The Tapestry in Morocco Project Week immersed students in the rich culture and traditions of Morocco. Upper School math teacher Helen Jeno and Assistant Director of College Counseling Devon Jones planned the trip meticulously and provided an itinerary that explored four cities: Marrakesh, Fez, Rabat, and Casablanca.
After a long day of connecting flights and layovers, we began our trip in Marrakesh. Diving straight into Moroccan culture, we visited the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, which welcomed us with lively music, entertaining storytellers, and food stalls filled with Moroccan specialities.
Our exploration of Marrakesh continued into the following day, when we wove our way through the bustling medinas and markets alongside our trusted tour guide. We sampled various Moroccan spices such as tajin and saffron.
Then we were on our way to Fez, where we stayed in a Riad—a traditional Moroccan house featuring an indoor courtyard and unique Moroccan textiles and architecture. In Fez, we explored the culinary environment of Morocco by participating in a cooking class. We participated in a hands-on lesson where we prepared and cooked Tagine Chicken, a staple for many Moroccans.
“The cooking class was my favorite activity, because I truly felt immersed in the culture and created strong bonds with my classmates in the kitchen,” junior Hadja Barry said.
After enjoying the delicious meal we prepared, we learned the art of Arabic calligraphy in a workshop.
To round out the day, we traveled through a series of paths in a medina and arrived at the leather and fabric tanneries, where we got to learn about the process of weaving fabric and crafting leather goods. We also explored the University of al-Qarawiyyin, a mosque and educational center open to Islamic communities.
Next on our itinerary, we traveled to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, which is widely recognized for its intricate and breathtaking architecture. Specifically, we explored the blue and white walls of Udaya Kasbah and trekked through the ancient Islamic ruins of Chellah Necropolis.
To conclude our trip, we drove to Casablanca to participate in a detailed tour of the Hassan II Mosque—the second-largest functioning mosque in Africa at 210 meters tall. The mosque serves as a place of worship for many and blends traditional Moroccan design with French-inspired architecture.
This final experience provided a powerful culmination of our journey, bringing together the history, artistry, and cultural depth we had encountered throughout our travels. Our exploration in Morocco opened my eyes to a foreign environment overflowing with cherished history and intricate traditions, each moment revealing layers of culture I had never before encountered.
