[49] According to Ibn Khaldun, whole tribes set off with women, children, ancestors, animals and camping equipment.

[49] These tribes, who arrived in the region of Morocco around the 12th-13th centuries, and later the Ma'qil in the 14th century, contributed to a more extensive ethnic, genetic, cultural, and linguistic Arabization of Morocco over time,[50] especially beyond the major urban centres and the northern regions which were the main sites of Arabization up to that point.

[53][54] The Berbers were an amalgamation of Ibero-Maurisian and a minority of Capsian stock blended with a more recent intrusion associated with the Neolithic Revolution.

[50] A small minority of the population is identified as Haratin and Gnawa,[57] These are sedentary agriculturalists of non-Arab and non-Berber origin, who inhabit the southern and eastern oases and speak either Berber or Arabic.

The Idrisids established Fes as their capital and Morocco became a centre of Muslim learning and a major regional power.

In the 13th and 14th centuries the Merinids held power in Morocco and strove to replicate the successes of the Almohads by military campaigns in Algeria and Iberia.

[68] Portuguese efforts to control the Atlantic coast in the 15th century did not greatly affect the interior of Morocco.

According to Elizabeth Allo Isichei, "In 1520, there was a famine in Morocco so terrible that for a long time other events were dated by it.

[48] These tribes advanced in large numbers all the way to Morocco, contributing to a more extensive ethnic, genetic, cultural, and linguistic Arabization in the region.

[72] Under the Saadian dynasty, the country repulsed Ottoman incursions and a Portuguese invasion at the battle of Ksar el Kebir in 1578.

The reign of Ahmad al-Mansur brought new wealth and prestige to the Sultanate, and a large expedition to West Africa inflicted a crushing defeat on the Songhay Empire in 1591.

Against the opposition of local tribes Ismail Ibn Sharif (1672–1727) began to create a unified state.

[90] Through Moroccan history, the country had many cultural influences (Europe, Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa).

The culture of Morocco shares similar traits with those of neighboring countries, particularly Algeria and Tunisia and to a certain extent Spain.

[citation needed] The traditional dress for men and women is called djellaba (جلابة), a long, loose, hooded garment with full sleeves.

For special occasions, men also wear a red cap called a bernousse, more commonly known as a fez.

[citation needed] Moroccan style is a new trend in decoration, which takes its roots from Moorish architecture.

Dar is the name given to one of the most common types of domestic structures in Morocco; it is a home found in a medina, or walled urban area of a city.

Dar exteriors are typically devoid of ornamentation and windows, except occasional small openings in secondary quarters, such as stairways and service areas.

Sufi brotherhoods (tariqas) are common in Morocco, and music is an integral part of their spiritual tradition.

Spanish is also spoken in the northern and southern parts of the country as a secondary foreign language after French.