Marrakech

Marrakech The City

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Marrakech or Marrakesh known as the "Ochre City", with a population of over 1,000,000 inhabitants [3] is the most important former imperial city in Morocco's history. The city of Marrakesh is the capital of the mid-southwestern economic region of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, being also the third largest city in Morocco according to the 2004 census.
Like many Moroccan cities, the city of Marrakesh comprises both an old fortified city (the medina) and modern neighborhoods, the most prominent of which is Gueliz, for a total population of 794,620 and 1,063,415 in the metropolitan area (2004 census).[2] It is served by Ménara International Airport (IATA code: RAK) and a rail link to Casablanca and the north.
Marrakesh has the largest traditional Berber market (souk) in Morocco and also has one of the busiest squares in Africa and the world, Djemaa el Fna.The square bustles with acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, dancers and musicians. By night food stalls open in the square turning it into a huge busy open-air restaurant.

History :

Prior to the advent of the Almoravids in the 11th century, the area was ruled from the city of Aghmat. Not long after conquering Aghmat, the Almoravid leader, Abu Bakr ibn Umar decided Aghmat was overcrowded and unsuitable as base for his court. He decided to set up his court in the plains near the Tensift River. He chose the site of Marrakech,because it was in neutral territory between two tribes who were vying for the honor of hosting the new capital.There is a dispute about the actual foundation date, Ibn Abi Zar and Ibn Khaldun give it as 1061/62 while Ibn Idhari wrote that the work started in 1070. The probable reconciliation is that Marrakesh started off as an encampment c.1062, with Abu Bakr and the Almoravid chieftans, almost all from desert-dwelling Sanhaja tribes, pitching their tents on the plains of the Tensift, as they were used to back in the Sahara desert, and that it remained a desert-style encampment until the first stone building, the Qasr al-Hajar, began to be erected in May, 1070. Abu Bakr was recalled to the Sahara to put down a rebellion in January, 1071, and the city was completed by his deputy and eventual successor Yusuf ibn Tashfin. The layout of the buildings was still along the lines of the encampment, with the result that early Marrakesh was an unusual-looking city, a Medieval urban center evocative of desert life, with planted palm trees and an oasis-like feel.
The city experienced its greatest period under the leadership of Yaqub al-Mansur, the third Almohad sultan. A number of poets and scholars entered the city during his reign and he began the construction of the Koutoubia Mosque and a new kasbah.
Prior to the reign of Moulay Ismail, Marrakech was the capital of Morocco. After his reign, his grandson moved the capital back to Marrakech from Meknès.

The ancient city walls known as Medina of Marrakech
For centuries Marrakech has been known for its "seven saints". When sufism was at the height of its popularity, during the reign of Moulay Ismail, the festival of the seven saints was founded by Abu Ali al-Hassan al-Yusi at the request of the sultan. The tombs of several renowned figures were moved to Marrakech to attract pilgrims in the same way Essaouira did at that time with its Regrega festivals. The seven saints (sebaatou rizjel) is now a firmly established institution, attracting visitors from everywhere. The seven saints include Sidi Bel Abbas (the patron saint of the city), Sidi Muhammad al-Jazuli, Sidi Abu al-Qasim Al-Suhayli, Cadi Ayyad ben Moussa, Abdelaziz al-Tebaa and Abdallah al-Ghazwani.
Marrakech was dominated in the first half of the 20th century by T'hami El Glaoui, "Lord of the Atlas", and Pasha of Marrakech. The poet of the city was Mohammed Ben Brahim and his favorite place was café Al-Masraf. The poems and songs of Ben Brahim are still known by heart by many Marrakshi.
The Almohad used Marrakech as an imperial base. They seized lands in Ifrica, into Libia and Seville became their second capital. Their force grew in the Mediterranean, They used their currency to spread the word of Islam. In some cases their ingenuity even evident in their coinage, it was square, a highly innovative and of course efficient silver coinage, symbolic of the four sides of their empire, the north, east, south, and west, symbolic of North being towards Europe, East being towards India/ China, South being towards the Desert and West towards new opportunities..all about looking to grow. It is about an expanding empire. There is a coin, a gold Dinar held in the museum there and it has the inscription "it shall not be acceptable that anyone takes other than islam" and it proclaims it on the actual coin, these coins went around the world, Mediterranean, Spain, Holland and China. Its about trade and about religion. Christian kingdoms used this same coin. Their empire grew magnificent ...look to the gardens of the royal palace in Marakesh, acres of fruits, irrigated from water brought from the mountains 20 miles away. They used water in a luxuriant way, using cultural norms and traditions in their empire.

