Moroccan Observer

04/12/2023

Meet the famous bookseller of Rabat, Morocco.
Mohamed Aziz, a 72-year-old individual, holds the distinction of being the most frequently photographed bookseller in Rabat, Morocco. His dedication to selling books in a nation where 17% of the population remains illiterate is a testament to his love for his country and its literature. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life, including being orphaned at the age of 6 and being unable to complete high school due to the high cost of textbooks, Aziz persevered. In 1963, at the age of 15, he embarked on his journey as a bookseller, starting with just nine books and a rug beneath a tree. Presently, his bookstore boasts a vast collection of thousands of books, and he spends his days fully immersed in reading and devouring the captivating stories that unfold within the pages. Aziz dedicates approximately 6 to 8 hours each day to reading, only pausing to eat, pray, smoke, and assist customers. During the remainder of his time, he traverses various neighborhoods in search of books, which he subsequently offers for sale in his store. He views this endeavor as a form of retribution for the hardships he endured during his childhood and impoverished upbringing. Aziz proudly declares, "I have delved into over 4,000 books written in Arabic, French, English, and Spanish, which equates to experiencing more than 4,000 lives. Everyone deserves this opportunity! All I require to savor my day is a pair of pillows and a book." Having spent over 43 years in the same location, he holds the esteemed title of being the oldest bookseller in Rabat. When questioned about why he leaves his unattended books outside, where they could potentially be stolen, Aziz confidently asserts that those who are illiterate do not pilfer books, and those who possess knowledge are not thieves.

25/10/2023

No place is safe in GAZa
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When Palestinians residing in the northern region of Gaza complied with the evacuation orders provided by the Israeli military through phone calls, text messages, and fliers, they believed that they were seeking refuge in a potentially secure location.

On Friday, the Israeli Defense Forces issued instructions to all civilians in the northern part of Gaza, urging them to relocate to areas south of Wadi Gaza. The purpose of this directive was to ensure the safety of the individuals and their families, as the IDF continued its operations in Gaza City while making extensive efforts to minimize harm to non-combatants.

Regrettably, despite their adherence to the evacuation warnings and their subsequent departure from their homes in search of safety, some Palestinians encountered the very danger they were attempting to escape. Tragically, Israeli airstrikes claimed their lives outside the designated evacuation zone.

It is worth noting that the renowned Al Jazeera correspondent in Gaza, Wael Al-dahdouh, experienced an unimaginable loss as a bomb was dropped on the house where his small family had sought shelter. This devastating incident resulted in the untimely deaths of his wife, son, and daughter.

25/10/2023

Israel was criticized by UN secretary General, Antonio Gueteres, for the recent escalation of tension in Gaza.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that the attacks carried out by Hamas were not unexpected, as the Palestinian people have endured a prolonged period of oppressive occupation spanning over 56 years. Throughout this time, the Palestinians have witnessed the encroachment of settlements and the perpetration of violence on their land, the suffocation of their economy, the displacement of their people, the demolition of their homes, and the gradual disappearance of their hopes for a political resolution to their plight. The United Nations holds Israel accountable for the current state of affairs, recognizing that true peace can only be achieved by putting an end to the occupation. This principle is encapsulated in Resolution No. 242, adopted by the Security Council on November 22, 1967, which advocates for a land-for-peace approach.

20/10/2023

Bayern Munich's suspension of Mezraoui for supporting Palestinians on Instagram is biased and undermines freedom of speech. As fans, we question the fairness of this decision. Athletes have the right to express their political views and support causes they believe in. By punishing Mezraoui, the club discourages players from using their platform to raise awareness about social injustices. This decision also raises concerns about the club's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. We urge Bayern Munich to reconsider and embrace the values of freedom of speech, diversity, and inclusivity. Let's advocate for a football community that celebrates the power of athletes to make a difference. It's time for Bayern Munich to rectify this biased decision and demonstrate their commitment to fairness and equality.

11/10/2023

Western leaders double standard' over response to Palestine

Have you ever wondered why the world seems to turn a blind eye to the countless Israeli massacres of Palestinians since its establishment in 1948? It is truly disheartening to witness the lack of condemnation from Western leaders and media when Palestinians carry out operations against Israeli soldiers.

It is high time that we address this glaring double standard. The lives of Palestinians are just as valuable as any other human being's, and their suffering should not be dismissed or ignored. The international community must stand up against these injustices and hold Israel accountable for its actions.

We cannot allow the media to manipulate our perception and paint Palestinians as the sole aggressors in this conflict. It is crucial to recognize the root causes of these operations and understand the desperation and frustration that drive Palestinians to take such actions. They are fighting for their basic rights, their freedom, and their dignity.

