Morocco is a unique African country located in the northwestern part of the continent. Its shores are washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, there are snowy peaks and mountain gorges, the vast sandy space of the Sahara and the golden beaches of resorts. Numerous sights of Morocco can be seen in ancient cities, such as: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fet and Rabat, Meknes and Chefchaouen.
History and religion of Morocco
This African state has a rich history, whose roots go back to the Arab settlements that appeared here in the VIII-IX centuries on the territory of the Maghreb. In ancient times, the lands of Morocco were inhabited by nomadic tribes that were the ancestors of the Berbers. From the 12th century BC there was a Phoenician colony, which in the VI-V century. BC. came under the rule of Carthage.
In ancient times, the indigenous inhabitants were called the Libyans, Getuls, Numids, later the Romans called them Berbers. The origin of the name "Moors" originates from the Phoenician word "Maura". In the V-VI centuries A.D. the northern regions were conquered by vandals, later came under the rule of Byzantium.
And only in the VII century the territory was included in the Arab caliphate, the spread of the Muslim religion and the Arabic language, which was adopted by the local population everywhere. In the VIII century, the Berbers and Arabs jointly conquered the territory of the Iberian Peninsula.
The ancient cities are examples of classical Arab-Berber architecture, which presents fortresses, magnificent palaces, mosques and fountains, aqueducts and baths.
Beginning in the 15th century, European colonialists (Spaniards, Portuguese, British, and French) entered Morocco, and for many years the locals fought stubbornly and often successfully. The struggle for state independence continued until the middle of the 20th century. In 1956, national state institutions were created, reorganization of the socio-economic, ship and financial systems was carried out. A constitutional monarchy has now been established in Morocco.
Examples of medieval architecture, and what tourists can see in Morocco: Bahia Palace in Marrakech, the gates of Bab al-Mansour in Meknes and other architectural monuments. They are distinguished by exquisite taste, a wealth of decorative design and oriental grace.
Casablanca
The city of Casablanca is located on the site of the old Berber village of Anfa, which was given the name Dar el Beyd (the “White House”) by Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah. And he got a modern name from the Spaniards, under whose authority it was several centuries.
The population of Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco, is 3.5 million inhabitants, and it is rightfully a business center with skyscrapers, its own port, many banks, and a modern airport named after Mohammed, who is an excellent example of modern Moroccan architecture.
One of the attractions of Morocco is the huge mosque of Hassan II, in which 25 thousand worshipers can be at the same time. It is the second largest after the mosque in Mecca and the tallest building in Casablanca (its minaret has a height of 200 m). Designed by the French architect M. Pinso, 3300 workers and craftsmen, it also has a unique retractable roof, which in a matter of minutes turns the prayer hall into an open terrace.
It is also distinguished by the fact that it is open for people of non-Muslim religion, which is very important for tourists who want to know in advance what to see in Morocco and where to get it.
Not far from the Hassan Mosque are the magnificent Palace of Justice of Maham do Pasha, as well as the modern Notre Dame de Lourdes church with beautiful colored stained glass windows.
Marrakesh
This ancient city is the heart of the East and the former capital of the Berber Empire and Sultan Yusuf. It is located in the central part of Morocco, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, it is also called “red” for the color of clay buildings. Its ancient narrow streets give the charm and a peculiar life character that has been inherent in the city for several centuries.
The main trading area of the city is Jem el Fna, where musicians and lyceum regularly give performances. Another attraction of Morocco in Marrakesh is the Koutoubia Mosque, near which the Menara Gardens are located, the most beautiful and romantic place, according to local residents and visitors.
The Dar Si Said Museum looks like a beautiful palace built in the best traditions of Moroccan art. It features Berber weapons, jewelry, clothing, original cedar furniture and a large collection of carpets that were made by local craftsmen.
The most popular among tourists is the El Badi Palace, built at the beginning of the 17th century, which locals call “incomparable”. Its construction was carried out for the money that Marrakesh received from Portugal after the defeat in the Battle of the Three Kings in 1578.
A masterpiece of Arab-Andalusian architecture in Morocco is the Bahia Palace in Marrakesh, built in the 19th century for viziers and sultans. It has many private chambers, decorated with elegant stucco ceilings and instructed wood, a charming patio, a garden with fountains, in which orange, banana trees and cypress trees are planted. Tourists are especially impressed by the beautiful marble floor of the courtyard, in the center of which there is a fountain, surrounded by galleries on its sides.
The small museum of Bert Flint, assembled by this art critic from Denmark, introduces tourists to the folk traditions and art that exist in the areas of Morocco near the Sahara desert and the Sousse valley.
