The Complete Glossary of Moroccan Travel, Culture & Architecture
Unlock the secrets of the Kingdom. From architecture to basic Darija, this guide will help you speak the language of Morocco.
Architecture, Housing & Cities
Riad[ree-ad]
A traditional house built around an internal garden or courtyard, traditionally with a fountain and orange trees. The windows face inward to ensure privacy.
Dar[dahr]
Similar to a Riad but typically smaller and centered around a mosaic courtyard rather than a garden. It literally means 'House' in Arabic.
Medina[meh-dee-nah]
The historic, walled 'old city' found in many North African towns. Car-free, maze-like, and the center of traditional life.
Kasbah[kaz-bah]
A fortified square building with four towers, traditionally the home of a local leader (Caid). Built from adobe (mud brick).
Ksar[k-sar]
A fortified village consisting of many attached houses, a mosque, and a granary, protected by a single outer wall. Plural: Ksour.
Mellah[mel-lah]
The historic Jewish Quarter of a Moroccan city. Derived from the Arabic word for 'Salt' (typically Jews were assigned the trade of salting heads of executed rebels).
Bab[bab]
'Gate' or 'Door.' Refers to the monumental entryways in city ramparts (e.g., Bab Agnaou, Bab Bou Jeloud).
Agadir[a-ga-deer]
Apart from being a city name, this Amazigh word refers to a fortified communal granary built on hilltops to protect crops and valuables from bandits.
Foundouk[foon-dook]
An ancient caravanserai or inn. Historically used by merchants to store goods on the ground floor and sleep on the upper floor. Many are now artisan workshops.
Geography & The Land
Erg[urg]
A vast sea of sand dunes (e.g., Erg Chebbi). This is the 'classic' desert image.
Reg[reg]
A stone desert or gravel plain. Much of the Sahara is actually Reg, not Erg.
Oued[wed]
River or river valley. Often dry in summer but can flood quickly in winter. (e.g., Oued Dades).
Jebel[jeh-bel]
Mountain. (e.g., Jebel Toubkal).
Tizi[tee-zee]
Mountain pass (Amazigh). (e.g., Tizi n'Tichka).
Palmeraie[pal-meh-ray]
A palm grove or oasis, typically containing thousands of date palms irrigated by canal systems.
Khettara[khet-ta-ra]
An ancient underground irrigation system (qanat) that transports water from the water table to the surface using gravity, preventing evaporation.
The People & Heritage
Amazigh[a-ma-zeer]
The indigenous people of North Africa (often called 'Berber,' though Amazigh—meaning 'Free People'—is preferred).
Tifinagh[tee-fee-nah]
The ancient alphabet used to write the Amazigh language. You will see these geometric geometric letters on road signs across Morocco.
Gnawa[g-na-wa]
A spiritual music genre and ethnic group tracing their origins to sub-Saharan Africa. Famous for hypnotic rhythms and iron castanets (krakebs).
Touareg[twah-reg]
Nomadic Berber people of the Sahara, known as the 'Blue Men' due to the indigo dye of their turbans staining their skin.
Marabout[ma-ra-boot]
A Muslim holy man or saint; also refers to the white-domed shrine where they are buried.
Baraka[ba-ra-ka]
A concept of spiritual power, blessing, or 'good luck' transmitted by saints or certain places.
Gastronomy (Food & Drink)
Tagine[tah-jeen]
A slow-cooked stew named after the conical clay pot it is cooked in. The shape traps steam to keep meat tender in dry climates.
Couscous[koos-koos]
Semolina wheat granules steamed over broth. Traditionally eaten on Fridays after mosque prayers.
Pastilla[pas-tee-ya]
A Fes specialty. A sweet and savory pie made of thin pastry (warka) layered with pigeon or chicken, almonds, sugar, and cinnamon.
Harira[ha-ree-ra]
A rich soup made of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and herbs. Traditionally used to break the fast during Ramadan.
Tanjia[tan-jee-ya]
A Marrakech specialty. Beef or lamb slow-cooked in a clay urn (also called a Tanjia) in the ashes of a hammam furnace. Not to be confused with Tagine.
Amlou[am-loo]
A spread made from roasted almonds, honey, and Argan oil. Often called 'Moroccan Nutella.'
Ras el Hanout
'Head of the Shop.' A complex spice blend consisting of 20-30 different spices, representing the very best a spice merchant has to offer.
Atay
Moroccan Mint Tea. Gunpowder green tea brewed with fresh mint and lots of sugar. It is a symbol of hospitality.
Khobz
The round, flat bread served with every meal, used as a utensil to scoop up Tagine.
Crafts & Clothing
Zellige[zel-leezh]
Intricate geometric mosaic tilework made from hand-chiseled clay tiles. A hallmark of Moroccan architecture.
Tadelakt
A waterproof plaster technique using lime and olive oil soap, polished with a stone. It gives Hammams their smooth, soft finish.
Djellaba[jel-lah-bah]
A long, loose hooded robe worn by both men and women. The hood (Qob) is vital for protection against sun and sand.
Babouche[bah-boosh]
Traditional leather slippers. Pointed toes for Arabs (city), rounded toes for Berbers (mountains).
Gandora
A short-sleeved, lighter version of the Djellaba, worn without a hood, usually in summer.
Cheich / Tagelmust
The long cotton scarf/turban worn by desert nomads to protect the head and face from sun and blowing sand.
Daily Life & Transport
Petit Taxi
Small hatchbacks allowed only within city limits. They run on a meter. They can pick up 3 separate passengers going in the same direction. Colors vary by city (Red in Casa, Blue in Rabat, Beige in Marrakech).
Grand Taxi
Large sedans or vans that travel fixed routes between cities or to outlying villages. They do not leave until full (6 passengers) unless you pay for the whole car.
Dirham (MAD)
The currency of Morocco. It is a closed currency, meaning it cannot be imported or exported.
Souk
An open-air marketplace or commercial quarter in a Medina.
Inshallah
'If God wills it.' Used frequently to reference future events. It implies that nothing is certain.
