Marrakech

 Marrakech, Tamazight , Murrākush ) , nicknamed the Pearl of the South or South Gate and Red Town or City ocher, is a city in Morocco , in the interior , at the foot of the Atlas Mountains .The city was founded in 1062 by Youssef Ibn Tachfin king of the Berber Almoravid dynasty . In the past , Morocco was known in the East as the Marrakech ( name still current in Iran); Morocco name itself comes from the deformation of the Portuguese pronunciation of Marrakech Marrocos .

Marrakech has about 909,000 ( Marrakchi ) inhabitants , according to the 2012 census , spread over an area of ​​230 km2. The population density reaches 350 inhabitants per hectare in the Medina . It is the fourth largest city in Morocco after Casablanca , Fez and Meknes. The city is divided into two distinct parts : the Medina or historic ( ten kilometers speaker ) and the new town whose main areas are called Gueliz and Winterizing . Gueliz is now the commercial center . It was founded by the French during the Protectorate. The Hivernage concentrates many resorts . In recent years,  

the city expanded in the periphery , especially in the west with the appearance of new residential neighborhoods like the area of Targa or extension of Avenue Mohammed VI , or north Tamansourt. 

 Culture 

Marrakech is one of the university cities of Morocco. Qadi Iyad The university is the largest in the region. More recently, a high school Visual Arts ( ESAV ) was created in partnership between Dar Bellarj Foundation and the University of Marrakech , offering the city a support for training in film and television. Marrakech also organizes the International Film Festival .

Arts in Marrakech Biennale , born in 2005 is the most important appointment of contemporary art in Morocco. Contemporary art has become a private museum in Marrakech. This is the museum of the palm , a private initiative due to collector and designer perfumes Abderrazzak Benchaâbane . Museum of the palm the visitor discovers a collection of paintings , photographs , installation and sculptures of Moroccan and foreign artists. The collection shows the work of sixty artists of today and those of the pariiez [What ?] Just after the Great War.Is located in Marrakech 's first private campus of the kingdom which has several schools such as HECI Group ( Hautes Études Commerciales and Computer ) , the Graduate School of Management (ESG) , Euromed and Vatel .

 

Tourism

 

The city is a tourist mecca , more than two million tourists every year. It is also the starting point for many excursions for hikers wishing to browse the Atlas or the desert to the south.

Also, the city has become a favorite destination for "dental tourism" , since the quality of dental care has increased significantly in recent years while their cost is relatively low [ contested relevance ]

The city is now moving towards luxury tourism . Marrakech has indeed become a favorite for French celebrities who love his well-preserved charm which combines luxury, refinement and authenticity destinations. The city has been called " dream Miles and One Nights" by Arielle Dombasle who invests in France to raise awareness of this French city . Many French stars have already bought their private riad in the heart of the Medina. The appearance of this luxury tourism dates back to 1967 with the arrival of Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech, then its acquisition in 1980 of the Majorelle garden . Marrakech becomes a place renowned for its culture, arts, traditions and architectural heritage gradually seduced many renowned artists. However, it is only since the 2000s that tourism has grown considerably . 

Events

 Festival of Popular Arts in Marrakech : Annual festival takes place in July .International Film Festival of Marrakech annual early December to reward the best Moroccan and foreign production of feature and short films event. It has a growing reputation , recognized by the world. 

Arts in Marrakech International Biennale of contemporary art.Awaln'art Festival : International Meeting of street arts Marrakech organized by the association Shards moon. Meetings are held simultaneously Tahanaoute , Ait Ourir , Aghmat , Amizmiz and Marrakech.Samaa Sacred Music Festival , an annual festival that takes place in July .We walk : Contemporary Dance Festival of Marrakech.Dance for All: dance festival .

