Khénifra.

Azrou is a city surrounded by beautiful mountains that give it a special charm, irrespective of its rich biodiversity symbolized by the cedar forest, famous Barbary Macaque monkeys called worms (Macaca Sylvanus) and the beautiful butterflies that are unique in the world. The area of Azrou makes a choice for adventurers in the summer, hikers and picnickers from nearby towns. The quality of Azrou urban, with its red-tile roofs, bears the stamp of European style.

Azrou is known for hosting the first college of the Berber region, the College of Azrou berbera. The school Bnou Ziad Tariq was built by French colonial authorities to train officers for the Moroccan colonial administration. It was one of the instruments of control over the Berber communities, but residents have decided to leave the Berbers solve their problems of Justice according to their traditions, they had done for millennia without resorting to other judges (colonial or Makhzen). Since that time, the Arabs of Fez, Rabat and Salé were concerned because they were losing control over the country throughout Morocco, especially in Berber community. Their influence was reduced, although the application of "Sharia" (Islamic law) was in place.

The College has become an educational institution of reference in the region, where there has been a part of the political elite and the military from 1956 to 1973. After independence, the college was renamed Azrou "Tariq Ibn Ziad". The city is controlled by the authorities since independence, a situation that is demonstrated by the fact that the city, although more prestigious Ifrane, doesn't even have the status of the province, much less that of the Wilaya. The city has 4 or 5 hotels and the region known for its cedar trees, cherry trees, Apple trees and monkeys and the sanatorium decommissioned the nearby city of Ben Smim.




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Ranking list of Port-au-Prince in the history of the world


Each has its own history, thus making hats. Now let's have a review of Port-au-Prince in the history of the world.

No 1. Bicorne

Bicorne refers to an archaic form of Cap mostly worn by military and naval officers from the European and American in the late 18th and early 19th century. Napoleon was a famous military strategist and statesman who had done extraordinary military exploits at the end of the 17th century to the 18th century in France. Bicorne came to fame with him and at the time was a popular headgear. Interestingly, it says that the reason why Napoleon wore this hat was that this high and strong the hat made up for this flaw to be brief. In addition, this hat of Napoleon still collected in Les Invalides.

No 2. Beret

Beret is a type of soft Cap military without flaps and is usually regarded as a symbol of ranger, special forces and airborne troops. Once mentioned, we think unanimously to powerful special forces, as well as former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Basque presumably originated in ancient Greece and Rome, and then was the largest trading commodities by the Romans and cities nearby. It was the British troops who had begun to wear the berets in history. At the beginning of the first world war, some officers and soldiers in the expeditionary force sent to the European continent by English wore Caps. The United States established special forces, commonly known as the green beret during the second world war, because its members all worn Green Berets.

No 3. Fez

It was a favorite of Morocco Hassan II in the 1960s.

Sultan Mahmud II ruled Turkey in 1880 and asked whose soft with no consistency was pitched as a decoration required del turco at that time, that is, every Turkish people should come out with hat of this style. While this practice was abolished until 1925.

4 No. Bowler Hat

Bowler was very kind of hat once worn Chaplin which was designed by the British James Kirk in 1850 and at first the starting point was to use hard material to protect the head.

In London, the bowler was a symbol of English colleagues. In the 1960s, gradually lost the dominance that more British youth today have never seen bowler as formal dress. Furthermore, it was also the favorite of fascist Mussolini.

No. 5. Egypt Crown

Egypt Crown is the highest symbol of sovereign power. It was decorated with model Haje to the front. Although only appeared and was very popular among the ancient Egyptians aristocrats, won the world's attention by its distinctive design.

No. 6. Top hat

Top hat is a kind of a high hat, flat Crown, wide-brimmed popular of the late 19th century to the 20th century. Can be called silk hat, hat, chimney pot hat or stove pipe hat. In addition, it is also the most iconic decorations President Lincoln but his weak figure.

It is said that top hat first appeared in China in 1775 when Hat manufacturers Guangdong Chinese were customizing such high hats for French nobles in China in order to show their prestige. But really it popularized in the 19th century when British male dress standards were a walking-stick in his hand, a top hat on his head and clothed in trim dress with bright leather shoes on the feet.




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jeudi 27 octobre 2011

The History and Uses of Argan Oil


Argan oil is a very rare commodity that originates from the argan tree grown in the southwest desert of Morocco. It has become very popular around the world in the past decade. It is mainly used in two very different ways. First of all, the oil is used as a gourmet delight because of its nutty flavor and apparent health benefits. Secondly, it is used as a powerful ingredient in many health and beauty products. It is rich in vitamin E and contains many antioxidants. In fact, the Berbers who populate this region of Morocco have been using the oil for hundreds of years, and it has been particularly valuable in protecting and conditioning hair and skin.

