Inspirations for a Trip to Morocco: Books, Movies, and Art
Even before my departure, I feel like I have been traveling through Morocco for months. Since I bought my plane ticket, I have immersed myself in the culture, history, and atmosphere of this fascinating country. I travel with my mind before my feet, imagining streets, shops, smells, and the stories of people coming alive as if I were already there.
Before leaving for Morocco, I read three books that I highly recommend if you want to plan your trip—or simply explore the country from your armchair.
Books That Inspire a Moroccan Journey
1. Morocco, Novel by Tahar Ben Jelloun
Tahar Ben Jelloun, one of Morocco’s greatest writers, was born in Fez and moved to France in 1971. In Morocco, Novel, he takes readers on a journey into the soul of a complex and multifaceted country, weaving together many small stories.
The book explores Morocco’s landscapes—from deserts that guard ancient traditions to seas that symbolize hope—and its people, from scoundrels and thieves to the generous and hospitable. From remote villages to the cosmopolitan Tangier of the 1950s, populated by European and American artists and writers, the stories reveal contrasts, beauty, and hidden depths.
Ben Jelloun’s words capture Morocco’s enigma:
“Morocco does not concede, it does not give itself. Maybe you have to surprise it in its sleep or when it is sleepless, on a full moon night. Morocco is an enigma to be seduced gracefully.”
2. The Voices of Marrakesh by Elias Canetti
Canetti’s book transports readers to Marrakesh in 1954, presenting vivid stories and episodes of city life. From camel-filled markets to street children, beggars, blind men, storytellers, and the Jewish quarter, the book paints a lively and complex picture of Moroccan life.
He describes the magic of Moroccan craft:
“Next to the stores where only sales are made, there are many others in front of which one can observe how objects are made… These intense displays of making and selling are doubly fascinating.”
Even though the events date back decades, the Morocco Canetti depicts still feels alive today, with its contrasts, chaos, and colorful characters.
3. In the Land of Sands by Isabelle Eberhardt
Eberhardt, a Swiss-Russian explorer, traveled as a nomad through North Africa, often dressed as a man to gain access to spaces closed to women.
Her vivid descriptions of sunrises, sunsets, dunes, camels, tents, tea, and daily life make readers feel like they are part of the desert. The book reads like a dream, blending adventure, poetry, and an intimate encounter with Morocco’s natural and cultural landscapes.
Movies Set in Morocco
Watching films set in Morocco helps prepare for the trip and allows you to relive the country afterward. Some notable films include:
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Tea in the Desert by Bernardo Bertolucci
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Casablanca by Michael Curtiz
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Marrakech Express by Gabriele Salvatores
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Last Minute Morocco by Francesco Falaschi
Recent films also feature Moroccan locations: The Bourne Ultimatum, The Man Who Knew Too Much, and Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation.
Moroccan Influence on Art: Delacroix
Eugène Delacroix visited Morocco in 1832 as part of a French delegation to the sultan. He became enthralled by the country’s landscapes, light, and people. He created sketches, watercolors, and notebooks capturing the light and colors that transformed his art.
Delacroix admired Morocco’s simplicity and dignity: people owned little beyond the cloaks they carried, slept, and were buried in, yet they appeared content. Today, many of his Moroccan works reside in the Louvre, bearing witness to the country’s lasting impact on Western art.
Morocco inspires through stories, films, and art. Reading, watching, and studying these works before your trip allows you to travel with your imagination and arrive with a deeper understanding of its landscapes, people, and culture.
If you want, I can also create a “Morocco Inspiration Pack” with a curated reading list, movies, and art pieces, perfectly organized for travelers who want to prepare their minds before exploring Morocco. It would pair beautifully with your 8-day Morocco tours guide. Do you want me to do that?
