African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

The African Mediterranean Coastline

Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt are five African countries with coastlines along the Mediterranean Sea.

Mediterranean Sea

Exploring Africa's Mediterranean Coastline.

The Mediterranean Sea is a nearly landlocked sea bordered by Southern Europe to the north, North Africa to the south, and Western Asia to the east. For millennia, it has been a cradle of civilization. 

Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans thrived along its shores. It served as a major trade route, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The Mediterranean has witnessed numerous historical events, including the Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage, the rise and fall of the Byzantine Empire, and the spread of Islam across North Africa and southern Europe. During the Middle Ages, the Mediterranean was a focal point of the Crusades, with European powers vying for control over key coastal cities.

The Mediterranean Sea has long been a crucial trade hub connecting these North African nations to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Throughout history, this sea facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, shaping the development of these countries and contributing to their rich and diverse heritage. 

Carthage, an ancient city in Tunisia, was one of the major trading powers in the Mediterranean before the rise of Rome, exemplifying the region's historical significance as a trading crossroads.

African countries

Five African countries that have a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea

Located in North Africa, Morocco features a diverse landscape that includes the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, and a picturesque coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. The country is known for its rich history, with influences from Berber, Arab, and European cultures. Historic cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca are famous for their vibrant markets, intricate architecture, and cultural heritage. Morocco has a Mediterranean coastline that extends for approximately 1,835 kilometers or 1,139 miles.

Algeria is the largest country in Africa and has a long Mediterranean coastline. Its history is marked by the ancient Berber civilization, Roman ruins such as Timgad, and a long period of French colonial rule. The capital, Algiers, is a coastal city known for its white-washed buildings and historical Casbah. Algeria boasts one of the longest Mediterranean coastlines in Africa, stretching for approximately 1,622 kilometers or 1,007 miles.

Tunisia is known for its beautiful Mediterranean beaches, particularly in areas like Hammamet and Sidi Bou Said. The country is steeped in history, with Carthage being one of its most famous ancient cities. It was a major power in the Mediterranean before the rise of Rome. Tunisia's Mediterranean coastline is approximately 1,148 kilometers or 713 miles long.

Libya has a lengthy Mediterranean coastline with beautiful coastal towns like Tripoli and Benghazi. The country has a complex history, from ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans to more recent events such as the rule of Muammar Gaddafi and the subsequent civil conflicts. Libya's coastline along the Mediterranean Sea is extensive, measuring roughly 1,770 kilometers or 1,100 miles.

Egypt, although primarily associated with its Nile River, also has a Mediterranean coastline along the northern part of the country. The Mediterranean city of Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great, is famous for its ancient library and lighthouse. Egypt is home to iconic historical sites like the Pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor. Egypt has a Mediterranean coastline that extends for approximately 1,050 kilometers or 652 miles.

African countries along the Mediterranean Sea face challenges 

African countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, particularly Libya and Tunisia, have been at the forefront of the Mediterranean migration and refugee crisis. 

They serve as transit points for migrants and refugees attempting to reach Europe. This crisis poses humanitarian challenges, as migrants and refugees undertake perilous journeys, and it also has political and social implications for the host countries in North Africa.

Maritime security, including its African coastline, is a significant concern in the Mediterranean Sea. Piracy and maritime crime have been reported in certain areas, such as off the coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Guinea, affecting the security of shipping lanes and coastal communities. These security challenges hinder trade and economic activities, impacting the stability and development of these African nations.


Week’s Best African Culture Posts

Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition

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Dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia: the newly chosen Fine Boy is temporarily celebrated with fanfare and pleasure. Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition Fascinating stories emerged during the Pepper Coast's glory days. Beginning in the 15th century, European traders established outposts along the Liberian coastline, drawn by its wealth of humans, spices, and other commodities.  Centuries later, in the 19th century, the American Colonization Society (ACS) founded settlements in Liberia and began journalling native stories.  Among these tales is a dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia, a story so intriguing it almost seems too good to be true because, in some ways, it is.   The Kru women periodically held elections to select a young, handsome man as their “Fine Boy.” The announcement of his selection was celebrated with a vibrant procession featuring music, singing, and dancing.  The newly chosen Fine Boy was placed at the front of the para...
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What is the difference between ugali and fufu

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How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
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Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe

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Berbere Spice North African Popcorn Topping Recipe The best African spice for fresh popped popcorn is Berbere, a flavorful and aromatic bold spice blend from North Africa you buy at the local supermarket or online. Berbere is known for its bold mix of spices, often including chili peppers, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.  Berbere brings a balance of heat, sweetness, and earthy depth to any dish including fresh popped popcorn. The spice mix symbolizes community and hospitality, often prepared at home with slight variations to suit family preferences. Its fiery yet balanced flavor profile mirrors the complex and vibrant food of North African culture . In cities across Africa, popcorn is a common street snack and is often sold in cinemas, at markets, and by roadside vendors.  Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe Ingredients ½ cup poped popcorn kernels  2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon Berbere spice blend   1 teaspoon salt ...
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Keto Moroccan Dinner Cooked Slowly

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Slow Cooked Moroccan Kefta Lamb Meatballs   Keto Tagine Morocco is at the geographic and cultural crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.   In Morocco, the term tagine refers to a slow cooked stew as well as the pot the stew is made in. Kefta Tagine Kefta Tagine is a keto-friendly Moroccan lamb meatball food dish fitted for your low-carb lifestyle. The slow cooking of the meatballs allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a fragrant, hearty keto meal. The star of the Kefta Tagine dish is lamb, symbolizing the richness of Moroccan hospitality. Lamb meat has been a staple in North African cuisine for centuries, with lamb being central to celebrations and religious festivals.  Ground lamb meat is spiced and shaped into small balls, known as kefta, a preparation that dates back to ancient Berber traditions.  The kefta are seasoned with cumin, paprika, and coriander, spices that have shaped Morocco’s history in the global trading of spices whi...
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