Sun festival : National youth festival and music in July, is a celebration of the nation, and patriotism during celebrations of youth and the throne.Marrakech MadJazz Festival: in February , this festival is a flagship destination of Marrakech Alternative Jazz -rock music , in order to recognize the talents of Moroccan artists worldwide .Marrakech festival of laughter : it is an event created by Jamel DebbouzeFestival of Francophone humor ;Festival of magic ;Khmissa : event that recognizes women who have distinguished themselves during the year in various fields;Spring poetry ;

   

Jardin'Art : festival of garden art which bring together artists , landscapers, architects, professionals and amateurs of the garden with a large space dedicated to environmental education and ecotourism aims ;Women of africa festival : This festival celebrates the actions of the woman on the cultural, economic and artistic across the African continent ;Caftan : revealing annual event talents and styles, this show is unmissable senior Moroccan sewing ; 

Monuments and sights 

 Koutoubia Mosque

Jamaa El Fna ( XI century )
 Medersa Ben Youssef (XVI century )
 Qoubba Almoravide (XII century)
 Saadian tombs (XVI century)
 Fontaine chrob or chouf (early XVII century )
 Koutoubia mosque ( XII century)
 El Mouassine mosque ( XII century) and fountain (XVI century)
 Mosque Golden Apple (XII century)
  Synagogue Salat Al Azama
 Bahia Palace ( XIX century)

 

 El Badi Palace (XVI century )
 Menara Gardens (XII century)
 Agdal Gardens (XII century)

 Jardin Majorelle (XX century )

 Museum of Marrakech (XIX century)

 Dar Si Said Museum (XIX century)
 Museum of Art of living (XX century )

 Museum of Islamic Art in Marrakech ( XX century ) Bert Flint Museum - house or Tiskwin ( XX century )
 Museum Palmeraie ( XX century )
 Museum of Photography and Visual Arts (MMP +)
 The souks of Marrakech

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Tanneries of Fez, Morocco

Idriss I founded Fez, Morocco, around 789 on the banks of the River Fez. His son, aptly named Idriss II, built another town around 808. A decade later, hundreds upon hundreds of Muslim families-some refugees-moved here from as far off as Cordoba and Tunisia.
This influx formed a territorial protectorate and soon paved the way for Islam in Morocco. Almost three hundred years later, the Almohads built a wall, uniting the two cities. Fez knew no boundaries, booming to an economic, spiritual and cultural nucleus of North Africa.
The economic potential of Fez was perhaps the most advantageous. Today, craftsmen conduct business in much the same way as yesteryear. The Fez tanneries, by and large, is one of the best examples of this retained artistry. Tanning is the process of turning animal hides-namely goat, sheep, cow and camel-into soft leather.

The hides of the above mentioned animals first must have their flesh and hair removed. The hides are then placed into large vats-hearsay voices say it's diluted, acidic pigeon excrement-then soaked in vegetable dye twice over. After rinsing and drying the hides, they are ready to be dyed into a number of various colors.
Tanners have used the vats-which can be seen from the terraces and local rooftops around them- for centuries to soak the hides after hair removal. The soaking solution-if not pigeon dung-is obtained from the pomegranate or mimosa tree. The hides are then softened even more with water rinsing and finally placed in fat solutions.
Anywhere, including rooftops, sidewalks and surrounding foothills, makes for makeshift drying racks. Just as you can see the hides laid out to dry, so you can whiff the fetor for several blocks.
The hides are often dyed using natural pigments from minerals, rocks and plants. Today, though, chemical dyes are used just the same. You can't really tell the difference either. If you're shopping in the many souks or leather shops, the shop owners might tell you the truth, or might simply tell you what you want to hear. A trusted tour guide or tour operator can distinguish natural versus chemical dyes.
The tannery is found in the old Fez, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Restoration and rebuilding have given Fez the much-needed face lift seen today. You must walk through the mazes in order to see the tanneries, as the passageways, tunnels, and narrow streets make driving out of the question. Come on a Morocco tour and visit the contemporary yet antiquity ambiance of Fez.

