Ancient History

Anthropology as a discipline spans across anything that intersects with the study of humans. The four main disciplines outline this well; there is cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and archaeology.

My personal interested in the field of cultural anthropology is a major reason that led me to study abroad in Morocco. Cultural anthropology studies modern human cultures, and everything that falls into that realm. I find the study absolutely fascinating. How people interact, their traditions, customs, and lifestyles are all so unique and diverse and it is intriguing to me to study not just those outward differences but the whole breadth of human experience that can also include value and morality systems.

Having been blessed with the opportunity to study abroad in Belgium and Mexico I was keen to experience a new culture in Morocco.

And I certainly have been experiencing something new! Morocco is an an interesting intersection of cultures and its diverse people are reflective of that. Last weekend I had the opportunity to explore Moroccan culture and cultural history in a trip to the city of Meknes and the archaeological site of Volubilis.

Meknes was once the home of the Moroccan sultanate and its architecture reflects its past glory. Today the city is a bit more modest, but is still quite large compared to the surrounding towns. While in Meknes I was able to visit the Dar Jamai Museum and the Madarsa Bou Inania, both filled with history and examples of the rich culture of Morocco.

Dar Jamai Museum: Once the house of Moroccan nobility, the building now serves to house exquisite wood, metal, and fabric craft goods from Moroccan history as well as show off the past glory of Meknes.

Traditionally decorated room

Madarsa Bou Inani: A madarsa is an Islamic learning center, and this building used to house learners. It is certainly a great example of unique architecture.

Volubilis: An ancient Amazigh and Roman city, an extensive site with impressive stone architecture with massive columns and archways still intact.

Moulay Idriss: Smaller Moroccan town painted in an intriguing blue-white pattern and perched on a mountain overlooking the valley expanse below. We climbed the many stairs to an overlook of the city, and stood looking out across the buildings and the further landscape as the call to prayer rung through the valley.

Morocco possesses a rich culture and a complex history, and as I discover more I am more awed by the intricacies of this spectacular country. It certainly is a wonderful country to study anthropology!