The Majorelle Museum demonstrates Islamic culture and art to all visitors. It is located in the artist’s studio and is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
Rabat
It is a city on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the capital of Morocco with a rich history. Many tourists come here every year, dreaming of relaxing on sandy beaches, playing golf courses or riding horses from the royal stables.
There are many government buildings and embassies of other countries in the capital, and the Moroccan king lives in the royal palace. Here is the main educational institution - the University of Mohammed V.
The old part of the city - Medina - has an ancient history, its narrow streets resemble mountain paths that run between shops and small mosques. Here live artisans and weavers who make carpets, dishes from silver and copper, lace, etc. All this can be bought at the local market. It is fenced off from the new city by a wall erected in the XII century.
In the capital of Morocco, the attraction is the ancient fortress of Kazba. Here every Friday the king arrives for prayer, the departure ceremony of which looks very magnificent and bright.
Fes, Morocco
The scientific and cultural capital is the ancient imperial city of Fes, located in the central region of the state. It was here that the prophet Mohammed fled, fleeing from Mecca. Here is the oldest university in the world, as well as a huge number of mosques (about 800), because in the Middle Ages this city was considered the spiritual capital of Islam.
Geographically, it is divided into 3 parts:
- the old Medina, the main attraction of Fes, along the perimeter of which a medieval wall was erected, consists of narrow pedestrian streets in which artisans live in the districts;
- Fes-Dzhdid - the area of the new Medina, where markets, restaurants and countless shops are located;
- New Fes is a modern part with wide avenues, transport stations and the airport.
The city of Fes in Morocco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along its old streets, tourists can see artisans at work, traders in small shops, minarets and fountains with mosaics, beautiful gardens and squares.
The Old and New Medina, surrounded by a wall, have many entrances and exits in the form of colorful stone gates in the Arabic style. Another attraction: Al-Karaouin University Mosque, an ancient religious and educational complex founded in the 9th century. Here is also the tomb of the man who founded the city of Fez - Idris II.
Some of the most interesting sights in Morocco, according to tourists, are the dyes in Fez, where tanners process and dye their skin in vats according to ancient methods. Only natural paints are used: henna, turmeric, etc. There are always shops next to them that sell finished leather products.
Chefchaouen
This is the most fabulous Moroccan "blue city", founded in the 15th century by Muslims in the form of a fortress to protect against Portuguese conquerors. Later it became the place where Jews expelled from Spain came. Guided by the Talmud, they began to paint houses in blue and blue, the colors of the sky, to be closer to the Almighty.
In fact, this is a small village where there are no Jews anymore, but local residents continue to paint their buildings in heavenly colors, which attracts tourists who want to fully appreciate the local flavor in order to leave their reviews about Morocco and its interesting ancient settlements. They come here from nearby Fez.
Meknes
This is the ancient capital, located 60 km from Fez, on the Al-Hajeb mountain plateau. The city of Meknes will interest tourists with the most beautiful city gate that exists in the north of the African continent - Bab al-Mansur. Another attraction of Morocco is the grandiose ruins of the palace of Dar el-Kebir, which were built by Moulay Ismail.
The monumental buildings of the Dar al-Ma warehouses for storing food surprise and delight with three-meter-thick walls, erected for reliable protection from thieves and conquerors. From the terraces of this building you can clearly see the Agdal basin (4 hectares in area), used as a reservoir and irrigation of gardens.
Agadir - resort in Morocco
Located in the green and picturesque valley of Sousse, on the one hand it has mountains that protect from the sultry air of the Sahara desert, on the other - beautiful beaches and the Atlantic coast. The medieval Agadir was conquered by the Portuguese, who built a fort and a trading port here. In 1960, the city suffered from an earthquake, which turned into piles of dilapidated buildings and stones, but over the past decade it has turned into a modern European-level resort with many cafes and bars, shops and markets. Tourists coming to excursions in Morocco can not only soak up the sandy beaches, but also engage in dynamic surfing and take boat trips.
Tours in Morocco
This African state is considered by tourists a colorful mystery that can only be solved by someone who sees it and appreciates its beauty and originality. At any travel agency you can find trips to Morocco with visits to cities and interesting sights. Many also offer trips: to the Sahara, to the Urika Valley and the Uzoud Falls (near Marrakesh), exploring the Phoenician settlement of Essaouira, jeep tours to the Massa Nature Reserve and other exciting activities.
Morocco is not in vain called the country of the rising sun (El Maghreb), as well as the fabulous Middle Ages. It is small, but very diverse: here you can find not only civilization, but also the desert sands of the Sahara, Atlas Mountains, and the ocean coast. Just having arrived on an excursion to Morocco, having heard the call for prayer, tasting local delicacies (pastille, etc.), wandering around the market and exploring the rich handicrafts of local artisans, you can experience the spicy and fabulous “taste of the East”.