LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Morocco
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From the earliest period known to history, Morocco has been inhabited by the Berbers (whence the name Barbary). These people were known to the Romans as Numidae, but to the Phoenicians as Mahurin (Westerners); from the Phoenician name the Greeks, and, after them, Latin writers, made Mauri, whence the English Moors. These Moors, Numidians, or Berbers, were subjugated by the Romans, then by the Vandals, the Byzantines, the Visigoths, and, lastly, the Arabs, whose political and religious conquest began in 681. Arabs and Berbers together crossed over into Spain, and thence into France, where their progress was stopped at Poitiers (732) by Charles Martel. Not until 1492, when Granada fell, were the Christians of the Iberian Peninsula definitively rid of the Moors on European soil, and able to carry the war against them into Africa. Portugal no longer retains any of her possessions in Morocco; but Spain still holds eight ports, known as the presidios, one on the Atlantic Coast and seven on the Mediterranean.
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When modern Morocco became influenced by the Arabs, who brought their customs, culture, and Islam, Allah's plan became completed. Most of the Berber people converted, forming states and kingdoms. The country cut ties and broke away from the control of the distant caliphs in Baghdad and the new Baghdad form in what is now Rabat. The "Idrisids" ... decided Rabat and established "Fes" as their capital and Morocco became a center of learning and a major regional power.
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Nomads called Berbers were the first inhabitants of Morocco over two thousand years ago. They used local ingredients, such as olives, figs, and dates, to prepare lamb and poultry stews. Over time, traders and conquering nations introduced new food customs. Among them were the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans. However, the strongest influence on native cooking was the Arab invasion in the seventh century A.D.
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Morocco's strategic location has shaped its history. Beginning with the Phoenicians, many foreigners were drawn to this area. Romans, Visigoths, Vandals and Byzantine Greeks ruled successively. Arab forces began occupying Morocco in the seventh century A.D., bringing their civilization and Islam. The Alaouite dynasty, which has ruled Morocco since 1649, claims descent from the Prophet Muhammad.
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The INDH allotted a sum of MAD 2.5 Bn (USD 303Mn) that benefited the poorest 403 communes in Morocco, most of which belong to mountainous zones, Mohattane went on to say. For his part, minister of Agriculture, Mohand Laenser said that adopting laws is not enough to develop mountainous areas, calling for a “specific handling of development-related problems in these areas.”
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This cultural community is known in Morocco to be traditional healers in psychic disorders and injuries such as scorpion stings and spider bites. It is believed that the combination of music, color and aromas has healing powers. The Gnawa musicians use hand-clapping, cymbals (krakebs), sinter tunes and an ancient form of singing to produce their unique, trance-like melodies. Their songs and dances are said to evoke ancestral spirits that assist in the healing process. Many modern day musicians have been inspired by the dances and songs of the Gnawas; often being mixed with genres such as reggae, jazz, hip-hop and blues. Essaouria is home to many Gnawa festivals throughout the year, as well as the Moulay Brahim Sanctuary and Marrakesh.
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