Moroccan culture takes center stage

By: Nathan Boruff and Amanda Mayer

In its first event as an organizatino, Moroccan Students Organization treated guests as the King of Morocco would treat a head of state, serving dates and milk in Dede I of Hulman Memorial Student Union Tuesday.

The night started off with traditional Moroccan music, or andalous music, playing as attendees viewed exhibits of art and information that was displayed. Temporary tattoos called Henna (Nakche, as the Moroccans call it) and English names translated into Arabic were also available for guests.

"We want to promote international students at Indiana State," said Kaab Benzouine, senior finance major and treasurer of MSO.

This event is about diversity at Indiana State, making people familiar to other cultures and more open to other countries, Benzouine said.

The crowd soon learned "zarita," a tradition performed by women at celebrations.

"Moroccans will always represent tolerance, acceptance and diversity," said Layla Elamrani, president of MSO.

Morocco was portrayed with a showing of Morocco's sandy beaches, playing cultural music and dance, palaces and public places and entertainment.

There was no shortage of entertainment for the event.

Former ISU President Lloyd Benjamin III traveled to the African nation several times.

"The Moroccans know a lot about hospitality, and they also know how to have a good time," Benjamin said. "This cultural event set a record by selling out in an hour's time after tickets went on sale."

A cultural dance Elamrani that performed reflected what the Spanish contributed to Moroccan cultural with music from Gypsy King.

Jordanian student Khalid Haider performed pieces on the piano, including a self-composed piece.

The students performed a fashion show of traditional-to-modern Moroccan, North African and regional wear. The women's gowns were both light and bright colors, some garnished with headscarves. Men wore clothing such as dress coats with white shirts, ties and jeans.

Dinner consisted of Harira, a traditional soup of Morocco, and couscous with a roast and cooked vegetables, traditionally served on Fridays when a family could be together. The dessert was flower-cut oranges sprinkled with cinnamon. Light music was then played while guests were served warm mint tea.

"We want to advocate Moroccan students and present Moroccan cultural, bringing ISU and Morocco together," said Youssef Aachoui, biology graduate student.

Comedy was provided through a skit portraying George Washington and Moroccan sultan Mohammed III.

Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States as an independent country in 1776. Washington and Mohammed III created strong ties between the United States and Morocco, leading to the longest standing treaty not broken to this day.

The surprise finale came with a snippet of a traditional Moroccan wedding, during which the bride was carried on a throne throwing flower pedals.

The audience kept rhythm by clapping their hands.