Books and Writing
A Short History of Islamic Thought By Fitzroy Morrissey
Our speaker, Fitzroy Morrissey, Fellow of All Souls Oxford, takes you on a journey from Islam's origins to the present day. He offers insight into the mystical writings of the Sufis and explains the rise of intellectual trends like Islamic modernism and Islamism in recent times.
'The Caliph’s House’ and ‘In Arabian Nights’ by Tahir Shah
Tahir Shah is a British-Afghani author and journalist. Ever the adventurer, he relocated his family to a mansion called "Dar Khalifa", said by locals to be haunted by Jinn, "set squarely in the middle of a Casablanca shantytown." The adventure formed the basis for Shah's book 'The Caliph's House'. His highly amusing writing gives a glimpse of life in Morocco.
Gabriel Gbadamosi’s Writer’s Mosaic
Our speaker Gabriel Gbadamosi is a poet and playwright who founded the Writers Mosiac, an online platform for new writing from a mosaic of literary voices and cultures across the UK that aims to be surprising, magical and moving. It's a wonderful resource for discovering new writers.
‘Sex & Lies’, ‘Lullaby’ and ‘The Country of Others’ by Leila Slimani
Leila Slimani is a Moroccan-French writer, and the winner of The Prix Goncourt, in 2016. Her lastest novel, The Country of Others, is the first in a planned trilogy based on her family history. Set in the late 1940s and 50s, it centres on her grandparents during Morocco's period of decolonisation.
Places to Stay
Villa des Orangers, Marrakech
A wonderful hotel in Marrakech that Cassandra has stayed at during her trips to Morocco
Dar Ahlam, Skoura
A secluded paradise on the edge of the desert, Cassandra stayed here on her first trip over the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.
Cazenove + Loyd
Cassandra travelled with Cazenove + Loyd on one of her trips to Morocco and had the most wonderful time discovering little known places over the Atlas Mountains on a trip from Marrakesh. If you are planning a trip, their expertise is unparalleled.
Interiors
Our lower ground floor was transformed with the help of Berber rugs from Emily's House London for our Festival of Maroc. Katrien sources her Berber rugs from Morocco, made by women cooperatives.
Food
Doggart & Squash
Cassandra worked with the brilliant team at Doggart & Squash to bring guests at the Festival of Maroc delights such as pomegranate cured sea bass and lamb koftas.
Maison Souss
A hidden gem, this Moroccan bakery near Shepherd's Bush in West London does the most wonderful pastries as well as Harira soup with sweet Chebakia.
Raphia
Raphia make the most wonderful Calissous, almond shaped 'confiserie' in jewel-like colours along with other Moroccan patisserie
