As you can see in this blog, we have dedicated other posts to discovering the amazing Spanish footprint y Portuguese footprint in this country. But is there also a American footprint in MoroccoWhere and why? In this post we give you some information details that you will like to know.
Tangier: the city with the greatest American legacy
To discover the American footprint in Morocco, it is essential to travel to Tangier, the city where the legacy is most present. This is so because in the first half of the 20th century it had the International Zone statusThe city’s international status has led many U.S. diplomats and officials to settle here. For this reason, one of the main museums to visit in the city is the American Legation Museuma beautiful Andalusian-style palace that today commemorates the diplomatic relations between the two countries, as Morocco has always been a strategic ally in the Maghreb. strategic ally in the Maghreb
. En sus salas encontrarás una sala de espías, fotografías, mapas, documentos de valor, una biblioteca de investigación y un centro cultural que organiza actividades relacionadas.
One of the highlights of this museum is the recreation of Paul Bowles’ studio. Paul Bowlesfamous writer of that country who settled permanently in Tangier. This city was a source of inspiration for his novels, some of which were later adapted for the cinema. Examples are The protective sky o Let it fall.
In any case, he was not the only writer who had a presence in Tangier, the literary city par excellence in Morocco. Others such as Jack Kerouac also felt inspiration and predilection for it, considering it perfect for the beat generation.
Casablanca and other Hollywood hits
One of the most universal and influential industries in the United States is undoubtedly film. So film has also contributed to leaving a significant American footprint in Morocco, thanks to films set here or inspired by the country.. Perhaps the best known and timeless title is Casablanca
. Curiosamente, esta película rodada en 1942 y protagonizada por Humphrey Bogart e Ingrid Bergman, no se grabó en Marruecos, pues se emplearon sólo film studios for the occasion. Not even the famous Rick’s Coffee actually existed. However, given its central role in the film and the curiosity of tourists who asked about it, it was decided to recreate one for the purpose, which functions as such, with the same name. In reality, it is a riad from the 1930s, whose interior is reminiscent of the meeting place of the protagonists.
But Casablanca is not the only Hollywood contribution to Morocco: movie buffs have an unmissable appointment with Atlas Studios, in the city of Ouarzazatesouth of the Atlas Mountains. They are the most important film studios in the country and perhaps in Africa, and here have been shot Anglo-Saxon feature films of the stature of Lawrence of Arabia.
Essaouira, inspiration for Jimi Hendrix
American travelers arriving in Essaouira will notice the great presence of a mythical compatriot: Jimi Hendrix. His image acts as an attraction, as it is a source of pride for t was the city that this Seattle musician spent one of the most transcendental moments of his career here. of his career.
It was on vacation in 1969, shortly before his performance at the Woodstock festival. Although there are few documents about his stay in the city, it is known that he stayed at the Al Madina Hotel Hotel and is believed to have frequented the fishing village of Diabat. El ambiente bohemio, exótico y marítimo de la ciudad causó en él una honda impresión, a lo que también ayudó el descubrimiento de la música gnawa.
Undoubtedly, three very different destinations (Tangier, Casablanca and Essaouira) that, if you come from the United States or you like American culture, will be an added attraction to your trip to Morocco.