The Berbers have also used the wood of the argan tree as a source for charcoal, firewood and building material. However, the women's cooperative that produces and markets the argan oil has established an ecosystem reforestation project so that these trees will be protected. So, the trees are no longer being used in this way. In fact, the growing popularity of the oil in beauty products can be traced to the deliberate marketing of the oil that has spawned new economic growth for the poor Berber region of Morocco.

The Berber people still use the oil for themselves, but the growth of this industry has been quite remarkable.

Producing the Oil

The extraction of the oil from the almond inside the argan tree fruit is sometimes done by hand, but more recently has become a more automated process.

The hand extraction process is very time consuming. The fruit is opened and the almonds are taken from the inside pulp. These almonds are then allowed to dry in the sun. The dried almonds are then broken open with rocks or stones. The seeds are then removed, and ground into a thick paste. The paste is then processed or squeezed to produce the oil. If the oil is to be used in cuisine, the dried almonds are toasted prior to breaking them open. This brings out the nutty flavor in the oil.

The oil has a variety of uses and contains overwhelming numbers of health and beauty benefits. This is true when it is added to a healthy diet, and when it is applied directly to the skin, hair and nails.

Health benefits

The roasted oil can be added to dishes much like you would add olive oil. It has been widely published that argan oil can positively impact an individual's cholesterol levels, and its anti-inflammatory properties also show an improvement in cardiovascular health and arthritis. Unlike other oils, this oil contains sterols, which helps block the cholesterol absorption from intestines. Sterols have also been reported to be anti-cancerous.

In addition to the healthful benefits of adding this oil to a diet, it has also been reported that using it as massage oil for individuals with arthritis helps relieve their symptoms. And, it has shown a positive impact on chicken pox and acne, which is linked to its powerful anti-inflammatory abilities. Because of those abilities, it is also a product that can minimize the pain and scarring of burns or other abrasions.

The Argan secret of beauty

The introduction of this oil into the cosmetic and beauty industry has been expansive. Because of the multiple benefits experienced by the Moroccan people for hundreds of years, the modern marketplace is taking advantage of this ingredient and marketing it to a worldwide audience.

The oil has an incredible impact on skin. It can be used as an all over moisturizer; it protects against sun damage, prevents stretch marks, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and revitalizes the skin to bring out its most youthful look.

It also does wonderful things for hair. It conditions, restores shine, bounce and manageability. It provides a barrier between the hair and many environmental stressors including the sun and dry air. It can repair and smooth the hair cuticle when it has been damaged by the environment or by heat-styling techniques. The oil serves as a barrier between the hair and future heat styling as well. When used as a hair conditioner, the oil is absorbed easily and provides a sleek and healthy style without a heavy or greasy appearance.

This oil also does wonders for nails and cuticles. It is popping up in various manicure products, because the oil revitalizes and returns a youthful look to the hands. It also encourages the growth of healthy nails.

The variety of uses of argan oil has helped it reach a kind of super stardom, and this interest and demand for the product seems to have provided the Berber people with a successful global trading opportunity.




This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

mercredi 26 octobre 2011

A Slice of Moroccan History in Fez


Fez in Morocco is famous for its medina (old city) known as Fes-al-Bali. It was founded in the ninth century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site encircled by an eight-kilometre wall. Visiting the medina is an unforgettable experience as it has changed little since mediaeval times. The streets are narrow and free of cars and there are many souks selling produce from all over Morocco.

The majority of the things to do in Fez are within its walls and joining a tour or hiring a guide is advisable, as visitors often get lost inside the medina.

Fun Activities in Fez

Shopping in Fez

Shopping is a fantastic experience inside the medina as there are many souks (markets) where visitors can purchase handicrafts, rugs, pottery, antiques, traditional Moroccan clothing, Jewellery, tea, spices and just about anything else. It is easy to spend a whole day wandering around the souks.

Festivals in Fez

In June each year Fez holds the Fez Sacred Music Festival, where musicians from all over the world play traditional music originating from their particular cultures. The festival has Sufi chants, Pakistani Qawwali music, Egyptian Madhi odes, flamenco music and much more. Furthermore, there are Whirling Dervishes from Turkey dancing at the festival and at the finale all the musicians perform a fusion of different styles of music together. Every year in April Fez the Fez Festival of Sufi Culture is held in the city. It has a program of Sufi music and chanting as well as dance performances and lectures about Sufism.

