People
Ibn Battuta
Tangier, Morocco
A scholar from Tangier who spent nearly three decades travelling across Africa, Asia and Europe, then dictated an account of his journeys.
Lived: 1304 – c. 1369 · Known for: Travel writer
Morocco: leaders, famous people, culture and history
7 places on the atlas covering people, architecture, culture, festivals and crafts. Highlights include Ibn Battuta, Hassan II Mosque, Couscous and Fes Festival of World Sacred Music.
See Morocco on the map Etiquette guide
What is on the atlas
- People Ibn Battuta
- Architecture Hassan II Mosque
- Culture Couscous, Moroccan mint tea and Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Festivals Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
- Crafts Fes tanneries
Who leads Morocco?
| King | Mohammed VI |
|---|---|
| Prime Minister | Aziz Akhannouch |
Office-holders as of July 2026. Governments change, so check Morocco’s official government website for the latest. Full list of heads of state and government.
Famous people from Morocco
- Ibn Battuta traveller
- Ibn Khaldun (worked in Fez) historian and sociologist
- Averroes (Ibn Rushd; of Cordoba, died in Marrakesh) philosopher
- Fatima al-Fihri founder of the University of al-Qarawiyyin
- Hassan II late king
- Said Aouita Olympic runner
A short, well-known selection rather than a ranking. People pinned on the map appear in the cards below.
Etiquette tips for Morocco
- Greeting A handshake, often followed by placing a hand on the heart. Greetings are unhurried.
- Dining Meals are shared from a central dish, eaten with the right hand or bread. Accepting mint tea is part of hospitality.
- Dress Dress modestly in towns and cover up for visits. Many mosques do not admit non-Muslims, so check first.
All etiquette tips for Morocco
People in Morocco
Architecture in Morocco
Architecture
Hassan II Mosque
Casablanca, Morocco
Built partly over the Atlantic Ocean, it has one of the tallest minarets in the world and a hall that can hold about 25,000 worshippers.
Completed: 1993 · Style: Moroccan-Moorish
Culture in Morocco
Culture
Couscous
Fez, Morocco
Steamed semolina served with vegetables and meat, traditionally shared from a communal dish after Friday prayers. Couscous is on UNESCO's intangible heritage list.
Tradition: Friday family meal
Culture
Moroccan mint tea
Marrakesh, Morocco
Green tea with fresh mint and sugar, poured from a height to create foam, is offered to guests as a gesture of welcome.
Tradition: Poured from a height
Culture
Jemaa el-Fnaa
Marrakesh, Morocco
The great square of Marrakesh fills each evening with storytellers, musicians, and food stalls. It is recognised by UNESCO for its oral and intangible heritage.
Tradition: Square of storytellers and food stalls
Festivals in Morocco
Festivals
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
Fes, Morocco
Musicians from many traditions perform in the historic city of Fes in a festival devoted to sacred and spiritual music.
Usually: Spring–summer · Theme: Spiritual music · Months: May, June
Crafts in Morocco
Crafts
Fes tanneries
Fes, Morocco
In the old medina, leather has been tanned and dyed for centuries in open stone vats, using natural materials and colours.
Craft: Leather tanning in stone vats
How to use this page
This page brings together the people who lead Morocco today, a short selection of well-known people from Morocco, and the 7 places pinned for Morocco on the atlas. Use the buttons at the top to see Morocco on the map, where you can filter by theme, read a short summary of each pin and follow the link to Wikipedia for the full article. To browse the same themes across the whole world, see the people page, architecture page, culture page, festivals page and crafts page.
Questions about Morocco
Who is the leader of Morocco?
As of July 2026: King: Mohammed VI; Prime Minister: Aziz Akhannouch. Office-holders change, so check the official government site for the latest.
Who are some famous people from Morocco?
Well-known people connected with Morocco include Ibn Battuta (traveller), Ibn Khaldun (worked in Fez) (historian and sociologist), Averroes (Ibn Rushd; of Cordoba, died in Marrakesh) (philosopher), Fatima al-Fihri (founder of the University of al-Qarawiyyin) and Hassan II (late king).
Which famous people from Morocco are pinned on the atlas?
People pinned for Morocco include Ibn Battuta. Open the map to read a short summary of each.
What festivals are celebrated in Morocco?
Festivals on the atlas for Morocco include Fes Festival of World Sacred Music. Open the map for photos and links to read more.
What are famous landmarks and buildings in Morocco?
Notable buildings and sites in Morocco on the atlas include Hassan II Mosque. Open the map for photos and links to read more.
What traditional crafts is Morocco known for?
Traditional crafts from Morocco on the atlas include Fes tanneries. Open the map for photos and links to read more.
What food and customs is Morocco known for?
Food and customs from Morocco on the atlas include Couscous, Moroccan mint tea and Jemaa el-Fnaa. Open the map for photos and links to read more.
How can I explore Morocco on the map?
Choose See Morocco on the map above, or search for Morocco on the atlas. You can filter by theme, drag the Time travel slider to see who was alive and what was standing in different centuries, and open any pin for a short summary and a link to the full Wikipedia article.
What etiquette should visitors know in Morocco?
Greeting: A handshake, often followed by placing a hand on the heart. Greetings are unhurried. Dining: Meals are shared from a central dish, eaten with the right hand or bread. Accepting mint tea is part of hospitality. These are general customs, not legal advice.