Medina of Marrakesh

Founded in 1070-1072 by the Almoravids (1056-1147), Marrakech was long a center of political, economic and cultural event of the Muslim West, ruling over North Africa and Andalusia. Of monuments dating from this period: the Koutoubiya Mosque, the Kasbah, the battlements, monumental doors, gardens, etc.. Later, the city will host other wonders, like the palace Bandia, the Ben Youssef Madrasa the Saadian Tombs, several great residences, etc.. Jemaa El Fna, a veritable open-air theater, always amazes visitors.
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Outstanding universal value

Brief summary
Founded in 1070-1072 by the Almoravids (1056-1147), capital of the Almohads (1147-1269), Marrakech was long a center of political, economic and cultural event of the Muslim West, ruling over North Africa and the Andalusia. Of monuments dating from this period: the Koutoubia Mosque whose incomparable 77-meter minaret, monument critical of Muslim architecture, is one of the great landmarks of the urban landscape and the very symbol of the city, the Casbah , ramparts, gates, and gardens. Later, the city will host other wonders, like the palace Badiâ, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia palace, and mansions. Jemaa El Fna square, inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a veritable open-air theater which always amazes visitors. With its original design still preserved, its construction materials and decoration perpetually used and its natural environment (including the Gardens of Aguedal, the Menara and planting palm grove which is attributed to Almoravids) still protected, the Medina of Marrakesh has all its original components both cultural and natural giving it an outstanding universal value.

Criterion (i): Marrakech has an impressive number of masterpieces of architecture and art (ramparts and gates, Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian tombs, palace ruins Badiâ, Bahia Palace, pool and pavilion of Menara) each of which could justify, by itself, a recognition of outstanding universal value.
Criterion (ii): The capital of the Almoravids and Almohads played a decisive role in the development of medieval urban planning. The capital of Merinids Fez Jadid (New), part of the medina of Fez, inscribed in 1981 on the World Heritage List, is an adaptation of previous city of Marrakech.
Criterion (iv): Marrakech, which gave its name to the empire of Morocco, is the perfect example of a major Islamic capital of the western Mediterranean.
Criterion (v): In the 700 hectares of the Medina, old housing, become vulnerable due to demographic change, represents, with its maze of narrow streets, its houses, its souks, its fondouks, his craft and commercial activities traditional, an outstanding example of living historic town.

Integrity (2009)
The delimitation of the property inscribed on the World Heritage List is properly defined by its original walls that contain all the attributes architectural and planning required for the expression of its outstanding universal value. A review of these limits is intended to better protect the environment of the property.
Integrity is nevertheless rendered vulnerable due to urban development pressures, uncontrolled alterations made to the elevations and building materials for houses, abandonment of khettaras (underground drainage) and the use of palm .

Authenticity (2009)
The ramparts, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Kasbah, the Saadian tombs, the ruined palace Badiâ, the pelvis and the Menara pavilion are examples of the many monuments that clearly reflect the property's Outstanding Universal Value. The authenticity of the urban structure internally and monuments has remained intact. It is provided by a skilled workforce performing restorations according to current standards. Reconstructions and rearrangements that occur within the historical center volume and generally respect the original style. The use of traditional materials in these restoration operations has greatly revived the craft trades related to construction (Zellige, coating tadallakt, carved and painted wood, plaster, metalwork, woodwork, etc..) In addition to business related furnishings and decoration.

Measures required for the protection and management (2009)
Protection measures are essentially different laws listing of historic monuments and sites, particularly Law 22-80 relating to the property. In addition to this legislation, each of the most important monuments of the Medina of Marrakech is protected by specific regulations. In addition to local services who act for the protection of the medina, the Regional Inspectorate of Historic Monuments and Sites (under the Ministry of Culture) with special responsibility for the management, restoration, maintenance and conservation of historic buildings on the one hand, and the other examining the applications for the construction and development and control of projects within the medina, is a guarantee for lasting protection of the site .
The Charter of the architectural Medina, developed by the Urban Agency of Marrakech in consultation with the Regional Inspectorate of Monuments and Sites, is a management tool that aims to safeguard the architectural, urban and landscape of the medina , by the introduction of a specific structure. An agreement for the implementation of this charter was signed November 11, 2008 between the partners involved.
Long Description

