Early History and Colonial Struggles in morocco

Early History and Colonial Struggles in morocco

 Early History to the Nineteenth Century
The Berbers have inhabited Morocco since the end of the second millennium B.C. In Roman times the area we know as  modern Morocco was roughly contained within the province of Mauretania Tingitania. In the third century A.D. four bishoprics were created in the province. Jewish colonies were also established during Roman rule. The Vandals were the earliest (5th century) of barbarian peoples to overtake the area as the Roman Empire declined.
The Arabs first swept into Morocco c.685 A.D., bringing with them Islam. Christianity was all but wiped out, with only the Jewish colonies retaining their religion. Many Moroccans served in the Arab forces that invaded Spain in the early 8th century. Later, the Berber-Arab conflict fragmented the region.


Morocco became an independent state in 788 A.D under the royal line founded by Idris I. After 900 the country again broke into small tribal states. Warfare between the Fatimids of Tunisia and the Umayyads of Spain for control of the region intensified the already-existing political anarchy, which ended only when the Almoravids overran (c.1062) Morocco and established a kingdom stretching from Spain to Senegal. The Almohads, who succeeded (c.1174) the Almoravids, at first ruled both Morocco and Spain, but the Merinid dynasty (1259–1550), after some triumphs, was limited to Morocco. Rarely, however, was the country completely unified, and conflict between Arabs and Berbers was incessant.


Spain and Portugal, after expelling the Moors from the Iberian Peninsula, attacked the Moroccan coast. Beginning with the capture of Ceuta in 1415, Portugal took all the chief ports except Melilla and Larache, both of which fell to Spain. The Christian threat stimulated the growth of resistance under religious leaders, one of whom established (1554) the Saadian, or first Sherifian, dynasty. At the battle of Ksar el Kebir (1578) the Saadian king decisively defeated Portugal. The present ruling dynasty, the Alawite, or second Sherifian, dynasty, came to power in 1660 and recaptured many European-held strongholds. Morocco, like the other Barbary States, was, from the 17th to the 19th century, a base for pirates preying upon the Mediterranean trade.


Colonial Struggles
In the 19th century the strategic importance and economic potential of Morocco excited the interest of the European powers. France, after beginning a war with Algeria, defeated (1844) Sultan Abd ar-Rahman, who had aided the Algerians. Spain invaded in 1860. In 1880 the major European nations and the United States decided at the Madrid Conference to preserve the territorial integrity of Morocco and to maintain equal trade opportunities for all.

Political and commercial rivalries soon disrupted this cordial arrangement and brought on several international crises. France sought to gain Spanish and British support against the opposition of Germany. Thus, in 1904, France concluded a secret treaty with Spain to partition Morocco and secretly agreed with Great Britain (the Entente Cordiale) not to oppose British aims in Egypt in exchange for a free hand in Morocco.


In 1905, after France had asked the sultan of Morocco for a protectorate, Germany moved quickly: Emperor William II visited Tangier and declared support for Morocco's integrity. At German insistence the Algeciras Conference (Jan.–Mar., 1906) was called to consider the Moroccan question. The principles of the Madrid Conference were readopted and German investments were assured protection, but French and Spanish interests were given marked recognition by the decision to allow France to patrol the border with Algeria and to allow France and Spain to police Morocco.


Under the claim of peacemaking, the French steadily annexed territory. In 1908 friction arose at Casablanca, under French occupation, when the German consul gave refuge to deserters from the French Foreign Legion. This dispute was settled by the Hague Tribunal. Shortly afterward in a coup Abd al-Aziz IV was unseated and his brother, Abd al-Hafid, installed on the throne. He had difficulty maintaining order and received help from France and Spain, especially in a revolt that broke out in 1911. However, the appearance of the German warship Panther at Agadir on July 1, 1911, was interpreted by the French as a threat of war and led to a speedy resolution.


