Pierre Loti, the French adventurer who captured Morocco's essence

A passionate traveler, a member of the French navy, a reporter, and an illustrator, Pierre Loti documented his journeys across Europe, America, Asia, and Africa. Immersed in his adventures and missions, he was profoundly marked by his trip to Morocco, to which he dedicated an extensive work. This emotional connection shaped his relationship with the Arab-Muslim world.

Exploring Al-Andalus : North African and Arab culinary influences in Latin America

The fall of Granada in 1492 marked the end of Muslim rule in Al-Andalus. By the late 15th century, Spanish and Portuguese expeditions had begun in Latin America, ushering in the era of conquest. As a result, across the Atlantic, local culinary traditions absorbed influences brought by the Andalusians, who had inherited culinary practices from North Africa and the Arab world. This fusion gave rise to specialties that would later make regions such as Peru, Brazil, and beyond renowned.

Muslim scholars knew that the Earth was round

Way before Man stepped on the moon and gazed afar at our planet, Muslim scholars knew that the Earth was round. While many people still think that the Earth is flat, several Arab scientists tried to prove the opposite, years before this realization dawned on Galileo.

Why did Thomas Jefferson own a copy of the Quran ?

In the 1700s, American statesman Thomas Jefferson purchased a copy of the Quran. Historical records suggest that the third President of the US bought the book as a law student while others say he studied it to better understand his Muslim enemies in North Africa.

Peter the Venerable, the French abbot who saw Islam as a «Christian heresy»

During the 12th century, French abbot Peter the Venerable tried to introduce Islam to Christians in Europe through a book that ridiculed the religion. In his summary book, Peter gave an erroneous image of Islam, portraying it as a heresy.

America's earliest upholders of Islam go back to the Founding Fathers

Discussions about Islam and Muslims were part of the United States’ history since the the country’s founding. America’s Founding Fathers were the first to accept the religion and declare that they «have no enmity against it».

The earliest direct English translation of the Quran was done to argue against Islam

British lawyer George Sale was the first man to conduct a direct English translation of the Quran. His 1733 translation contained notes and an interpretation of Muslims’ manners and laws.

Villa Carl Ficke transformed into Casablanca’s Museum of Memory

France hosts traveling exhibit on Morocco's history for Moroccans living abroad

A Neo-Gothic mosque in Casablanca

Casablanca’s Al-Quds Mosque, formerly Église Sainte-Marguerite, is a rare Neo-Gothic structure originally built in the 1920s for Spanish and Italian settlers. Converted into a mosque in the 1980s, it retains its architectural heritage while serving as a place of worship and cultural interest.