Bohemian love for Moroccan homes. I have Moroccan roots which have always pulled me towards this rich culture and heritage. I went to Morocco once and saw some of the beautiful things this country has to offer: An eclectic, colorful, rich, and delicious atmosphere. Sufi tradition is ripe in Morocco.

During days when I was tired of shopping and concerts, I used to go to a small Sufi Mosque in Casablanca to spend the day in meditation. Throughout the day, men would chant Sufi ‘zikr’ in unity. They entered the Mosque with their white hooded kaftans, sat in a circle and repeated: ‘Allahumma Sallee Wa Sallem Ala Sayyidina Mohammad-en wa Ala Alihi wa Sahbihi Wa Sallem.”

Going to a Sufi ‘Hadra’ (gathering for the remembrance of God) is an experience out of this world. That time in Morocco a few years ago was the beginning of my official journey in Sufism.

(First three images are via)

After dozing off at the small Mosque, I went shopping. Old habits die hard.

(click on the last two images to reach original source)

Beautiful ‘suzani’ embroidery from Kazakhstan. In one of my past travels, I went to Uzbekistan, where I saw local ‘suzani’ vests, shawls, and other pieces of clothing, face-to-face. I even visited the actual workshops where artisans made them. But I was ignorant of the rich Uzbek culture, and although ‘suzani’ appealed to me aesthetically, I decided to let go of the idea of buying a souvenir.

That is why, I love ‘suzani’ so very dearly, because of that missed opportunity.

Suzani reminds me of the city of Sufi masters and teachings in Uzbekistan, the forever romantic Samarqand. Shah Naqshband’s tomb is located there. Samarqand, what a beautiful name for a city. Your people are so kind and generous, portraying a Sufi Islam, drenched in love and soft-spoken kindness. The world is honored to enjoy a hint or two of your rich and beautiful heritage.

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(via indigenousdialogues)