Moroccans

Moroccans
المغاربة
ⵎⵓⵔⴰⴽⵓⵛ

Total population
~ 38M
Regions with significant populations
Morocco	33,322,699[1]
France	1,514,000[2][3][4]
Israel	1,000,000[5]
Spain	792,158[6]
Italy	524,775[7]
Belgium	500,000[8]
Netherlands	385,761[9]
Germany	140,000[10]
Canada	100,000[11]
United Arab Emirates	100,000[12]
United States	82,073[13]
United Kingdom	70,000[14]
Algeria	63,000[15]
Saudi Arabia	60,000[16]
Libya	50,000[17]
Sweden	40,000
Norway	30,000
Denmark	26,000
Egypt	18,000
Qatar	9,000[18]
Tunisia	9,500
Switzerland	7,270[15]
Ukraine	7,000[15]
Australia	4,200[15]
Oman	4,000[15]
Brazil	3,500
Russia	3,400
Syria	3,056
South Africa	2,100
Ivory Coast	1,800
Finland	1,200
Mauritania	1,056
Languages
Predominantly Moroccan Arabic, Berber dialects
Religion
Predominantly Islam (Sunni, Nondenominational Muslims,[19] Sufi); minority Judaism, Christianity[20][21]

Moroccans (Arabic: المغاربة al-Magharibah, Berber: ⵉⵎⵖⵕⴰⴱⵉⵢⵏ ; Imɣṛabiyen) are a people that share a common Moroccan culture and ancestry.

In addition to the 33 million Moroccans in Morocco, there are large migrant populations of Moroccan origins in France, Belgium, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and smaller groups in United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Arabian Peninsula and in other Arab states.

Physical anthropology of Moroccans

In traditional physical anthropology, the indigenous Berbers of Morocco and elsewhere in the Maghreb are among the various Hamitic inhabitants of Africa, representing the westernmost branch. As such, the principal morphological element in the local population is the Mediterranean type (Atlanto-Mediterranean and Basic Mediterranean).^[22]

First settlers

  Capsian culture

  Iberomaurusian culture

The first anatomically modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens) in North Africa are the makers of the Aterian, a Middle Stone Age (or Middle Palaeolithic) stone tool culture. The earliest Aterian lithic assemblages date to around 145,000 years ago, and were discovered at the site of Ifri n'Ammar in Morocco. This industry was followed by the Iberomaurusian culture, a backed bladelet industry found throughout the Maghreb. It was originally described in 1909 at the site of Abri Mouillah. Other names for this Cro-Magnon-associated culture include Mouillian and Oranian. The Epipaleolithic Iberomaurusian makers were centered in prehistoric sites, such as Taforalt and Mechta-Afalou. They were succeeded by the Capsians. The Capsian culture is often thought to have arrived in Africa from the Near East, although it is also suggested that the Iberomaurusians may have been the progenitors of the Capsians. Around 5000 BC, the populations of North Africa were primarily descended from the makers of the Iberomaurusian and Capsian cultures, with a more recent intrusion associated with the Neolithic revolution.^[23] The proto-Berber tribes evolved from these prehistoric communities during the Late Bronze to Early Iron Age.^[24]

DNA of Arabs

J (L222.2)

The Arab people in Morocco have dominantly unique genetics which primarily exist of haplogroup J1, J2 and E1b1b1a. Haplogroup J1 and J2 originates in Western Asia, probably in the area of the caucasus regions, of which haplogroup J1 spread into the middle-east and the Arabian Peninsula during the early paleolithic. Haplogroup J1 is specific to arabs and other semitic peoples,of which haplogroup J2 is more common amongst people in central asia, Mediteraneans and Europeans aswell. The genetics of arabs of Morocco have a combined percentage of around 80% of J1, J2 and E1b1b1a. The berber haplogroup E1b1b1b only makes up 10-20% of the total gene pool amongst the Arabs.^[25][26]

J1 (L222.2)

Arabs of Morocco are a 20% J (L222.2), an accounts for the majority of (L147.1) in Saudi Arabia, Sudan & a primary element in North Africa. Seems to be an exclusively Adnani marker.^[27]

E1b1b1a M78

The Arabs of Morocco have 76% of Haplogroup E1b1b1a M78. The M78 subgroup exists of a few different subgroups, of which M78α is present amongst Arabs at 39% and M78β is present at 31,5%.^[25] To the M78 major subclade belongs V22 and V65 aswell, which will be explained in the next chapters.