On Nov. 4, 1911, Germany agreed to a French protectorate in Morocco in exchange for the cession of French territory in equatorial Africa. Finally, at Fès (Mar. 30, 1912), the sultan agreed to a French protectorate, and on November 27  1912 a Franco-Spanish agreement divided Morocco into four administrative zones—French Morocco, nine-tenths of the country, a protectorate with Rabat as capital; a Spanish protectorate, which included Spanish Morocco, with its capital at Tétouan; a Southern Protectorate of Morocco, administered as part of the Spanish Sahara; and the international zone of Tangier.


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Morocco Property Report

Morocco Property Report

Morocco is the latest travel hotspot

Kuoni see Morocco as a market with great untapped potential

Mid-haul destinations, such as Morocco, are the latest travel hotspots, according to Thomson and First Choice’s new Trends Report 2008-09.

More than one fifth of holidays taken with Thomson and First Choice in 2007 were outside Europe, as opposed to just 15 per cent in 2003 and the number is set to rise further in 2009.

Market research company Mintel also confirmed the increasing popularity of countries such as Morocco, Egypt and Middle Eastern destinations including Dubai, Oman and the other Emirates thanks to their mix of guaranteed warmth, lower prices and a touch more exoticism than familiar destinations in the Med.

‘It’s happening across the board,’ says Richard Cope, senior travel analyst at Mintel. ‘The euro is a big factor - people were sheltered this summer by brochure prices which were fixed at the beginning of the year, but prices will rise for 2009, meaning people will look increasingly at countries outside the eurozone. And the new Easyjet routes into Morocco have also made it more accessible. People are competitive about their holidays, and [may feel] there is something a bit old-hat about the Med.’

Mainstream operators are reacting to the growing demand by developing their mid-haul programmes; Kuoni now has stand-alone Arabia & North Africa and Dubai brochures. ‘The mid-haul market is faring well,’ says Anne-Marie Hansen of Kuoni. Morocco is a new entry into the Kuoni Top 20 destinations chart ousting previously established destinations such as Jamaica and Mexico.

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CDS Tours aid you to discover Morocco!

CDS Tours aid you to discover Morocco!
   
DAY 1: MARRAKECH

Welcoming participants to Marrakech Menara airport welcome by our services. Assistance to various police formalities and customs. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: MARRAKECH - CASABLANCA - RABAT

Breakfast. Departure for Morocco's largest city Casablanca. Brief discovery of economic capital: The Place Mohammed V, the light and music fountain, the Sacré Coeur and the Corniche Ain Diab. Lunch and continuation to Rabat. Visit the administrative capital of the Kingdom: The Hassan Tower, the Kasbah des Jardins and Oudayas Square Mechouar and Necropolis of Chellah. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Rabat - Meknes - Fez

Continuation to Meknes. Visit Meknes: the "Moroccan Versailles", founded in the late seventeenth century by Moulay Ismail, a contemporary of Louis XIV. Meknes enclosed in a triple enclosure of 40 km of walls and bastions is formed of two cities: one hand, the Medina retains the most beautiful gate of Morocco Bab El Mansour. And on the other hand, the new city. Lunch. Continuation to Fez via Volubilis and Moulay Idriss. Arrival at the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4: FES

The whole day will be devoted to the visit of Fez's oldest imperial city which was founded in 790 by Moulay Idriss II. It became the religious center of Morocco. Visit the medieval Medina, the Madrasa (religious Islamic universities) Bou Anania, the Karaouine Mosque and the famous fountain Nejjarine. We will also visit the souks which are considered the most beautiful in Morocco. Back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: FES - MIDELT - ERFOUD

Early morning departure to Erfoud via Ifrane, a town in the middle of a vast forest of cedar. Arrival at Midelt where lunch is provided. Rich continuation to the Tizi N'Talghemt (Col de la Chamelle 1907 m altitude), then Errachidia is the capital of the Province of Tafilalet. Arrival in Erfoud. Installation. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Erfoud - TINEGHIR

Breakfast. Visit the last village on the edge of the dunes eternal. Continue to Tineghir by Ksar Touroug framed by beautiful Oasis. Tinghir was a former military gate. This village perched at 1,342 m overlooks a beautiful Oasis. Visit Todra Gorges, one of the most amazing sights of southern Morocco. Lunch will be taken in the middle of this beautiful setting. Back to Tineghir, installation and dinner.