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Exciting Places to Visit in Morocco

Although Morocco is a country of Africa, in many ways it is a country apart. It is more related to the Mediterranean than to the rest of Africa. It is mainly because of the fact that it nestles on the northwestern of Africa and is separated from the rest of the continent by Atlas Mountains and the Sahara itself. Being situated with both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, mountainous interior, it stayed independent for centuries. However, the country have developed a rich culture blended from Arab, Berber, European and African influences. Morocco is an ethnically diverse country with a rich culture and civilization.
Tourism plays an important role for Morocco's economy. The mixture of the cultures that have come here through history has made Morocco an exciting place to visit. Beaches, museums, archaeological sites, historical places and monuments and art galleries are among attractions to visit. Being dominated by the mountains in the north, and by the desert in the South, Morocco makes sunning on the sandy beaches and trekking the high mountains available both.
Rabat is the capital city of Morocco. It has many historical monuments and some of Morocco's most important museums, due to its significant architectural heritage. The Doors of the Kasbah of Oudaïa, The Minaret of The Mosque Hassan (XIIe century) and the Necropolis of Chellah are among the best places to see in Rabat. Also Morocco's best archaeological museum, as well as the several ones , The Main Royal Palace and important learning institutions exist in the city. Rabat is a commercial and industrial city and play a major economic role for Morocco.
Casablanca has one of the largest artificial ports in the world. It is the major city in Morocco and the country's economic capital. It offers a lot of resorts and its many beaches attract surfers. As a landmark of Morocco, Mosque of Hassan II is the biggest and the most important mosque in North Africa. Its traditional Islamic and Arabic architecture is very important and is one of the most striking monuments. Also La Corniche, Quartiers des Habous, Palace Royal are places to see in Casablanca.
Marrakech is a commercial and touristic centre. It is a cultural destination. Djamaa El Fna - Square, El Badi Palace, Koutoubia Minaret & Koutoubia Gardens are charming places for tourists.
Essaouira has a beautiful beach and suitable place for windsurfing. Its festivals of Andalusian and Gnawa music, its medina, pleasant climate and the beaches attract tourists.
Ouarzazate, Tangier, Fez, Meknes are among major cities of Morocco.
Museums of Morocco such as the Dar Batha of Fez, the Oudaïa museum of Marrakech are appealing. They reflect the wealth of the Moroccan cultural heritage.
Markets of Morocco with carpets, statues in wood, and jewelry are charming. Morocco is described as a land of art and emotions. As a result, painters have always been interested in Morocco. Delacroix, Matisse, Torres, Miro, Francis Bacon and Edouard Degas are among these names who have been fascinated by charming local scenes.
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Chellah Rabat;most romantic site in Morocco

Built on the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia , this necropolis called by the guides " most romantic site in Morocco ," has not always had the passion it arouses today.Away from the city, or rather out of the enclosure Almohad located south along the marshes and BOUREGREG , the remains of the necropolis Mérinide thirteenth century were long , as the Hassan Tower, abandoned . This destroyed by the earthquake of 1755 and stripped the noblest by looters building materials , thus remained in ruins for hundreds of years.

 This is the first sultan Abu Yusuf Ya'qub Mérinide chooses precisely this place and decided to build a mosque among the ruins of Sala . He was buried there in 1286 and his wife after him and four of his successors.

This site is now listed and protected by the Moroccan authorities , who seized all the historical and tourist interest of this place like no other .

 Surrounded by an invasive urbanization, yet it is away from the buildings nearby modern neighborhood of Souissi which do not distort .After having passed through the famous octagonal doing very well restored , the walls erected by Sultan Abu al- Hassan Ali, you descend along a nice paved path lined with trees of various species and fragrant flowers . 

At nightfall , the scenery is spectacular indeed impressive , and we understand why this place raises mysteries and legends.Very quickly , if you're in the right season , you will hear the storks and their beaks snap deafening at times. Storks who had deserted the site returned . Some disgruntled tell you that they did everything to come back, but regardless, they are there, and we hope for a very long time , since they seem to like it . 