Demographics :
Marrakech had an official population of 1,070,838 people in 2010. There is a very large international community, consisting mainly of retired Europeans, estimated at 10,700 people.

Attractions

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Djemaa el Fna - "The Heart of the City"

Djemaa el Fna is located in the exotic city of Marrakech and is known to locals as the 'heart of the city'. It is a part of Marrakech that presents an ever changing character with the rising of the sun and well into the night. It is a cultural mix of color, scents, sight and sound and is one of the liveliest attractions in Morocco. Visitors and tourists should not miss the opportunity to spend time in Djemaa el Fna, not only by day, but also at night.
Djemaa el Fna in Marrakech is a location that has been the main square in the city for decades. It is not just a tourist attraction since many locals also enjoy the activities that make Djemaa el Fna come alive. During the day, the square has numerous stalls, most of which sell fresh fruit juice, water and fruit. Visitors will also be able to take photographs of the snake charmers, but the performers usually request a small fee in exchange for a photo. The snack stalls and relaxed atmosphere makes it hard to believe that at night there is almost no place to stand as the Djemaa el Fna fills up to capacity.
In the early evening, the snake charmers, fruit juice traders and snack stalls start packing up to leave. Slowly the Djemaa el Fna starts to bustle with storytellers, musicians, healers, magicians, peddlers, Chleu (dancing boys) and sellers of traditional medicine. Looking at the festivities, it is easy to picture yourself in a scene of the 2005 movie, "Morocco: The Past and Present of Djemaa el Fna". In this historical documentary, the cultural combination of Berber and Arab is depicted with all the color, acrobats, snake charmers and musicians that one still finds here today.
In the evenings the food stalls have a large variety of traditional dishes to choose from and these may include meat, vegetables and fish. When a visitor sees something they like they simply need to point out the dishes they want and within a few minutes it is prepared. The food is delicious and if the locals have given it their stamp of approval, it is definitely safe to try. If the noise and activity becomes too much, there are quiet gardens and cafes nearby.
Djemaa el Fna is also one of the safest and most secure attractions in Morocco. The authorities in Marrakech are aware of the importance of the square to the tourist industry, so the square is always filled with a discreet presence of policemen. A visit to the heart of Marrakech is a truly wonderful experience and recommended to all that stay in this fascinating city.

Menara Gardens - Several Orchards of Palm Trees, Olive Trees and Fruit Trees

In the desert-like heat of Morocco, visitors may often find themselves searching for an oasis where they can not only escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, but also the scorching heat of the day. In Marrakech there is one place that is particularly popular with both locals and foreigners – the Menara Gardens. This great attraction provides a refreshing and welcome respite from soaring Moroccan temperatures and dusty streets and simply has to be visited at least once during your travels.
The original Menara Gardens in Morocco were built during the 12th century during the reign of Abd al-Mu’min, an Almohad ruler who saw fit to create a tranquil oasis that could be used by the people to both grow crops and to relax and escape the heat of the day. The gardens featured a collection of smaller gardens that surround a massive artificial lake. The lake is situated at the spot where several canal systems meet and the water caught in it is used to irrigate the surrounding gardens and orchards. The garden was thus a wise use of existing natural resources. The Menara Garden features several orchards of palm trees, olive trees and fruit trees and a number of pruners and pickers can often be seen hard at work or casually enjoying polite conversation. You may also notice that a number of local woman often come here to fetch water from the nearby stream. According to local folklore, the waters of this stream are said to give ‘baraka’ or good luck, so it is popular with several locals.
Another noteworthy aspect of the Menara Gardens is the pavilion or ‘minzah’, which overlooks the pool. The current pavilion was built during the 19th century in the Alawi style for use by the sultan and his family. It is thought that the structure rests on the remains of an older, Saadian structure that dates back to the 16th century. The pavilion provides a beautiful view of the gardens and surrounding landscape and in winter and spring you may see the snowcapped Atlas Mountains quite clearly from this point. In other months, the green, pink and black of the olive trees may prove to capture your attention more than the mountains.
The Menara Gardens are open daily between 8:00 and 19:00 and can be easily reached by foot or taxi. There is no entrance fee and there is always an enjoyable, pleasant atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy the gardens at your leisure.