Day 7: TINGHIR - EL KELAA OF M'GOUNA - Ouarzazate

After breakfast, departure to Ouarzazate via Boumalne Dades administrative center. Continuation to El Kelaa M'Gouna, the country of roses. Breakfast at the hotel. Then drive to Ouarzazate. Visit the Kasbah Taourirt which was once the residence of the Pasha of Marrakech. Installation. Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 8: Ouarzazate - Zagora - Ouarzazate

Early morning excursion to Zagora. Zagora is a large village and administrative center impotant.Nous there parvienderons the beautiful Draa valley dotted with palm trees. Visit the village and the religious center of Tamegroute known for its library and area potters. Back to Ouarzazate. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Ouarzazate - AGADIR

After breakfast we depart towards Ouarzazate and continuation of Taznakht Taliouine village 930m above sea level. The region is most famous for the cultivation of saffron. Arrive in Taroudant. Under the former capital surrounded by imposing walls of ocher. Lunch and visit of the city. Continuation of Agadir. Dinner and overnight.

Day 10: AGADIR - TAFRAOUT - AGADIR

Breakfast. Departure for Tafraout through the city of Tiznit. A few kilometers further, we reach the foothills of the Anti-Atlas strongly attacked by erosion which rent the landscape the most curious and the most beautiful South. Breakfast at the hotel. Then down around Tafraout to better appreciate the splendor of the site. Back to Agadir Ait Baha. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Agadir - Essaouira - Safi

Breakfast. Departure for Essaouira along the coast. The area is covered with forests of argan trees, ancient trees with various benefits. Arrive in Essaouira, the ancient Mogador. You visit the port, then the district where marketers are manufactured objects Thuya wood inlaid with ebony and son money ... Continuation of the visit to Bab Doukala where the bus awaits you. Breakfast at the hotel. In the afternoon we take the road to Safi. Dinner and overnight.

Day 12: SAFI - MARRAKECH

Déjeuenr small. Departure to Marrakech, Arrival Installing the hotel. Afternoon free to relax around the pool. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: MARRAKECH

The whole day will be devoted to the visit of Marrakech. Nicknamed "The Pearl of the South", Marrakech was founded in the eleventh century by the Almoravids. The founders have left Morocco Marrakech spontueux palaces and magnificent gardens. Visit the Saadian Tombs, the Dar Si Said Museum, Gardens of Agdal and Menara, Koutoubia, the Palais El Bahia and Badi. Afternoon: Visit the souks and alleys where the scenery is fascinating and especially the famous Djemaa El Fna square where the show is permanent fire-eaters, storytellers, snake charmers and artists of all genres. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 14: MARRAKECH

The day will be free to "wander" at leisure in Marrakech. Breakfast at the hotel. The dinner will be in a restaurant with entertainment. Accommodation in Marrakech.

Day 15: MARRAKECH - DEPARTURE

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Assistance to various police formalities and customs. Off and end of our services.



From Marrakech
Day 01: Tangier

Welcome at Tangiers airport by our welcome service. Assistance to various police formalities and customs. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation.

