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Morocco.Meknes

Meknes, one of the imperial cities of Morocco is about 140 km east of Rabat. The origins of the city date to the 10th century when the Meknassa tribe settled on the banks of the Oued Boufekrane. The city was transformed in 1672 when Moulay Ismail made it his capital. Moulay Ismail used all his power to transform the city. Using an enormous amount of laborers and craftsmen, he built ramparts and walls with majestic gates, stables, basins, mosques, gardens, palaces and kasbahs. Today, Meknes is the center of a rich agricultural region. It dominates a landscape covered with olive trees and is separated into two distinct parts: the old city to the west and the new city to the east.

Mekens is a wonderful tourist spot with proper infra structures. The medina (old town) maintains its prestigious past. Place al-Hedim is situated at its center. In the afternoons the square is populated with acrobats, storytellers and vendors. To the west of the square is a highly colorful market. To the south is the most impressive of the city gates, Bab El Mansour Al Aleuj. The gate is covered with ceramics and green mosaic and is enveloped by arabesque motifs. Opposite the square is the Dar Jamai, which was built by the vizir Jamai. The palace is the seat of the Museum of Moroccan Art. Nonetheless, the novel  architecture is well preserved and its Andalusian garden is beautifully groomed.

    Other main attractions in Mecknes are:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • The Medrassa Bou Inania

This medrassa has a central courtyard with cells for students, and a prayer hall with a mihrab. It boasts bronze doors and particularly fine decoration in carved cedar and stucco.

The El Mansur Palace, the Er Zitoun Mosque and the Bab El Berdaine, the magnificent northern gate of the old city. The Qoubbet Al-Khiyatin, the pavilion in which Moulay Ismail received foreign ambassadors. The Mausolem of Moulay Ismail, The Dar Al-Makhzen, the imperial palace, which was built in the 17th century. Behind the palace walls is the Mechouar with its 19th century gate and fine gardens. The Dar El Beida, a vast palace built by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah. This palace now houses the Royal Military Academy.

Other sites worth seeing include: the gates of Tzimi, El Khemis, Lalla Kadra, El Kari, Es Siba, Bou Ameir, the mausoleum of Sidi ben Aissa, the El Haboul garden as well as the modern city of Meknes. Additionally, the region of Meknes is charming. El Hajeb is a village on the mountain with a 19th century kasbah. Springs and waterfalls abound in the area and the village has a magnificent view. In Azrou there is a kasbah built in 1684 by Moulay Ismail as well as a craft cooperative. Ifrane is a modern town founded in 1929. Because of its high altitude (1650 m), it is a favorite among visitors in summer and winter as well. Three lovely lakes lie outside of Ifrane in the direction Of Fez: Dayet Afourgah, Dayat Iffer, and Dayet Al Hachlaf. 

The region also includes other historical sites such as the holy city of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun and Volubilis.