Saadian Tombs - Tomb of Sultan Ahmed el Mansour

The Saadian Tombs are located just outside Marrakech and the site is easily reached if visitors follow the Rue Bab Agnaou from the Djemma el Fna. From the Kasbah Mosque, the route to the tombs is well signposted. After the amazing discovery of the Saadian Tombs in 1917, this breathtaking site has been carefully restored and well cared for as it has become one the most popular attractions in Morocco.
Sultan Ahmed el Mansour constructed the Saadian Tombs in Marrakech during his rule of Morocco in the sixteenth century as a burial ground for himself and his descendants. This led to approximately two hundred members of the Saadian dynasty being buried here, including Sultan Ahmed el Mansour who was laid to rest in 1603. By the year 1672, Moulay Ismail had taken over power in Morocco and went about constructing his own legacy. He had the Badi Palace destroyed, but fortunately he could not bring himself as far as to demolish a place of burial. Instead he decided to seal all the entrances to the Saadian Tombs in Marrakech. The only entrance that was not closed was located within the Kasbah Mosque. And so the beauty and detailed woodwork of this amazing tomb slowly started to slip from memory until it was completely forgotten.
General Hubert Lyautey rediscovered the hidden beauty of the tombs and, on realizing their significant historical importance, immediately started the much needed restoration work. Most of the Saadian dynasty and royal descendants are buried within the mausoleums, with faithful and loyal servants and soldiers being given burial sites within the gardens. The tombs are lavish and breathtaking with the cemetery garden alive with rich fragrances of rosemary and roses, with large palm trees providing shade. Inside the mausoleums the beauty continues and visitors will be surprised by the stunning domed ceilings, detailed wood and marble carvings, mosaics and intricate plasterwork.
The most significant chamber in the tombs is the Hall of Twelve Columns. Here rests the Sultan Ahmed el Mansour and his entire family. This chamber is complete with vaulted roof, columns of Italian marble, beautifully decorated cedar doors and carved wooden screens. Inside the inner mausoleum lies Mohammed esh Sheikh, founder of the Saadian dynasty, as well as the tomb of the Sultan's mother.
One can only wonder how much the Saadian Tombs would have cost to construct today. With beauty, detail and luxury incorporated in every room, from the floor to the ceiling, it is not hard to see why these tombs have become one of the most visited attractions in Morocco.

Marrakech map

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you can download Marrakech map from here
download Marrakech map

Marrakech Best Adresses

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For Luxury accommodation
Amanjena (www.amanresorts.com/amanjena)
Atlas Asni (www.hotelsatlas.com/privilege-asni)
Bab Hôtel (www.babhotelmarrakech.com/)(resa@babhotelmarrakech.com)
Coralia Club Palmariva (Route de Fes - Km6, Gueliz)
Dar Sabra (www.darsabra.com)
Dellarosa Hôtel (www.dellarosa-marrakech.com)
Domaine des remparts (www.hotelspreference.com)
Essaadi (www.essaadi.com)
Golden Tulip Farah (www.goldentulipfarahmarrakech.com)
Kempinski Mansour Eddahbi (www.mansoureddahbi.com)
Kasbah Agafay (www.kasbahagafay.com)
Kasbah Al Mendili (www.almendili.com)
Kasbah Tamadot (www.kasbahtamadot.virgin.com)
Kempinski Mansour Eddahbi (www.mansoureddahbi.com)
Kenzi Menara Palace (www.kenzi-marrakech.com)
Ksar Char-Bagh (www.ksarcharbagh.com)
La Mamounia (www.mamounia.com)
La Renaissance (www.renaissance-hotel-marrakech.com)
La Roseraie (www.laroseraiehotel.com)
Le Grand Pavillon(www.legrandpavillon.com)
Les Jardins D'Inès (www.lesjardinsdines.com)
Mandarin Oriental Jnan Rahma (www.mandarinoriental.com/marrakech)
Murano Resort (www.muranoresort.com)
Palais Mehdi (www.palais-mehdi.info)
Palais Rhoul (www.palais-rhoul.com)
Palmeraie Golf Palace (www.pgpmarrakech.com)
Ryad Mogador Gueliz (www.ryadmogador.com)
Ryad Mogador Kasbah (www.ryadmogador.com)
Sangho Club Privilège (www.sangho-marrakech.com)
Sofitel (www.accorhotels.com)