Day 02: Tangier

After breakfast, visit the Pearl of the North: the small Socco great Socco the old medina with its souks and the Kasbah. Continue to Cape Spartel and visit the caves of Hercules. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 03: Tangier - Chefchaouen - Fes

Breakfast. Departure to Fez via Chefchaouen, city tour: the old kasbah, the source Ras El Ma medina and souks. Arrival in Fes. Installation at the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 04: Fes

After breakfast, the entire day will be devoted to the visit of Fes. The oldest of the imperial cities, spiritual and artistic capital of the kingdom. Visit the medieval medina Medersas (Bou Anania and Attarine), the mosque and the famous fountain Quaraouiyne Nejjarine. Afternoon, visit the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter and the souks which are considered the most beautiful in Morocco. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 05: Fes - Meknes - Moulay Idriss - Volubilis - Fes

After breakfast, Departure to Meknes, visit the "Moroccan Versailles", founded in the late seventeenth century by Moulay Ismail, a contemporary of Louis XIV. Meknes enclosed in the triple enclosure of 40 km of walls and bastions, is formed of two cities: one side Medina retains the most beautiful gate of Morocco Bab El Mansour, on the other hand, the new city. Continuation of Volubilis via the holy city of Moulay Idriss, visit the ancient Roman city whose ruins extend over 40 ha. Back to Fes, dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Fes - Erfoud

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure to Erfoud via Ifrane, a town in the middle of a vast forest of cedar, Midelt, Tizi N'Talghemt (Col de la Chamelle) at 1970 meters above sea level, Errachidia who is the chief town of Province Tafilalet. Arrival in Erfoud, dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Erfoud - Rissani - Taouz - Merzouga - Erfoud

After breakfast, excursion to Rissani, once walled city that is the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty who reigned over Morocco for three centuries. Continue to the beautiful sand dunes of Merzouga, Erfoud via Taouz back. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Erfoud - Zagora

Breakfast. Departure to Zagora via Alnif, continuation and Tazzarine Nekob. Destination, transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 09: Zagora - Ouarzazate

After breakfast, visit of Zagora, a large village and important administrative center and religious center visit Tamegroute secular houses the largest library in the entire region as well as the studio potters. Departure to Ouarzazate all along the beautiful Draa Valley famous for its gardens, its orchards, ksours and kasbahs. Installation at the hotel. Dinner and overnight

Day 10: Ouarzazate - Marrakech

Visit the famous village of Ait Ben Haddou, which served as a backdrop for filming in famous movies such as "hundred thousand Dollards Sun", "Sodom and Gomorrah" and "Lawrance of Arabia". Continuation to Marrakech via the Col de Tichka. Installation at the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 11: Marrakech

After breakfast, the entire day will be devoted to visiting Marrakech. Leading city of the Almoravids in the eleventh century, it was once lent its name to Morocco, it perpetuates the magic. Oasis in the desert, the jewel at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is the dazzling and beautiful capital of southern Morocco known as the "Pearl of the South". Visit the Saadian Tombs, the Dar Si Said Museum, Gardens of Agdal and Menara, Koutoubia, the Bahia Palace and Badii, the tanners and dyers. The afternoon, continuation of the visit the souks and alleys, the famous Jamaa El Fena where the show is permanent, storytellers, snake charmers, fire-eaters and artists of all kinds. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 12: Marrakech

Free day for personal exploration or relaxation at the pool. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Marrakech - Casablanca

Breakfast. Departure for the largest city in Morocco. Brief discovery of the economic capital of the Kingdom, Place Mohammed V, the luminous fountain and music, the Sacré Coeur and the Corniche Ain Diab and a visit outside the fabulous Hassan II Mosque. Day in day use at the Casablanca Hotel.
Transfer to Mohamed V airport and end of our servives.


From Tangier
Day 01: CASABLANCA

Welcome at Mohamed V airport, welcome by our support service, offering roses to the ladies. Transfer to the hotel. Installation for dinner and overnight.

