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Moroccan literature has changed, developed and advanced over the last thousand years. It is written in a variety of languages including Arabic, English, Berber, French, and Moroccan Arabic also known as Darijia. However, French is often used in publishing research in the social and natural sciences, and in the fields of literature and literary studies, they are published in Arabic and French. The history of Moroccan literature can all be traced back to The University of Al Karaouine, which was established in the year 859 and is located in the city of . http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-214374/Morocco#846442.hook
From the start of the 12th Century the of became a principle center for higher learning not only in but around Europe and the . A few of the scholars who studied and also taught there were Ibn Khaldoun, Ibn al-Khatib, al-Bitruji, Ibn Harazim, Ibn Maymoun, and Ibn Wazzan. During this time up until about the year 1500 many philosophers, poets, and scholars found sanctuary in under the rule of Almohad sultan Abu Yaqub Yusuf, who encouraged the construction of schools and libraries.
During this time period and up until now, the writings of Sufi leaders played an important role in Moroccan Literature. Sufismis a mystic tradition within Islam that encompasses a diverse range of beliefs and practices dedicated to Divine love and the cultivation of the elements of the Divine within the individual human being. These values and beliefs helped form a solid base for Moroccan literature.
The courts and Zaouia, which means an Islamic School or monastery, had possession of the majority of the manuscripts from famous writers’ right up until modern times. From 1500-1900, many of the genres of literature being produced in were somewhat different than what was popular in other European countries. Moroccans enjoyed songs similar to what we would consider religious poetry or love poems. Also they were greatly interested in biographies, historical chronicles and account of journeys around the world. Ibn Battuta is considered a legend in Moroccan literature because of his great stories detailing his vast journeys around the world. Moroccans were captivated and inspired by Battuta's writings because at a time when traveling was rather restricted because of transportation constraints, he managed to journey more than 75,000 miles.
The history of modern Moroccan literature started around the 1930’s. was greatly influence by both the French and Spanish who were in as protectorates. This allowed Moroccan academics and scholars to have a vast array of culture from which to exchange ideas and other literary works.
Morocco gained its independence in 1956 and after that it became a safe haven and writing sanctuary for many famous writers. During the 1950’s and 1960’s was a refuge for such literary greats as William S. Burroughs, Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams and Jack Kerouac. They came to enjoy the relaxed political climate and to find inspiration. Also, Moroccan writers such as Mohamed Choukri, Driss Chraibi, Mohamed Zafzaf and Driss El Khouri [1]flourished during this time as well. Throughout the years Moroccan literature has grown and evolved, it contains an elaborate array of writings, beliefs, poetry, essays, and other various works, which will continue to change, develop, and influence Moroccan culture into the future. http://www.morocco.com/culture/literature/