E1b1b1a M78 (V22)

E1b1b (M81), E1b1b (V22) and E1b1b (V65)

Arabs of Morocco are a 40% E1b1b (V22), another lineage to expand out of Egypt. Found in various ethnic groups with a peaking frequency in Sudan & Egypt.^[28]

E1b1b1a M78 (V65)

Arabs of Morocco are a 30% E1b1b (V65), a marker of the Ancient Libyan tribes, marker of medieval expansion into Morocco joining Banu Hilal tribes once they reached Libya.^[26][28]

E1b1b1b (M81)

Arabs of Morocco are a 30% E1b1b (M81), a Proto-Berber marker E1b1b1b1a1 (M107) A reduced Proto-Berber lineage in Mali.^[25][29]

The map shows that the Arabs of Morocco are close Mozabites, Egyptians and Bedouins.

Historically

Between the Nile and the Red Sea were living Arab tribes expelled of Arabia for their turbulence, Banu Hilal and Sulaym, whose presence was very painful for farmers in the Nile Valley because the Arabs often came plunder.^[30]

According to Ibn Khaldun, whole tribes set off with women, children, ancestors, animals and camping equipment.^[30]

Berber genetic identity

Moroccans primarily descend from Berbers, Arabized Berbers and Haratin/Gnawa, like other neighboring Maghrebans. As such, Berbers are descendants of the prehistoric populations of Morocco via the Iberomaurusians and Capsians.

The Afroasiatic family may have originated in the Mesolithic period, perhaps in the context of the Capsian culture.^[37][38] By 5000 BC, the populations of Morocco were an amalgamation of Ibero-Maurisian and a minority of Capsian stock blended with a more recent intrusion associated with the Neolithic revolution.^[39] Out of these populations, the proto-Berber tribes formed during the late Paleolithic era.^[40]

Physical differences between Berbers and Arabs of Morocco

It is easier to tell a Berber from an Arab by dress and behavior than by external physical characteristics, but there are statistical differences, particularly between the tribal Arabs and the mountain Berbers.

The highest frequencies of L-mtDNA in Moroccan cities is reported for the Moroccan Arabs of the surrounding area of El Jadida at 46%. Harich et al 2010

Frequencies (> 1%) of L-mtDNA

A small minority of the population is identified as Haratin and Gnawa, dark-skinned sedentary agriculturalists from the southern and eastern oases that speak either Berber or Moroccan Arabic.

Berber groups

• Riffian people
• Shilha people
• Zayanes

Arabian groups

• Jebala (North)
• Andalusians (North-Central-West)
• Sahrawiyin (South-East)

Culture

A Moroccan kaftan

Through Moroccan history, the country had many cultural influences (Europe, Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa). The culture of Morocco shares similar traits with those of neighboring countries, particularly Algeria and Tunisia and to a certain extent Spain.

Morocco influenced modern day Europe, in several fields, from architecture to agriculture, and the introduction of Moroccan numbers, widely used now in the world.

Each region possesses its own uniqueness, contributing to the national culture. Morocco has set among its top priorities the protection of its diversity and the preservation of its cultural heritage.

The traditional dress for men and women is called djellaba, a long, loose, hooded garment with full sleeves. For special occasions, men also wear a red cap called a bernousse, more commonly known as a fez. Women wear kaftans decorated with ornaments. Nearly all men, and most women, wear balgha (بلغه). These are soft leather slippers with no heel, often dyed yellow. Women also wear high-heeled sandals, often with silver or gold tinsel.

