Shore to Shore

Britain and Morocco have a history that dates back 800 years. From Roman times, spices were brought to the west through the costal ports, the Barbary Pirates of Tudor times raided European ships and later, trade in metal tea pots, ostrich feathers and other exotica in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. There was also an ongoing story of diplomacy and all this is part of the centuries-old dialogue between two countries joined by the Atlantic Ocean. This history is often reflected in the artefacts and traditions of each country. Hints of traditional Moroccan recipes and ingredients can be seen in some of the historic cookery styles of Elizabethan Britain. British traditional knot gardens have echoes of traditional Islamic gardens and many plants can be grown in both countries despite the difference in climate. The Oud and the Lute are closely related instruments. The use of fine embroidery and decoration seen in traditional Moroccan haberdashery and clothing has similarity to the intricate threads and trims in historic British clothing. It is all there to look at, yet most people know very little about how the two countries are related.

These are the thoughts that have inspired Shore to Shore, a project to create spaces for intercultural exchanges through the arts, between young people of both countries. To discover some of our Shore to Shore activities in Britain and Morocco see archive.reepinfo.org/shore-to-shore