[English only]
The capital of the Almoravids Almohads and the decisive role has Played in the development of medieval planning. Marrakesh (Which Gave icts name to the Moroccan Empire) is the textbook example of a broader Islamic capital in the Western world. With maze of narrow streets icts, houses, souks (markets), traditional crafts and trade activities, and Its medina, this ancient settlement is outstanding example of a year vibrant historic city.
Marrakesh WAS Founded in 1071-72 by Youssef bin Tachfin on the site of the camp Where Abu Bakr HAD HIM left in charge. That from the point forward, no longer WAS Marrakesh year occasional stopping place for the Almoravids. It Became the true capital of These Conquering Nomads Who succeeded in Their empire stretching from the Sahara to the Ebro and from the Atlantic to Kabylia.
The original layout of the medina dates back to the Almoravid période from Which There still REMAIN: various monumental remains (ruins of the So-Called Abu Bakr Kasbah ben Youssef Mosque and Tachfin Ali ben Youssef Palace, not far from the Koutoubia, the pool and the 'Kubba' of Ali ben Youssef Mosque Which Were discovered in 1955, Bab Aylan gate, etc..). It is a year in fuel adaptation of the older urban model of Marrakesh.
The walls of the medina Were built in 1126-1127 FOLLOWING the order Given by Ali ibn Yusuf. The planting of the palm groves, Which still present at the surface of a cover area of ​​13.000 ha Roughly to the east of the city, HAS aussi beens Credited to the Almoravids. When in 1147 this dynasty bowed to the attacks of the Almohads led by Abdel Mou'men, the task of purification That Was Carried out fired, return not spare the monuments Which, for the MOST part, Were Destroyed by the victors. Nevertheless Marrakesh Remained the capital. Under the Almohad rulers (1147-1269), Marrakesh and New Experienced Unprecedented prosperity.
Between 1147 and 1158, Abd el Mou'men Had the Koutoubia Mosque built upon the ruins of the Almoravid foundations. Its unique minaret, key monument of Muslim architecture, is one of the major features of the cityscape and is the actual symbol of the city. The ruler's Successors, and Especially Abou Yacoub Youssef Yacoub el Mansour, Who Were the ones truly renovated the capital. THEY built new quarters, extended the city wall, fortified the Kasbah (1185-1190) Which was a prolongation of the city to the south with Its Own ramparts and gates (Bab Agnaou, Bab Robb), ict mosque, palace, market, hospital parade-ground and gardens. These leaders Strengthened Their Control over Their domains by planting crops (Menara to the west) and by civil engineering Achievements, the best of Which Are The Known Tensift Bridge and the kettara network in the palm groves.
The decline of Marrakesh, Which Began During The conquest of the city by the Merinids in 1269, Never Went Beyond the point of no return, as is illustrated by a number of non-negligible constructions (Ben Salih Mosque and minaret, not Long After 1321 ). The rebirth of the capital from under the Saadian rulers (1510-1669) led to a new blossoming of the arts, have bound out by the ruins of the El Badi Palace and the Saadian tombs, Whose precious architecture is isolated from the rest of the Kasbah by a wall. Some of the Elements making up thesis refined and sumptuous buildings cam from afar, Such as the marble columns from Carrara Which Montaigne Being Observed in Tuscany cut 'for the king of Morocco in Berberia'. Also dating back to the Saadian période is the restoration of the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the building of Several fountains decorated with gypsum work and woodwork (Mouassine, or Chrob Chouf and Bab Doukkala Fountains).
Under the reign of the Alawite dynasty, Marrakesh, the temporary capital, graced with a new WAS mosque, madrasas, palaces and residences harmoniously integrated Into the homogeneous unit of the old town, Which was Surrounded by 10 km of clay and lime-beaten and cob ramparts. Beyond the Walls Were the great traditional Areas of greenery: the palm groves, and the Menara, to the south, the Agdal Gardens That Were Redesigned by Moulay Abd er Rahman

Medina of Tetouan

Medina of Tetouan


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The medina of Tétouan was rebuilt by the end of the 15th century by refugees from the Reconquista (reconquest of Spain, completed by the fall of Granada in 1492), when the Andalusian Moors first reared the walls and then filled the enclosure with houses. The city is situated in the area of Morocco which was formerly ruled by Spain. It had a reputation for piracy at various times in its history. Tétouan has also been home of an important Sephardi Jewish community, which immigrated from Spain after the Reconquista and the Spanish Inquisition. The Jews lived in a mellah, separated from the rest of the town by gates which were closed at night.

Many of the houses belonging to aristocratic families, descendants of those expelled from Al-Andalus by the Spanish "Reconquista", possess marble fountains and have groves planted with orange trees. Within the houses the ceilings are often exquisitely carved and painted in hispano-moresque designs, such as are found in the Alhambra of Granada, and the tile-work for which Tetuan is known may be seen on floors, pillars and dados.