Restaurants
A l’Anbar (www.alanbar-marrakech.com)
Amentis (www.amentis-marrakech.com)
Azar (www.azarmarrakech.com)
Bab Hôtel (www.babhotelmarrakech.com) (resa@babhotelmarrakech.com)
Bô&Zin (www.bo-zin.com)
Cantobar (www.cantobar-marrakech.com)
Chez Pierre (Rue Oum Rabii à côté du Diamant Noir)
Circus Bar (Rue Oum El Arabia)
Dar Marjana (www.darmarjanamarrakech.com)
Fouquet's (www.lucienbarriere.com)
Grand Café de la Poste (www.grandcafedelaposte.com)
Ithaque (www.ithaque-marrakech.com)
Katsura (Rue Oum Errabia Derrière l'hôtel Le Marrakech)
Kechmara (www.kechmara.com)
Kosybar (47, place des Ferblantiers)
L'Abyssin (www.restaurant-labyssin.com)
La Table du Marché (www.christophe-leroy.com/tablemarchemarrakech)
La Villa de Didier Beckaert (Avenue Jnane el Harti et rue Ksar el Kebir)
Le Bis - Jardin des Arts (www.lebis-jardindesarts.com)
Le Comptoir « Darna » (www.comptoirdarna.com)
Le Foundouk (www.foundouk.com)
Le Grand Café de la Poste (www.grandcafedelaposte.com)
Le Jad Mahal (www.jad-mahal.com)
Narwama (www.narwama.com)
Le Relais de Paris (26, rue de la Koutoubia)
Villa Rosa (www.villa-rosa.blogspot.com)
Yellow Sub (28, avenue Hassan II)

Coffee break

Le Café Arabe (www.cafearabe.com)

Le Café des Epices (www.cafedesepices.net)

Le Earth Café (www.earthcafemarrakech.com)

Le Café littéraire Dar Chérifa (8 Derb Cherfa Lakbir, Mouassine )

Le Café du Livre (Dans la cour de l'hôtel Toulousain, 44 rue Tarik Ben Ziad, Guéliz)

Nightlife

Le Pacha (www.pachamarrakech.com)

Le théatro (www.theatromarrakech.com)

Suite Club (s-club.e-monsite.com)

Actor's (www.actorsmarrakech.com)

Le Music Hall Marrakech (www.foliesdemarrakech.com)

Silver (www.silvermarrakech.com)

Golf courses

Golf d'Amelkis (Km 12 route de Ouarzazate)

Palmeraie Golf Palace (Les Jardins de la Palmeraie)

Royal Golf de Marrakech (Ancienne route de Ouarzazate)

Atlas Golf Chérifa (Route d’Amizmiz)

Golf Samanah (www.samanah.com)

Golf Al Maaden (www.almaaden.com)

Well-being: Spa&Hammam

La sultana & Spa (www.lasultanatmarrakech.com)

Les bains de Marrakech (www.lesbainsdemarrakech.com)

Spa de la maison arabe (www.lamaisonarabe.com)

Spa Isis (www.spa-isis.com )

Spa Naoura Barrière (www.lucienbarriere.com)

Galleries

Galerie Majorelle (61 rue de Yougoslavie - Passage Ghandour n° 54)

Galerie Noir et Blanc (www.marocpremium.org/galerienoirsurblanc)

Lawrence-Arnott Art Gallery (www.marocpremium.org/lawrence-arnottmarrakech)

Matisse Art Gallery (www.matisse-art-gallery.com)

Photo Gallery

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Koutoubia Mosque

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Koutoubia Mosque - A Notable Landmark and Historical Masterpiece

