Discover the Splendor of Moroccan Cities: A Compilation of Must-Visit Destinations!
Morocco unveils a collection of globally renowned cities, each adorned with captivating landmarks and awe-inspiring sites. The sheer beauty of these cities is attributed to their strategic geographical positioning, serving as crossroads between major cultures and entities. Essentially, Morocco, with its cities, stands as a testament to the intersection of diverse cultures, leaving in its wake a rich tapestry of history manifested in ruins, artifacts, minarets, grand towers, and kasbahs. Touring In Morocco presents a curated selection of cities that deserve your attention when embarking on a journey through this captivating country.
Marrakech, A City Teeming with History and Charm
In the contemporary landscape, Marrakech has evolved into a highly sought-after tourist destination, captivating visitors with its customs, decor, riads, and luxurious villas. What makes this city even more enchanting is its profound history that spans over nine centuries, rich with dynasties, battles, foundations, and cultural diversity. This blog delves into the essential aspects and intriguing facts about this Moroccan gem.
The Birth and Evolution of Marrakech (1062 – 1147)
Founded in 1062 by Youssef Ben Tachfin, Marrakech began as a modest camp constructed from branches and small structures. The arrival of the Almoravids dynasty marked a turning point as they erected robust constructions, laying the foundation for the city’s growth. Youssef Ben Tachfin played a pivotal role, establishing wells, underground conduits, and water supplies that contributed to the city’s prosperity. Marrakech emerged as the southern capital of the Maghreb, gaining prominence in the region. However, in 1147, the Almohad dynasty, led by Ibn Toumert and later Abd al-Moumin ben Ali, attacked Marrakech, resulting in significant loss of life and their complete control over the city.
The Almohads’ Recapture of Marrakech
Under the rule of Ben Ali, also known as “the builder,” Marrakech witnessed development with iconic structures like the Koutoubia (1157) and the Menara garden. His son, Abou Yacoub Youssef, continued the legacy, enhancing the city with the Kasbah mosque, palaces, religious buildings, protective walls, and public gardens. Emphasis on trade further heightened Marrakech’s appeal, making it vibrant for both newcomers and settled inhabitants.
A Pivotal Period in Marrakech’s History
With the death of Abou Yacoub Youssef in 1199, his son Mohammed en-Nasir assumed control of Marrakech and other Moroccan cities. However, being a Christian, he shifted his focus to Fes, leaving Marrakech in stagnation for over 250 years. The Saadian Ahmed Aredj’s takeover briefly revitalized Marrakech, naming it the capital of Morocco and initiating a trade boom through the Niger River. Yet, after the Saadian leader’s demise, Marrakech once again faded into obscurity among Moroccan cities.
Marrakech’s Renaissance as a Premier Tourist Destination
In the 20th century, during the French colonial era, Marrakech relinquished its capital status to Rabat in 1912. Despite this, Marrakech preserved its heritage and identity. The construction of the new city of Gueliz was influenced by Marrakech’s aesthetic, highlighting its enduring significance. Today, with over a million inhabitants, Marrakech stands as the fourth-largest city in Morocco. The city has experienced a meteoric rise in tourism, serving as a crucial economic driver. Visitors flock to explore palaces, renowned gardens, distinctive villas, charming riads, and exotic tours.
Fes: The Cultural Jewel
Founded by Idrîs I in 789, Fes, also known as “Medinat Fas,” boasts a rich history centered around Andalusian quarters. The establishment of “al-Aliya” in 809 on the opposite side of the wadi of Fes marked another milestone, evolving into a vibrant city with mosques, palaces, and marketplaces. The abundance of water sources in the vicinity played a crucial role in positioning Fes as a flourishing metropolis.
The city of Fes, with its intriguing history and cultural significance, owes much of its development to two successive waves of emigration. In the late 8th century, around 817-818, nearly 800 Andalusian families were expelled from Cordoba, Spain, by the Umayyads. Subsequently, approximately 2000 families, banished from Kairouan, found refuge on the opposite side of the river. This influx of new residents endowed Fes with both technical and artisanal expertise and a wealth of experience in Moroccan urban life. The establishment of the Qarawiyin University mosque in the ninth century solidified Fes as a vital spiritual and cultural center of Islam.
Situated at the crossroads of significant trade routes, Fes thrived in a naturally abundant region, boasting precious raw materials for handicrafts. The city’s strategic location on the caravan route from the Mediterranean to Africa, passing through the commercial hub Sidjilmassa in Tafilalt, facilitated rapid development.
In the Middle Ages, the two parts of Fes merged, leading to the destruction of the wall that separated them. Although Fes lost its status as the capital with the rise of Marrakesh in the 11th century, it regained prominence in 1250 under the Merinid dynasty. The new city, El Medinet El-Beida, was established in 1276, renowned for its ramparts, palaces, and gardens.
The subsequent centuries witnessed a series of events, including an earthquake in 1522 that partially destroyed Fes. The Saadian dynasty took control in 1554 but favored Marrakech as its capital. In the 17th century, Moulay Ismail shifted the capital to Meknes, and Fez experienced periods of upheaval. However, in the 19th century, Fes underwent expansion and connectivity, and until 1912, it served as the capital of Morocco.
The advent of the French Protectorate in 1912 marked a shift, and Fes lost its capital status officially. The city remained a significant cultural, craft, and commercial center. The Independence Party was established in Fes, and initiatives against the French occupiers often originated from the city.
Under the French direction and architect Henri Prost’s plans, a new city developed south of Fes Djedid. While initially a European residential area, the “new city” evolved into a modern Arab city with diverse districts. Fes, with about 1,400,000 inhabitants, remains one of Morocco’s largest cities, divided into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fes old Medina and the modern Fes new city (Dar Dbibegh).
In recent decades, tourism has thrived, making Fes a cultural and economic hub. The city’s rich heritage, blending modernity and tradition, continues to attract visitors, and events like the Festival of Sacred Music of the World contribute to its allure.
Shifting focus to Casablanca, its history is deeply rooted in cultural crossbreeding and influences from Roman, Phoenician, Arab, Berber, European, and American cultures. Positioned on the Atlantic coast in North-West Africa, Casablanca has prospered due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and America.
Originally built on the site of the medieval city of Anfa, Casablanca’s early history involved destruction, rebuilding, and periods of decadence. Its resurgence began in the 19th century, eventually transforming into the bustling city of Casablanca. Today, it stands as the foremost among Moroccan cities and a significant African agglomeration, contributing 50% to the national GDP.
Casablanca’s economic importance is underscored by its bustling port, responsible for three-quarters of national trade, and its international airport, the country’s largest. The city has embraced modernity, fostering multicultural interactions with avant-garde architectural styles. Casablanca’s role as an economic and financial powerhouse continues to evolve, with a focus on the tertiary and services sector, particularly in technology. As the modern showcase of Morocco, Casablanca reflects the nation’s dynamic future.