We must demand fairness and equality in the way we approach this issue. It is not enough to condemn one side while turning a blind eye to the other. We must advocate for a just and peaceful resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Let us raise our voices together and call for an end to the silence surrounding Israeli massacres. It is time for Western leaders and media to acknowledge the suffering of Palestinians and condemn all acts of violence, regardless of who perpetrates them. Only then can we hope to achieve a lasting peace in the region.

18/09/2023

The Moroccan Armed Forces are carrying out a major deployment to assist rescue operations and airlift supplies, water and other essential items to the worst affected areas, especially the province of Al Haouz.

09/09/2023

A powerful earthquake hit Morocco this Friday evening, causing damage. 🇲🇦 🥺

An earthquake has hit several Moroccan cities across Morocco, including Rabat region and nearby areas like Temara and Bouznika among others. A witness from Marrakech told Morocco World News that the Red city also was the most affected by the earthquake.

According to the American Geological Institute, it was measured at a magnitude of 6.8 at 11:11 pm, while Morocco's seismic monitoring network recorded it at 7 on the Richter scale, making it the most powerful earthquake since 1960.

27/08/2023

From the edge of the Mediterranean, Morocco is forging an aviation path marked by impressive growth. As Airbus released their forecast of a 3.6% annual growth in demand for passenger traffic, the nation's strategic location, coupled with an investment-friendly climate, makes it an attractive proposition for international aviation businesses, including aircraft manufacturing.

For entrepreneurs and businesses, Morocco offers an open sky policy that encourages foreign investment and partnerships, paving the way for robust growth in its aviation sector.

The potential for the growth of Africa's aviation industry is enormous.

15/05/2023

His Majesty the King presided, Monday evening, at the Royal Palace in Rabat, the presentation ceremony of the first Moroccan manufacturer's car model, and the prototype of a hydrogen-powered vehicle developed by a Moroccan.
It concerns two innovative projects that will enhance the "Made in Morocco" brand, and strengthen the Kingdom's position as a competitive platform for the production of cars.

10/05/2023

You cannot pass through Morocco 🇲🇦 without being in awe of its beauty. Home to the first and oldest university, al-Qarawiyyin as well as stunning landscapes, architecture and history, here I have captured the beautiful capital city of Rabat with its Bou Regreg river.
These are the words of the Emarati Astronaut from the international space station.

17/04/2023

More than 80,000 worshiper are attending today’s prayers at mosque hassan 2, to commemorate Laylat Al Qadr ( the night of fate) during which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Mohammed.

26/03/2023

Morocco has been named as the best team in Africa after beating Brazil 2-1 on Saturday night.

The Atlas Lions have proven that their performance at the 2022 World Cup was not a fluke. 🇲🇦🇲🇦🎉🎉

08/03/2023

The Mohammed VI Center for Dialogue of Civilizations (Spanish: Centro Mohammed VI para el Diálogo de las Civilizaciones) is a mosque in Coquimbo, Chile. The structure is a replica of the Kutubiyya Mosque in Marrakesh. It was funded by the Kingdom of Morocco and the municipality of Coquimbo, being named in honor of king Mohammed VI of Morocco. The mosque receives 25 thousand visitors every year.

Construction began in 2004, led by Moroccan architect Faissal Cherradi, and finished in 2007. The building was inaugurated by then mayor of Coquimbo Oscar Pereira and Moroccan delegates.

The complex also contains a cultural center, a library and a museum.[3] A renovation project funded by the municipality of Coquimbo and the embassy of Morocco in Chile began in 2019.

27/02/2023

Want to live longer? Then prioritize sleep.

Improving sleep quality can add almost five years to a man’s life and 2.5 to a woman’s, a new study indicates.

To optimize the benefits of sleeping, you need to get seven to eight hours of uninterrupted, restful shuteye each night, a CNN article suggests. This means not waking up during the night or relying on medications for your slumber, it adds.

Adhering to a strict bedtime routine and ensuring that the bedroom is cool and dark contribute to a better sleep quality, the article explains.

What are some of the tips you follow for a good night’s sleep? Share your thoughts

06/02/2023

A picture for the Ambassador of the United States of America yesterday while contemplating a map of the northern part of the Sherifian Empire of Morocco drawn by Johann Baptist Homann in 1728

The drwn map is located in the American Legation in Tangier, which is the oldest American diplomatic building in the world

Tawat, Saoura and Tlemcen were under the rule of sherifian Empire!

The fourth picture is a complete map of the borders of the Sherifian empire in the year 1700 AD ⬇️

This map is located in the Louvre Museum in the French capital, Paris, and was completed by the Maps and Sciences Workshop in 2012!

As it appears in yellow, extends to Timbuktu, Mali, in the far southeast, and Saint Louis, Senegal, in the far southwest!

16/01/2023

The Taliban has unveiled the first ever supercar designed and made in Afghanistan.