Cuisine in Fez

There is no shortage of places to eat traditional Moroccan cuisine in the city and the famous Tagine, and couscous dishes are very delicious. A Tajine is a type of traditional stew where food is cooked slowly in a clay tagine pot placed at low temperatures. This delicious dish is made from vegetables, fruits and meat. Spices in this dish include, Cinnamon, ginger, cumin and Saffron. Couscous is a staple in North Africa and made from semolina. The couscous is piled onto a plate and covered in a vegetable stew. It is usually served with either lamb or chicken.

What you should see in Fez

Karaouine Mosque

The Karaouine Mosque is the most important Islamic building in the medina. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter but the many religious schools that are around the mosque can be visited by anyone. The 14th century Attarin Madrasa is the most famous school with its beautiful Islamic architecture.

Tanneries

Morocco is famous for its soft leather and visitors can watch the process of leather dying at the tanner's quarter in the medina. A guide must accompany them in order to enter the tanneries, which can smell rather unpleasant due to pigeon droppings being used during the curing process.

The Merinid Tombs

On a hillside, north of the Medina, visitors will find the Merinid Tombs. These are the ruins of the graves of a Moroccan dynasty dating back to mediaeval times. The ruins of the palace and necropolis are close by and there are lovely views out over the city making for a fantastic place to spend a few hours.

Gates to the Old City

Fez has several beautiful gates leading into Fes-al-Bali, which are well worth visiting. The Bab Bou Jeloud in the west is beautifully decorated and a convenient area to stay in, as visitors are sure to find their choice of Fez hotel here, while there are also plenty of restaurants surrounding the gate. Bab Er Rsif is the central gate and opens out into a square with a mosque. In the southeast visitors will find the Bab el-Ftouhat, which opens out to the cemeteries and Bab Guissa is not far from the Merenid tombs in the north.




Lek Boonlert is an editor and content reviewer at DirectRooms and is responsible for all Fez Hotel content.





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mardi 25 octobre 2011

Marrakech - The City of History and Pleasure


Those visiting Morocco can notice that this country has several old cities that are clear witnesses of the rich and long Moroccan history. Marrakech is an excellent example of these old cities, where you will get the opportunity to discover the many faces of Moroccan civilization. In this article, I invite you to explore some of the famous historical monuments of this Ochre City, and also some of its fantastic natural spaces.

Marrakech is the best destination to discover the Moroccan history, mostly because there are many perfect monuments and places of interest that are awaiting your visit.

First of all, you can find the Jamaa el fna square, which has been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage. In this amazing square, you can enjoy the rich popular culture of Morocco, which flourishes spectacularly in many domains, like music and folklore (gnawa, issawa, dekka el marrakchia, ahwach, rways, el halka, etc.) or gastronomy (tajin, couscous, etc.).

Equally, in this city there are many popular markets, called "swaks", where you can enjoy their varied and abundant offer of traditional products that reflect the savoir-faire of the local craftsmen.

In Marrakech, you can also visit many palaces and riads that will take you back to the magical oriental life and, in these riads and palaces, you will certainly be touched by the incredible elegance and skill of the masterful local craftsmen, who have contributed enormously to make them perfect architectural masterpieces.

Marrakech is also full of many exciting natural spaces, such as Oukaimeden, which is an amazing ski resort that will give you the chance to practice innumerable mountain sports.

There is also the Ourika Valley, one of the most beautiful and attractive valleys in Morocco thanks to its excellent geographical position, located 15 miles from Marrakech and displaying a stunning passage to the famous Siti Fadma village, the Asni valley, the Lalla Takerkoust Lake, and the Toubkal, the highest mountain summit in North Africa.




So, in short, Marrakech is the best destination to have a clear picture of Moroccan culture, history and natural beauty. Marrakech hotels and the typical Marrakech riads and guest houses put all their resources at your disposal for you to have a comfortable stay, and to have a fantastic holiday in Marrakesh, also called "Mdint El bahja", which means "City of Happiness". Certainly, in this Ochre City you will enjoy the real pleasures of life.

Siham Ben Chikh studied in the special centre for blind people Organisation Alaouite Pour La Protection Des Aveugles in Taroudant, in Morocco. She got her Baccalaureate in Literature (English option) from the Mohammed VI High School in Ouarzazate. She continued her studies at the Ibnou Zouhr University in Agadir where she obtained her DEUG (Diplome d'Etudes Universitaires Generales) with Honours in English as well as her BA degree in English Studies. She successfully obtained a Certificate in Communication Studies from the Sea English Academy International American Association in ISIAM, Agadir. Siham has also taken some piano courses and now works as a freelance writer and translator for the Marrakech based reservation centre 3wkom.





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