Moroccan style is a new trend in decoration which takes its roots from Moorish architecture; it has been made popular by the vogue of riad renovation in Marrakech. Dar is the name given to one of the most common types of domestic structures in Morocco; it is a home found in a medina, or walled urban area of a city. Most Moroccan homes traditionally adhere to the Dar al-Islam, a series of tenets on Islamic domestic life. Dar exteriors are typically devoid of ornamentation and windows, except occasional small openings in secondary quarters, such as stairways and service areas. These piercings provide light and ventilation.

Moroccan cuisine primarily consists of a blend of Berber, Moorish and Arab influences. It is known for dishes like couscous and pastilla, among others. Spices such as cinnamon are also used in Moroccan cooking. Sweets like halwa are popular, as well as other confections. Cuisines from neighbouring areas have also influenced the country's culinary traditions.

Additionally, Moroccan craftsmanship has a rich tradition of jewellery-making, pottery, leather-work and woodwork.

The music of Morocco ranges and differs according to the various areas of the country. Moroccan music has a variety of styles from complex sophisticated orchestral music to simple music involving only voice and drums. There are three varieties of Berber folk music: village and ritual music, and the music performed by professional musicians. Chaabi (الشعبي) is a music consisting of numerous varieties which descend from the multifarious forms of Moroccan folk music. Chaabi was originally performed in markets, but is now found at any celebration or meeting. Gnawa is a form of music that is mystical. It was gradually brought to Morocco by the Gnawa and later became part of the Moroccan tradition. Sufi brotherhoods (tarikas) are common in Morocco, and music is an integral part of their spiritual tradition. This music is an attempt at reaching a trance state which inspires mystical ecstasy.

Languages

Linguistic map of Morocco

Morocco's official languages are Classical Arabic and Amazigh. The latter is a standardized version of the Berber languages.

The majority of the population speaks Moroccan Arabic. More than 12 million Moroccans speak Berber varieties, either as a first language or bilingually with Moroccan Arabic. Three different Berber dialects are spoken: Riff, Shilha (Chleuh) and Central Atlas Tamazight.

Hassaniya Arabic is spoken in the southern part of the country. Morocco has recently included the protection of Hassaniya in the constitution as part of the July 2011 reforms.

French is taught universally and still serves as Morocco's primary language of commerce and economics; it is also widely used in education, sciences, government and most education fields.

Spanish is also spoken by some in the northern part of the country as a foreign language. Meanwhile, English is increasingly becoming more popular among the educated, particularly in the science fields.

See also

• Media related to People of Morocco at Wikimedia Commons
• List of Moroccans
• Moroccan diaspora

References

Demographics of Morocco
Religions	Islam Sunni Shia Christianity Orthodoxy Catholicism Protestantism Judaism
Ethnic groups	Arab-Berber Arab Berber Jewish Roma (Gypsy)
Languages	Arabic Maghrebi Arabic Modern Standard Arabic Hassaniya Arabic Hilalian Pre-Hilalian Berber Standard Moroccan Berber Atlas Zenatic

Morocco articles
History	Ancient Prehistory Mauretania Tingitana Early Islamic Umayyad dynasty Berber Revolt Idrisid dynasty Barghawata Confederacy Kingdom of Nekor Umayyad Caliphate Caliphate of Cordoba Empire Umayyads Abbadis Idrisids Almoravids Hamudids Almohads Marinids Wattasids Saadis Alaouites European protectorate Treaty of Fez French Protectorate Spanish Protectorate Operation Torch Modern Mohammed V Hassan II 1970s 1980s 1990s Mohammed VI 2000s 2011–12 protests
Geography	Cities Provinces Regions Western Sahara
Politics	Cabinet Foreign relations King Parliament President of the Government List Western Sahara status Military History Army Navy Air Force Gendarmerie
Economy	Bank Al-Maghrib Companies Energy Health Investment Casablanca Tangier Western Sahara Tourism Telecommunications Trade
Culture	Cinema Cuisine Coat of arms Flag Literature Media Music Sport national football team national rugby union team Demographics Languages Moroccan Arabic Hassaniya Hilalian dialects Berber languages Moroccan people diaspora Western Sahara
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Moroccan diaspora
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