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Morocco.Marrakesh

 

Marrakesh is one of the four imperial cities. It enjoys importance because of its geographical location where the north and the south of the country meet. Its numerous roads branch out to Agadir, Casablanca, Fez or Meknes. Additionally, Marrakesh faces the mountain slope and is open to the Sahara.

The city has an important history. It dates to 1070 when the Almoravid leader Abu Bakr had the Kasbah built. In 1071 Yusuf- ibn-Tashfin took the city and built many monuments.

From Marrakesh, he extended his authority to the Iberian Peninsula. Upon his death, his son, who commissioned the building of the Ibn Yusuf Mosque and the city wall, succeeded him. During his reign Marrakesh became the true capital of a big empire. Moreover, trade prospered, crafts developed and intellectual and cultural life flourished. Sadly, no trace of these achievements remains as the Almohads eliminated any traces of their predecessors. Even today the old city is a reminder of this civilization. In 1147 Abd al-Mumin founded the Almoravid dynasty in Marrakesh and made the city the capital of the kingdom. The palace was replaced by the first Koutoubia. When Yakub al-Mansur took power he built many monuments among which are a new Kasbah, palaces, a hospital and a race course.

 

 

During the reign of these three great monarchs Marrakesh became the center for culture and commerce. After Yakub’s death the city suffered lootings and revolts. In 1269, the Merinid sultan Abu Yusuf el Yakub conquered the city and soon transferred the capital to Fez.

Then, the Saadians made the city their capital and ushered in a great period in its history. They are responsible for a number of the complexes, which are so impressive such as the dar Si Said palace. Many beautiful monuments were built and the traditional life of the city enjoyed a rebirth.

The Alaouite sultans built the Bahia and Dar Si Said palaces and restored much of the old quarters. King Hassan II was particularly fond of the city and often lived there. He successfully undertook projects for the embellishment of the city and did much to develop the city economically.

Marrakesh, today, is one of the major tourist cities in Morocco. While the new quarter is interesting the city’s most splendid structures are in the old city. The Atlas Mountains make a beautiful backdrop for the city and carriages afford a pleasant and economical means of sightseeing.

  • Minaret of the Koutoubia

In the center of the city is the Minaret of the Koutoubia, to which the mosque of the same name owes its reputation for its impressive architecture and decoration. This monument is the most magnificent example of Hispano-Moresque art in Morocco. Stone, brickwork and cement are used in its construction. Its external decoration is comprised of floral and calligraphic ornaments, and arabesques in small arches. The tower consists of six rooms one above the other and has a slightly sloping ramp leading to its summit. The minaret is Marrakesh’s distinctive feature.

 

  • Djemaa el-Fna Place

Not far from the minaret is the greatest of all Marrakesh’s attractions, the Place Djemaa el-Fna. It is the center of city life and is busiest late in the afternoon when storytellers, snake charmers, dancers, acrobats, musicians, sword swallowers, fire-eaters gather. Shops, cafes and restaurants adding color to the already colorful atmosphere flank the square.

 

  • Bab Agnaou

Another attraction is the Bab Agnaou, built by Yakub al-Mansur. The richness of its decoration and its structural elegance make it an outstanding example of Maghreb military architecture.

  • Saadian Tombs

The Saadian tombs are also of interest. The necropolis dates to the 16th century. Moulay Ahmed Al Mansur had it decorated and made it the burial place for him and his successors. It is a splendid masterpiece of Muslim art. A garden separates its two mausoleums, each containing several rooms. The first has a lovely mihrab, the second houses the tomb of Ahmed Al-Mansur, and the third is the tomb of the mother of the sultan Al-Mansur. The elegance of this beautiful complex must be experienced; it is the climax of Hispano- Moresque architecture.

  • The Agdal

The Agdal is a garden park dating to the 12th century. It contains all kinds of fruit trees; olive trees are particularly beautiful. Two basins supply the park with water. Moulay Abd er-Rahman is credited with having the park built. Later. Moulay Hasser reinforced its wall and added some gates. One of which leads to Al-Badi, an immense palace. This residence of Ahmed Al-Mansur was decorated in marble, onyx, and precious mosaics. Today, it is the site of Marrakesh’s yearly folklore festival.

  • The Bahia Palace

The Bahia Palace, built by vizir Ba Ahmed in about the 19th century is a splendid example of residential architecture. It consists of a series of apartments set around courtyards with flowers and trees. The admirable gardens and elegantly decorated apartments are a joy to behold.

  • Dar Si Said

Another beautiful 19th century home is the Dar Si Said, which now houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts. The museum contains collections of ancient carpets, pottery, weapons, jewelry, marbles, stuccos and a collection of Saadian wood panelling.

  • The Kouba Al-Baroudiyin

The Kouba Al-Baroudiyin with its ribbed dome is another sight worth seeing. Its minaret rises forty meters above the mosque and the nearby Koran school. The medrassa is one of the most impressive monuments in the medina. It was founded in the 14th century by the Merinid sultan Abu El Hassan and rebuilt by the Saadian sultan, Moulay Abdullah. Entrance to the school is via a long corridor. Its spacious marble courtyard has a rectangular basin. The prayer hall is beautiful with its marble columns, finely carved mihrab, dome and small windows. The student cells overlook the courtyard and afford a view of the medina.

  • Majorelle Botanical Garden

The Majorelle Botanical Gardens, which cover over a thousand hectares with its wealth of exotic plants, are one of the city’s great attractions.

Marrakesh’s many mosques, marvelous city gates, fountains and souks offer endless pleasures to the city’s visitors.