The Koutoubia Mosque is a landmark structure in Marrakech. Construction of the minaret was completed under the reign of Yacoub el Mansour (Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansour), who ruled between 1184 and 1199. At the time that it was built, the Koutaoubia Mosque was an engineering feat. Today it is a historical masterpiece. Visitors will undoubtedly be astounded at the sheer size of the minaret that became the model example for other minarets, such as the Hassan Tower in the city of Rabat and the Giralda of Selville.
The tower of the Koutoubia is sixty-nine meters in height and has a lateral length of 12.8 meters. The interior of the tower is made up of six rooms that are located one above the other. There is also a ramp that enabled the muezzin to ride all the way to the balcony. A local legend exists about the golden globes that adorn the top of the tower. The original design only had three globes, with the fourth being donated by Yacoub el Mansour’s wife. She had apparently eaten three grapes during the Ramadan fasting period, and, feeling guilty for her actions, she melted all her gold jewelry to create the forth dome which she donated to the Koutoubia.
In the Arabic language the word 'al-Koutoubiyyin' means 'librarian'. The mosque's name was derived from and it was an appropriate choice since Koutoubia used to be surrounded by traders trying to sell manuscripts. Mosques are a place of worship for people who practice the Islam religion and worshipers come to the mosque five times a day to pray. The prayer hall in the Koutoubia Mosque can accommodate 25 thousand worshipers and is a staggering 54 square meters in size. The pulpit in the mosque is believed to have originated in Cordoba and was donated to the mosque by Sultan Al Ben Youssef.
The tower of the Koutoubia Mosque can be seen from the Djemma el Fna, the main square of Marrakech, but for the best views visitors are advised to view the tower from the beautiful rose garden just west of the Koutoubia Mosque. It is a wonderfully preserved historical structure, a perfect example of the Almohad architectural style and a noteworthy attraction in Marrakech.

Film Festival of Marrakesh

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The Marrakech opens its doors with film directors, actors, producers, distributors and journalists of the whole world to share their experiments and to present their Movies.
Designed to be the African version of Cannes Festival, the festival is also poised to become a major annual event highlighting the values of openness and tolerance and a space of encounters and dialogue among various artistic and cultural trends.
Morocco, which already hosted the shooting of such renowned movies as Orson Welles' Othello, David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia, and Scorcese's Kundun, wants to promote its beautiful scenery and landscape to attract more international movie productions. At the same time, efforts are made to develop Morocco's own motion picture industry.

Marrakech museums

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In one of Morocco's most beautiful cities stands a sumptuouspalace housing the very quintessence of Moroccan art.
On the ground floor you can find clothes, objects in beaten copper, arms and Berber jewellery. Splendours from the past? Not at all, for many of the objects on display are still used and worn in mountain areas.
The first floor salon impresses with its Hispano Moorish decoration and elegant furniture in cedar wood. It is such an accurate reproduction that, at any moment you half expect to see a bride in her ceremonial dress return to the armchair and show herself off to all the admiring guests.
The other rooms are filled with an abundance of . Stop a moment to examine coming from the Sahara ion, characterised by the use of leather, and large, ple mats evoking the dry beauty of the semi-desert.
A remarkable collection of door and window frames is to be found around the courtyard, all encrusted with the most delicate and refined ornamentation. And in the streets outside you will soon understand that the town and its inhabitants know how to keep the traditions of their culture alive.

Dar Si Saïd Museum
Riad Ezzitoun El Jadid
Marrakesh Morocco
Tel: (044) 44 24 64

Majorelle Garden and Museum of Islamic Art in Marrakesh
In the 1920s the French artist Jacques Majorelle had it made, complete with pools, banana trees, coconut palms, and houses in a fantastic dark blue colour. The wonderful garden is alive with the sound of birds, its incredible cacti standing out in sharp contrast against the blue facade of the villa.
The gardens have later been taken well care of the French couturier Yves Saint-Luarent, who have added a private museum of North African artefacts and a collection of Islamic art.
The gardens serve as a museum, and is open to the public for a normal entrance fee.

Majorelle Garden and Museum of Islamic Art
Majorelle Garden
Avenue Yacoub El Mansour
Marrakech Morocco
Open evry day
Winter : 08 AM - 12 PM / 02 PM - 05 PM
Summer : 08 AM - 12 PM / 02 PM - 07 PM

Bert Flint Museum in Marrakesh
Displayed in the municipal theatre, this collection of costumes, jewellery, arms, musical instruments, carpets and furniture was assembled by Bert Flint, a Dutch art historian.
It is a charming little museum of art and popular traditions from the Souss valley and the Saharan region. It should be noted that another section of the museum is situated in Agadir.
Bert Flint Museum
Rue de la Bahia
Marrakesh Morocco