Morocco
A month on from the 6.8 magnitude earthquake which rocked Morocco, official reports are showing its full catastrophic impact. We’ve put together some ways to support Moroccans and to help with the country’s recovery, from beautiful artisanal products made in the Atlas to buy to wonderful places to stay to support communities as they rebuild.
On the night of Friday 8th September a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco. As of Monday morning, the death toll has surpassed 2,100 and the World Health Organisation estimates that a further 300,000 have been impacted by the earthquake. We’ve compiled the following list of resources if you would like to support Moroccans dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake. Scroll down for charities and campaigns you can donate to, as well as people to follow to stay up to date.
If you’re anything like us, some of your favourite parts of travelling are the incredible food and drinks you get to taste along the way, especially in the Middle East and North Africa! From the heady scent of cardamom and the succulent taste of slow roasted lamb to the delicate fragrance of rose and orange blossom water, the joy of burning your fingers as you rush to tear off a piece of khubz fresh out of the oven, or the glorious sweetness of a cup of sage-infused tea sipped by a campfire in the desert, the tastes of the Middle East and North Africa are some of our most precious memories of travelling in the region.
Here are some amazing good news stories from across the Middle East worth celebrating this year, not to mention some that gave us a giggle!
In 2000, Amina Yabis got the idea to create a female-only cooperative in her hometown of Sefrou. The Cherry Buttons Cooperative – which creates beautiful crafts out of traditionally crafted djellaba buttons – has continued to pave the way for women in Sefrou, particularly for women otherwise pushed to the margins of society.
Cultural appropriation can be difficult to define and the line between appropriation and appreciation is often very fine, which can make it tempting to hide from debate all together for fear of getting it wrong. Our practical guide will help you understand cultural appropriation and recognise the power that we have as individuals and consumers to push back against discrimination and exploitation.
Jewellery in the Middle East and North Africa has always played a far more significant role than just that of adornment. One of its most valued functions was that of portable wealth, a practice that finds its origin in the times before finances almost automatically included monetary currency and banks. As such, jewellery was a major factor in women’s financial independence.
This is the story of Kate Maryam, visionary social entrepreneur and designer of beautiful Moroccan leather babouches. We are so excited to partner with her to bring you an exclusive collection or moor morocco babouches through the Pink Jinn Souq. Read her story and you’ll see why…
This rustic one-pot dish is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Inspired by Pink Jinn’s very-own Ras al Hanout spice blend, this wholesome dish celebrates the complex and aromatic blend of spices used widely across North Africa.