The aggressive and sleek-looking Mada 9 prototype sports car is the culmination of five years of design and development led by 30 engineers at manufacturer ENTOP and Kabul's Afghanistan Technical Vocational Institute.

It was recently revealed that the engine installed in the Afghani sports car is not a V8 or V12 but from the Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8.

29/12/2022

Pelé, passed away:
Brazilian legend Pelé has passed away, one of the greatest of all time who changed the game.

A man with a god-given talent, one of the historical names who will remain forever in the memory.

Pelé means football.

All thoughts with the family.

RIP, king of foorball

22/12/2022

I am definitely not a fan of Morocco football. In fact, before the World Cup, I barely know this country. But I must say that I have been a fan of this team since they passed the group stage.

And though it’s sad to see them lose the semi-final last night, their story is really worth noting.

Some might criticize their tactics, technics, and performance. But in the end, they have proved that they can fight, they can play offense, they can win, and most importantly — under so many disadvantages — they work so well as a team.

I’ve been following Walid Regragui‘s story a lot lately and it’s amazing how he approaches this job as a coach and as a leader.

The way he tries to bring talents together, create energy, build teamwork, and most importantly — encourage his people to DREAM BIG.

One of his interviews that resonates so much with me is;

"I told (my players) we should be proud of ourselves," Regragui said. "It is an opportunity that may not be repeated. Unfortunately, I did not play in the World Cup. God has now given me an opportunity to make history as a coach. I am the happiest person in the world," he said.

"I think Africans can go far, why not dream of winning the cup? We want the next generation to dare to dream."
If there is one thing that sport can benefit us, I believe it is to INSPIRE.

And what Morocco has shown to the world is truly an inspiring story of football.

It is a story of spirit, endurance, teamwork, patience, dedication, hope, and …. dream.

Thank you Morocco. You did make history, and you did it so well 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Saruj thipsena
Cloud Solution Director
Microsoft

Thanks to Walid Regragui, the coach who has made Morocco the first Arab nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, avocados may just be the nation's favourite fruit.

21/12/2022

Morocco’s team receive heroes’ welcome upon their arrival in Rabat from Qatar as thousands of fans gathered to cheer them for reaching the World Cup semi-final.

18/12/2022

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, reaffirmed, today, Friday in Rabat, her country's position "in support of Morocco" related to the Moroccan plan for autonomy, a position known to the Moroccans, and which Paris expressed at the United Nations at a time when it was "the only one Want to develop some ideas" on it.

"Regarding the autonomy plan, our position is in support of Morocco. We have shown this at the United Nations even at a time when we were the only ones who have Willingness to develop some ideas" on it.

She added that "France's position is clear and consistent," noting that her country supports the ceasefire and the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Staffan de Mistura.

She expressed her hope for "the resumption of negotiations between the parties in order to reach a just and realistic solution," noting the stability of the French position, especially that related to the renewal of the mandate of the MINURSO mission, which was appreciated by Morocco.

"We are not changing, and Morocco knows that it can count on France's support," she said.
MAP.

18/12/2022

In Japan, the hand wash basin is connected to the toilet so that you can wash your hands and reuse the water in flushing the toilet. With this, Japan saves millions of liters of water every year through this easy method.

According to a 2017 survey - 80% of wastewater is never used again.
Also, 90 percent of wastewater in developing countries ends up in rivers and streams without any treatment.
This could be one of the ways we can save water and reuse it again.

13/12/2022

🗣 "My mother raised us alone. She always fought for us, she sacrificed her life for us. One day, I was 18, I was in class, and my schedule did not allow me to train. I said to my mother, 'let me quit school and just focus on my fooball, in a year and a half you won't have to work anymore'. And as soon as I signed my first professional contract, she quitted work and has been living her best life ever since.

Sofiane Boufal's magnificent tribute to her mother. ❤

07/12/2022

Moroccan in Qatar, in Morocco, and around the world, after it’s historic win over Spain
cup Qatar 2022

06/12/2022

A Dubai-based dentist gave a Moroccan football fan a full set of dentures after he was bullied at the Qatar World Cup for his "bad smile".

"I decided to help him as soon as I saw his picture," said Dr Shadi Al Shaikh. "I met him in Qatar and offered him free treatment in my clinic in Dubai."

Mohammed Al Sharafi, 55, travelled to the UAE with his son for treatment, and all his expenses, including tickets and procedure fees, were covered.

“For the bullies. It’s just the beginning," wrote Dr Al Shaikh in a video he shared showing the Moroccan fan with his new teeth.

"As a dentist and a surgeon, I will make him have the most beautiful smile."

28/11/2022

Football player Achraf Hakimi gave a kiss to his mother in celebration of Morocco's World Cup victory over Belgium.

The emotional moment received a lot of praise across social media.

