Morocco

Famous Moroccan People: Moroccan Artists, Scientists, Leaders, Musicians, Politicians and Athletes

The magic Morocco is a country of multi-ethnic groups with a rich culture and civilization. Under the distinguished people who are honored not only in Morocco, but around the globe, count brilliant leaders in different disciplines, heroes of wars, outstanding writers and poets, high-placed officials, legendary figures, artists. They are simply remarkable individuals who have one thing in common: are not easy to stereotype.

:: List of Famous People from Morocco ::

Mohammed Khair Eddine
Mohammed Khair-Eddine is one the most famous Moroccan literary figures of the 20th century. In 1964 Khair-Eddir founded the “Poésie Toute” movement. He was a leader among postindependence Moroccan writers, being a controversial writer who defied conventionalism by raising pertinent sociological and political questions, drawing his inspiration from the people and life around him. Some of his famous works are: Légende et vie d’ Agoun’ chich (Le Seuil, 1984), Résurrection des fleurs sauvages (Éditions Stouky, Rabat, 1981) and many others.

‘Abd al-Karim
Muhammad ‘Abd al-Karim al-Khattabi, 1882?–196), was a hero, a famous fighter for Moroccan independence who led a long campaign in the 1920s against French and Spanish forces. Abd al-Karim has been described by both French colonialist and modern Moroccan nationalist writers as a typical example of Berber resistance to outside authority.

Fatima Al Fihria
Fatima Al Fihria is an example of women who played a very significant in the history of Morocco. She founded the University of Al Karaouine in Fez which is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest university in the world.. Fatima AL Fihria marked the period of islamization and arabization.

Nawal El-Moutawakil
Nawal is one of the most famous sportswomen around the globe, because she won the inaugural women’s 400 m hurdles event at the 1984 Summer Olympics, thereby becoming the first Muslim and African female Olympic champion and her medal meant the breakthrough for sporting women in Morocco and other Muslim countries. Nawal El Moutawakel was president of the International Olympic Committee’s evaluation commission for the selection of the town which will hold the Olympic games of 2012.

Mohammed Berrada (Beradah)
Is a Moroccan novelist, literary critic and translator writing in Arabic who is considered to be one of Morocco’s finest modern authors. Qissat al-Ra?s al-Maqtu?a”, The story of the cut-off head, is an excellent illustration of his technique: to rely on symbols for convey the ideas. The absence of free expression in Morocco is portrayed through the surrealistic journey of a cutoff head. Berrada also can be extremely realistic and direct, as in his short story “Dolarat” (Dollars).

Maryam Hassouni
Is a famous Moroccan television and film actress. Maryam won the International Emmy Award for Best Performance by an Actress (2006) for her role Laila al Gatawi in Offers. The thriller film is a personal drama about suicide bombers and counter-terrorism in Western Europe.

Najib Amhali
Najib Amhali is a Moroccan-born Dutch stand-up comedian and actor. He is considered the number 1 stand-up comedian. In May 2006 Amhali hosted a show about the 2006 FIFA World Cup in which he discussed all aspects of the Dutch team and collected money for charity.

Aziz Bekkaoui
World famous fashion designer, Aziz Bekkaoui, presents his collections on the Paris catwalks since some years and the fashion world is very enthusiastic about his hip, beautiful and unique designs.

Sanaa Hamri
Sanaa Hamri is is one of the few prominent female music video directors and the first Moroccan woman to direct a Hollywood movie. Sting, Destiny’s Child, Lenny Kravitz. Mariah Carey were among other artists to have chosen Sanaa Hamri to direct their video clips for her unique way of capturing scenes