Medina of Tetouan (formerly known as Titawin)

Medina of Tetouan (formerly known as Titawin)


Tetouan was of particular importance in the Islamic period, from the eighth century, as the primary point of contact between Morocco and Andalusia. After the Reconquest, the town was rebuilt by returnees to this region after being expelled by the Spanish. This is visible in the architecture and art which reveal clear Andalusian influence. This is one of the smaller Moroccan medinas, but undoubtedly the most complete, which, subsequently, most buildings remained to outside influences.
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Jbel Dersa © Anassbarnichou2 More images ...
Outstanding universal value

Brief summary
The Medina of Tetouan has grown on the steep slopes of the Jebel Dersa. She had a particular importance in the Islamic period, from the eighth century, as the primary point of contact between Morocco and Andalusia. After the Reconquest, the town was rebuilt by returnees to this region after being expelled by the Spanish. This is visible in the architecture and art which reveal clear Andalusian influence. This is one of the smaller Moroccan medinas, but undoubtedly the most complete, which, subsequently, most buildings remained to outside influences.
The Medina of Tetouan is surrounded by a wall of history about 5 km long and access is through seven gates. The urban fabric is characterized by the main roads connecting doors giving access to each other and, on the one hand to open spaces (and small squares) and the monuments of collective interest such as fondouks, mosques, and zaouias areas for crafts and trade and, secondly, the secondary roads that lead to dead ends and residential blocks forming semi-private spaces. Real synthesis of Moroccan and Andalusian culture, the historic city of Tetouan has specific urban and architectural that influenced the architectural and artistic development at the time of the Spanish protectorate. The city of Tetouan is very famous for its School of Arts and Crafts (Dar Sanaa) and its National Institute of Fine Arts that reflect an ancient tradition and an openness to the world today.
Criterion (ii): The Medina of Tetouan reflects considerable influences of Andalusian civilization in late medieval times to the Muslim West. This is evident in the development of architecture, monumental arts and town-planning.
Criterion (iv): The Medina of Tetouan is a remarkable example of a fortified city on the Mediterranean coast, backed by a mountain landscape in northern Morocco. It shows an ancient occupation and during the Islamic period, it is of considerable importance, since it is the only passage between the Iberian peninsula and the interior of Morocco. Its rise from the early seventeenth century continued until the late eighteenth century and is reflected in its fortifications, its architecture, synthesis of Moroccan and Andalusian cultures, and its urban fabric.
Criterion (v): The strategic position of the Medina of Tetouan across the Strait of Gibraltar has played an important role as a junction point and transition between two civilizations (Spanish and Arabic) and two continents (Europe and North Africa).
Integrity (2009)
The property boundary includes all attributes that are necessary to express its outstanding universal value. Some attributes require conservation measures. The priority for conservation work is given to walls, doors and borjs (fortified watchtowers). The municipality is cooperating with the government of Andalusia (Spain) to perform rehabilitation work at the heart of the medina.
Authenticity (2009)
The authenticity of the medina is illustrated by its original urban fabric virtually intact and pregnant with its initial configuration, gates and fortifications. Their built in the eighteenth century and they still retain their shape and original materials. The medina has an original fabric that is characterized by the hierarchy of roads and the distribution of residential, commercial and backyard following a definite pattern. The real estate as a whole, as the zaouias, fountains, steam rooms, kilns, silos and historical, have kept their authenticity, whether in their shape, construction materials, and in their ornamentation or even, for some, in their function. The majority of homes are intact although some floors were added illegally and internal separations were performed.
Needs protection and management (2009)
Protection measures are essentially different laws listing of historic monuments and sites, particularly the law 22-80 (1981) on the Conservation of Moroccan heritage. There is a willingness and a strong belief among relevant departments, authorities and local associations to preserve and conserve the property. Responsibility for management and conservation is both the municipality, the planning department, local authorities and the Ministry of Culture. Being legally responsible for the conservation of cultural heritage in general, it directs and assists the various departments in their efforts for the preservation and conservation of the medina. The procedures and priorities are determined by the conservation recommendations and guidelines taken as part of the master plan study of the city of Tetouan. Development plans on regional and local medina are summarized in the Master of Tetouan, developed by the Department of Housing and Regional Planning in 1982, which gives great importance to the conservation and rehabilitation of the medina. The Spatial Development and Regional Planning from the northwestern region produced by the Regional Planning, Architecture and Planning in February 1996 has among its objectives, the obligation to retain and medina rehabilitation. The creation of the Regional Directorates of Culture since 2006 is in line with the establishment of an integrated conservation policy for local development policy. The development plan of the medina of Tetouan includes provisions for the conservation and management and takes into consideration the universal value of the site.
Long Description

