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Vibrant Photos Show Life in 1980s Morocco

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In the 1980s, Morocco’s economy was struggling and the war in Western Sahara increased domestic strains. In June 1981 violet riots erupted in Casablanca. Fighting also continued in the Polisario Front Hassan rejected the idea of freedom from the Polisario Front leadership. In 1988, Morocco and the Polisario Front agreed on a United Nations peace plan, and a cease-fire and settlement plan went into effect in 1991. Here below are some amazing photos that show everyday life in 1980s Morocco. Also check, Morocco in the 1970s and 1980s.

#1 Traffic on an avenue in Casablanca, Morocco. January 1980.

Traffic on an avenue in Casablanca, Morocco. January 1980.

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#2 Ramparts and fortified walls of the city, Essaouria, 1981.

Ramparts and fortified walls of the city, Essaouria, 1981.

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#3 Traditional wedding where arrangers carry the bride wearing a gold dress, 1984.

Traditional wedding where arrangers carry the bride wearing a gold dress, 1984.

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#4 Moroccan army base during the Western Sahara War in 1980, Morocco.

Moroccan army base during the Western Sahara War in 1980, Morocco.

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#6 The market on Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech, in 1980, Morocco.

The market on Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech, in 1980, Morocco.

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#7 Horsemen performing a ‘fantasia’ race during a wedding, 1984.

Horsemen performing a 'fantasia' race during a wedding, 1984.

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#8 Dyers in the tanners’ souk in Fez, Morocco, in January 1980.

Dyers in the tanners' souk in Fez, Morocco, in January 1980.

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#10 The market on Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech, 1980.

The market on Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech, 1980.

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#12 The cattle market in Aït Barka, in 1980, Morocco.

The cattle market in Aït Barka, in 1980, Morocco.

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#15 View of a minaret of the Golden Apple Mosque (El Mansour) in Marrakech, 1980.

View of a minaret of the Golden Apple Mosque (El Mansour) in Marrakech, 1980.

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#16 Hides being dried on a hillside near the tanning quarter, 1984.

Hides being dried on a hillside near the tanning quarter, 1984.

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#17 Dancers at a traditional Berber gathering in Morocco, January 1980.

Dancers at a traditional Berber gathering in Morocco, January 1980.

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#19 Traffic on an avenue in Casablanca, January 1980.

Traffic on an avenue in Casablanca, January 1980.

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#20 Traditional form of making earthen pottery and drying it in the sun, 1984.

Traditional form of making earthen pottery and drying it in the sun, 1984.

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#23 The old and the new worlds mix in the old medina, 1984.

The old and the new worlds mix in the old medina, 1984.

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#25 Bride accompanied by ‘naggafat’, ladies who carry her shoulder level on a platter, 1984.

Bride accompanied by 'naggafat', ladies who carry her shoulder level on a platter, 1984.

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#26 Traditional musicians playing the kamânche on Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech, in January 1980.

Traditional musicians playing the kamânche on Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech, in January 1980.

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#27 Bali district as seen from the Merinides hillside, 1984.

Bali district as seen from the Merinides hillside, 1984.

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#28 Sale of oranges on the market in Chefchaouen, 1980.

Sale of oranges on the market in Chefchaouen, 1980.

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#29 Tanned and tinted skins being dried near the cemetery, 1984.

Tanned and tinted skins being dried near the cemetery, 1984.

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#37 Market selling woven carrying baskets for donkeys, a traditional method of hauling goods, 1984.

Market selling woven carrying baskets for donkeys, a traditional method of hauling goods, 1984.

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#39 Young brides-to-be wearing capes of berber design and covered in silver ornaments, 1984.

Young brides-to-be wearing capes of berber design and covered in silver ornaments, 1984.

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#43 Bendir players and dancers at a traditional Berber gathering in Morocco, 1980.

Bendir players and dancers at a traditional Berber gathering in Morocco, 1980.

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Written by Kevin Clark

Kevin Clark is a historian and writer who is passionate about sharing the stories and significance behind historical photos. He loves to explore hidden histories and cultural contexts behind the images, providing a unique insight into the past.

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