17/10/2022

German sportswear giant Adidas has resolved a dispute with Morocco over a design on a football top for neighbouring Algeria, which the kingdom claimed was appropriating Morocco's "cultural heritage" as it drew on the Zellige, a traditional style of mosaic tilework common throughout the Maghreb region.

On Friday a press release issued by the company stated that following discussions with the Moroccan Ministry of Culture they had reached "a positive resolution to the football jersey issue."

"The design was inspired indeed by the Zellige mosaics pattern, and was at no time intended to offend anyone," the company said in the statement. Adidas also said it had "deep respect to the people and craftsmen of Morocco" and that it had regretted the controversy surrounding the case.

Late last month, Moroccan government lawyer Mourad Elajouti in a statement posted on Facebook said he had issued a legal warning to Adidas on behalf of the country's Ministry of Culture. Elajouti claimed that the new design was cultural appropriation and "an attempt to steal a form of Moroccan cultural heritage and use it outside its context."

Elajouti demanded that the company either remove the pre-match training collection within two weeks or issue a statement "to identify the Zellige art of Morocco as an inspiration" for the design. However, Adidas initially said that the design was inspired by the tiling on Algeria's El Mechouar Palace in the north-west of the country built in the 13th century during the Zayyanid dynasty.

In a statement on Friday reacting to the news, Elajouti said "This case demonstrated to us tangibly the importance of protecting Moroccan cultural heritage." The dispute being resolved favourably, he said demonstrated "the pivotal role Morocco plays in the region in defending the intangible cultural heritage in the face of cultural appropriation attempts."

The press release by Adidas while expressing regret, stopped short of recognising Zellige as part of Moroccan heritage, reported World Morocco News, which stated that the use of the word "regret" was an attempt "to cover up their cultural appropriation through their collection which was inspired by Morocco's mosaic patterns."

The company's communique also did not include an official apology to Morocco and ignored that Morocco registered the Zellige of Fez in the Vienna Classification of Figurative Elements of the World Intellectual Property Organization in 2015.

Adidas have thus far not commented on whether it will withdraw the controversial Algerian jersey. Meanwhile, local media in Algeria have reported that the country's football federation was not satisfied with the brand's handling of the dispute and was considering terminating its contract with them. However, according to Algerian football channel DZfoot, the Algerian national team will be leaving Adidas for Puma as the contract is set to expire at the end of 2022.

15/10/2022

RABAT, Morocco -- Adidas acknowledged on Friday that the design for its new jersey collection for Algeria's national soccer team was inspired by Morocco’s zellige mosaic pattern, resolving a dispute with the Moroccan government that had accused the sport apparel company of “cultural appropriation” of its heritage.

Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication demanded last month that Adidas pull the new collection off the market alleging that the design on the jerseys of the rival North African team depicts a traditional mosaic of colored earthenware tiles, known in Morocco as zellige.

A lawyer for the Moroccan government, Mourad Elajouti, sent “a legal warning” to Adidas on Sept. 30, demanding that the German company removed the collection within two weeks or released a statement “to identify the zellige art of Morocco as an inspiration” for the design of the Algerian team’s jerseys.

Adidas said in a statement Friday that “the design was inspired indeed by the zellige mosaic pattern, and was at no time intended to offend anyone.” The statement also confirmed “a positive resolution to the recent football jersey issue.”

06/10/2022

U.S. marines, sailors, and members of the Utah National Guard trained for four weeks in Morocco with the Royal Armed Forces on explosive ordnance disposal. Our security partnership always moves forward.
From US embassy-Morocco page

04/10/2022

Morocco Acquires 150 Drones From Israel

Morocco has procured at least 150 drones from Israeli firm BlueBird Aero Systems to support various military missions.

The acquisition comes after the two countries signed a military agreement in 2021 upon reestablishing diplomatic relations.

According to local media outlets, Rabat purchased the WanderB and ThunderB vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft to bolster its air defense capabilities.

The drones will perform reconnaissance, surveillance, air defense, and emergency missions.

Although the deal’s total value was not disclosed, sources said it reached “tens of millions of dollars.”

A portion of the unmanned systems will reportedly be built in Morocco.

WanderB and ThunderB Drones
According to BlueBird Aero Systems, the WanderB VTOL is a long-range aircraft that can take off and land without a runway.

It has a low noise level due to its electric motors, making it suitable for covert military operations.

The WanderB drone boasts an endurance of 2.5 hours and a communication range of up to 50 kilometers (31 miles).

“The drone has a maximum takeoff weight of 13 kilos, of which five correspond to the batteries and one and a half to the payload, which can be day or night cameras,” Spanish news outlet Infodron reported.

The ThunderB is described as a “robust, innovative, and versatile” system that can be used for long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.

It can reach targets up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) away and remain aloft more than 12 hours.