Day 02: CASABLANCA - RABAT

Breakfast and explore the economic capital. The bus, we can see the Medina, Place Mohammed V, United Nations Square, the famous Central Market, the District Endowments, the Anfa Residential Quarter, the Royal Palace. Continuation to Rabat, the administrative capital of the Kingdom, which includes a visit to the Medina, the Kasbah Oudayas, the Hassan Tower and Mosque and the splendid Mohamed V Mausoleum Transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 03: Rabat - Meknes - Fez

Breakfast and departure to Meknes, the "Moroccan Versailles", founded in the late seventeenth century by Moulay Ismail, a contemporary of Louis XIV. Meknes enclosed in a triple enclosure of 40 km of walls and bastions is formed of two cities: one hand, the Medina retains the most beautiful gate of Morocco Bab El Mansour, on the other hand, the new city. Continuation to Fez via Volubilis Roman Ruins and the tomb of Moulay Idriss. Transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 04: FES

Breakfast and the whole day will be devoted to the visit of Fez, the oldest Imperial city, which was founded in 790 by Moulay Idriss II. It became the religious center of Morocco. The tour includes the Medieval Medina, the Medersas (Islamic religious universities) and Bou Anania Attarine Karaouine Mosque and the famous fountain Nejjarine. We will also visit the souks which are considered the most beautiful in Morocco. Back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 05: FES - MIDELT - ERFOUD

Breakfast and early departure to Erfoud via Ifrane, a town in the middle of a vast forest of cedars. Arrival at Midelt to a halt and continue to the Tizi N'Talghemt Rich (Pass the Camel) to 1970 m altitude. Then Errachidia is the capital of the Province of Tafilalet. Arrival in Erfoud, accommodation at the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 06: Erfoud - TINEGHIR

Early morning optional excursion (350 DH) Merzougga, the last village on the edge of the dunes eternal. Return to hotel for breakfast and continuation to the Ksar Tineghir Touroug framed by beautiful Oasis. Tineghir was a former military post. This village is perched at 1342 m and overlooks a beautiful Oasis. Visit Todra Gorge, one of the most amazing sights of southern Morocco. Transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 07: TINEGHIR - Ouarzazate

Breakfast. Departure for boumalne Dades. Walk in the Gorge then continue on Kelaa
M'Gouna country roses which takes place every year in May the "Moussem of Roses", an opportunity to discover the local folklore, then Skoura Ouarzazate up. Transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 08: Ouarzazate - Zagora

Breakfast and departure for Zagora all along the beautiful Draa Valley, its vegetable gardens, orchards and its Ksours. Visit the village of Amezrou secular and religious center of Tamegroute with the largest library in the entire region as well as the studio potters, You to attend a traditional ceremony for the preparation of mint tea at the Kingpin Village . Transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 09: Zagora - Ouarzazate

Breakfast and departure for Ouarzazate. The city tour includes Taourirt Kasbahs and Tifoultoute, the former residences of the Pasha Glaoui and the beautiful palm. Also visit the village of Ait Benhaddou where you can admire the ruins of the Kasbah of the same name where many world famous films were shot and Ghommorh Soddom such as Lawrence of Arabia, Hundred Thousand Dollard Sun. Transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Ouarzazate - Marrakech

Departure to Marrakech via the Tichka. Transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight. Afternoon free.

Day 11: MARRAKECH

The whole day will be devoted to the visit of Marrakech. Nicknamed "The Pearl of the South", Marrakech was founded in the XIth century by the Almoravids. The founders of Morocco left Marrakech Palais magnificent and splendid gardens. Visit the Saadian Tombs, the Dar Si Saïd Musé, the Agdal Gardens, the Menara, Koutoubia, the Bahia and El Badi Palace. In the afternoon, visit the souks and alleys where the scenery is fascinating, and the famous Djemaa El Fna Square where the show is permanent with fire-eaters, storytellers, snake charmers and performers all kinds. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 12: MARRAKECH - CASABLANCA

Breakfast and after the horraire déccollage, two hours before transfer to Marrakech Menara airport, assistance with the various formalities of customs and police and off for our services.


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