Start of my own adventure

The moment we have all been waiting for has finally come- the start of our own anthropological research as a part of the minor "culture and society in Morocco". Exciting as it might seem, few hesitations and concerns escorting me while I am carefully planning my schedule and artistically trying to include some personal excursions to locations that might benefit my research for the coming weeks. Certain steps and preparations a researcher should follow in the "anthropology business" give me the impression I am about to go on an adventure of which neither the way nor the end destination is known.

The beauty of Rabat

I have not really had the chance to reflect on my stay in Morocco so far, but the transition period between the end of our first theoretical period and the beginning of our research term appears to be a great opportunity for that. Living in the heart of Kasbah de oudayas , I am lucky to have the chance of watching the nicest sceneries of Rabat, especially when the sun sets or rises and used as a beautiful background to the Hasan tower. The different urban spaces of the city are also seen as an example of the contrasts and diversity Rabat has to offer. Crossing the Medina every morning on my way to the western-oriented neighbourhood in which NIMAR is placed is in fact, loaded with historical significance that probably needs to be researched by a prominent student.  

A unique opportunity

There are plenty of topics to conduct research about in contemporary Morocco and even my personal focus on Nationalism does not seem to accommodate the cultural and ethnical diversity of this interesting society. This constantly reminds me of why I have decided to leave the comfort life I have in The Netherlands and go on the mission of attempting to understand the Moroccan society. This adventure is more than any other Minor programs offered by our home universities; this is a true opportunity to get first-hand insights into the elements constructing Morocco. This is also a chance to research on topics that have never been researched before and develop our own professional skills. Finishing another day by watching the sun lies on Rabat and emphasizes the beauty of the Bourgreg river, reminds me of the unique old saying: "The sea will turn to milk and the sand to raisins before a Rabati loves a Slawi". This new term brings along new adventures and challenges but also the understanding that the journey we are about to start is more complicated than a local love story between two rival communities. There is a sense of excitement in the air, and I cannot wait to see how far my classmates will go with their research. One thing is for almost certain when it comes to our own anthropological projects - always expect the unexpected.