[English only]
The Medina of Tetouan is year Exceptionally well-preserved example of full and this kind of historic town, displaying all the features of high Andalusian culture.
The origins of Tetouan are Not known, aim the discovery of archaeological sites, from prehistory and the classical period (Phoenician, Roman and Mauritanian-Punico) in the immediate surroundings of the town attest to the antiquity of the settlement of the valley in general Oued Martil and the site of Tetouan In Particular.
In the Islamic période the Tetouan Region Became very significant as the only connection Between the Iberian Peninsula and the interior of Morocco. As a result, a number of towns Grew up, Such as Ceuta, Tangier and Qasr es-Saghir. Tetouan is Mentioned by a number of Arab writers of the 10th-12th centuries, fired, return not aim it assumes significant role Until year the after the fall of Ceuta and Other centers on the coast to Spanish and Portuguese troops Towards the end of the Middle Ages.
A fortified garrison (Kasbah) HAD beens installed at the site of Tetouan by Sultan Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Marini in 1286 to block Ceuta. The town grew up in the early 14th century, goal WAS sacked and completely Call Destroyed by Spanish forces has century later. It Was rebuilt at the end of the 15th century by a group of Refugees from Andalusia During The Reign of Sultan Mohammed ash-Shaykh al-Wattassi. The late 15th-century town was small, the characteristics of, the present-day al-Balad quarter and a kasbah, built to the Requirements of Abu al-Hassan Ali al-Mandri, military leader of Banu al-Ahmar of Granada.
The second internship in ict development cam in the mid-16th century medina When The WAS extended to the south-west, the al-Rabat Asfal quarter. Finally, the arrival of the Moriscos (Spanish Muslims forcibly to Christianity and later her assets Expelled from Spain) from 1609 onwards led to a further Top expansion of the medina Towards the north-west. This Continued Until the mid-18th century, rebuilt Were When The fortifications, the medina to Give icts Existing Configuration.
Developed Tetouan on the stepped slopes of the Jabal Dersa. It Consists of Two quadrilaterals of more or less EQUAL size ALONGSIDE Each Other, Giving overalls year outline of a figure-of-eight.
The defensive walls are about 5 km long, with a number of Buttresses and defensive works on the exterior of the wall, Such as the bastions of Bab Bab al-Oqla and in-Nwader on the north and the star-shaped bastion at the north -east corner. Access is by means clustering of seven historic gates. Inside, the medina is crossed by the main streets linking gates with plans blew. These provide statement moyen de access to open spaces, to public buildings Such as the funduqs (inns), mosques and zawayas (religious speakers), and to the artisan and trading quarters. Lanes lead from the main streets to private residential quarters.
Source: UNESCO / CLT / WHC
Historical description

The origins of the city of Tetouan are still unknown, but the discovery of archaeological sites from prehistoric and classical times (Phoenician, Punic and Roman-Mauritania) in the immediate environment of the city testify to ancient occupation WLE Valley of the Oued Martil in general and the particular site of Tetouan.
During the Islamic period, the region of Tetouan is WLE considerable importance, since it is the only passage between the Iberian peninsula and the interior of Morocco. Several cities then come out of earth, like Ceuta, Tangier and Ksar-es-Saghir. Between the 10th and 12th centuries, Tetouan is mentioned by various Arab writers, but not until the late Middle Ages after the fall of Ceuta and other coastal centers in the hands of Spanish and Portuguese troops, to see the play an important role.
In 1286, Sultan Abu Youssef Yacoub el-Marini erected a fortified garrison (Casbah) on the site of Tetuan to Ceuta block. In the early 14th century, the city grows, it will be looted and completely destroyed by Spanish forces Wl century later. It was rebuilt at the close of the 15th century during the reign of Sultan Mohammed ash-Sheikh ei-Wattassi by Wis. group of refugees from Andalusia. At the end of the 15th century, the city is not very extensive: restricted to the current district of al-Balad and fortified kasbah Wie, she meets the requirements of Abu al-Hassan Ali elMandri, military leader of Banu ei-Ahmar of Granada.
The second phase of its development began in the mid-16th century, with the extension of the medina to the southwest (area of ​​Rabat did Asfal). Lastly, from 1609, the arrival of the Moriscos (Spanish Muslims forcibly converted to Christianity and later expelled from Spain) WLE contributes to further expansion of the Medina, to the northwest this time (district of Rabat al-Aala). This growth continues until the middle of the 18th century reconstruction of the fortifications which will give the medina its current configuration.