The strangeness of this site is probably due to the fact that the cemetery was erected in the immediate vicinity of the ruins of the ancient Roman city. Why ? Nobody really knows , but probably the place already conveyed its legends . 
Sultan Abu Al- Hassan erected on the foundations of Roman walls , the impressive walls that surround the city of the dead . After taking all of North Africa , he decided in 1339 to build a real funeral complex and pierced the walls of the famous octagonal gate by which we enter .

 Again, we do not understand today , what was the interest that could represent these military compounds , probably the place he was highly symbolic for the authority of the Sultans of the time?At the center of this cemetery , there are only a few sections of wall Zouïa . 

This religious establishment was at once a mosque, a Koranic school and a hostel for pilgrims and students. According to some authors , this Zouïa was even more luxurious than the madrasas of Fez she had the same principles of construction.  

Legend has it that Mohammed himself prayed in his oratory .Can still be seen virtually intact white marble stele Abu Al- Hassan and that of his wife, Shams Al- Doha, " Morning Sun " , a Christian convert to Islam , both of which are based here .

The latter , known as Chellah Lalla , is still the subject of a cult in the whole Morocco : we just have to pray at his tomb nearly eight centuries after his death.The remains of Abu Al Hassan was transferred from the region of Marrakech in the year 752 AH ( 1352 years of the Christian era ) by his successor Abu Inan .

 A minaret right below koubbas , the tombs of saints, you will head to the pelvis spontaneously eels capable of ensuring the fertility of women. According to legend , the pool is fed by a miraculous source , the source of the guns , where a fish covered with golden scales live .

Eels have the ability to cure infertility . As offerings young women in a lot of children have to throw egg shells , symbols of fertility , but the pool is actually littered with coins that nobody touches ! Eels are scarce, but fish and turtles abound there . 

If no more sultan was buried at Chellah Abu Inan , the site remained a sanctuary and notable Rbatis continued to be buried there , so there is still the site of many unmarked graves .Going back to the exit, the last time we observe , amid greenery of the valley of Bouregreg , minaret and its zellij polychrome faience , white, black , green and blue , prestigious setting for a stork nest .

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hotels rabat

Belere Hotel Rabat  

This hotel is located in Rabat and panoramic city views. It offers air-conditioned rooms, all with TV, free Wi-Fi and a balcony.
3 restaurants Belere Moroccan specialties, international dishes and Spanish cuisine. Relax with a drink at the bar or on the panoramic terrace.
Some rooms overlook the garden of the Palais Royal. You can visit the Medina and mosques nearby. Rabat station is a short walk from Belere.

 Hotel La Tour Hassan

Located in the center of Rabat, this prestigious hotel is housed in a beautiful building of Moorish style . The hotel offers luxurious air-conditioned rooms , an outdoor pool and a fully equipped wellness .Rooms at Hotel La Tour Hassan combine modern comfort and charm of tradition. Each room has a spacious bathroom with a bathtub, hairdryer and bathrobes. Each room is also equipped with satellite TV and free Wi -Fi.La Tour Hassan has 3 restaurants serving gourmet cuisine and traditional Moroccan specialties. You can also relax on the outdoor terrace , or drink a glass of champagne at the Piano Bar Tour. You can also enjoy the clubbing atmosphere VIP lounge .Located near the pool, wellness center has a gym, a steam room, a sauna , a hot tub, as well as a beauty center offering massages, beauty and hair salon. All these services are provided by professionals.La Tour Hassan is just 15 minutes from a 440-hectare forest which includes a superb golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, the Royal Golf Dar Es Salem .

 Sofitel Rabat Jardin Des Roses

This hotel in the heart of Rabat is located on a luxurious site of more than 7 hectares,

including a swimming pool and mini-golf. It offers elegant rooms with balconies.

Rooms at Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses have panoramic views of the Andalusian gardens, the pool or the eucalyptus forest. They are all air conditioned and equipped with satellite TV, mini bar and luxury bathrobes.

Le Jardin Des Roses has a spa and wellness center, which includes a sauna, a steam room and a range of body care and beauty. You will also find a restaurant and bar, and guests can relax on the garden terrace, surrounded by palm trees.

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