Marrakesh: A Brief History
Over the centuries, Marrakesh has been a desert oasis, military headquarters, a religious center and the playground of a sultan. It is one of Morocco’s great cities, but it began as a watering hole for the local Berber tribes. It was little more than a remote outpost before the Almoravid Berber leader Youssef bin Tashufin, cousin to the sultan, and his wife Zeinab founded what would become the city of Marrakesh in 1062 A.D.
Under Tashufin’s guidance, the city grew house by house. A mosque was established and, eventually, Marrakesh became the capital of the Almoravid Empire. Under the Almohads, Marrakesh developed into a luxurious Islamic city. It quickly became a center of commercial power.
Originally captured by the Almohads in 1147 A.D., the existing religious and civic structures were destroyed; it was stripped down to little more than plumbing. Marrakesh is known as the “red town” because of the distinctive Kasbah wall that surrounds the city’s medina. Yacoub el-Mansour redesigned the city and incorporated a fortified Kasbahs, beautiful gardens, covered markets called gissariats and the Koutubia mosque, the city’s major landmark.
Yet, the Almorvid Empire lost Marrakesh to the Merenids in the middle of the 13th century. A period of steep decline followed as the city lost its prominent place in the region to Fez. Marrakesh was largely neglected during the reign of the Merenids. Nearly 300 years later, the Saadians took control of Morocco in 1522. By this time Marrakesh was in ruins, but Sultan Moulay Abdullah established it as a new capital for the Saadian kingdom in 1551. A rich sugar trade funded new construction, and Mohammed Al Mahdi set about restoring the grandeur of Marrakesh.
During this period, magnificent structures like the Al Bedi Palace were built. It was also a remarkable period for Moroccan craftsmanship. Many artisans traveled to Marrakesh to contribute their considerable talents to various public and private projects. By the 17th century, Marrakesh had regained its wealth and cultural influence. In 1669, it was truly the most influential city in Morocco. However, the same year spelled the end (again) of Marrakesh’s exalted status.
Almost another century of disrepair and neglect passed before Mohammed III restored the city in the middle of the 18th century. The rejuvenated city remained largely the same until 1917 when the French invaded Morocco and removed El Hiba, a Saharan chieftain who had held Marrakesh for the last five years. At that time, Morocco became a French protectorate, and a modern, French-styled city was constructed beyond the walls of the older medina.
When Morocco became independent in 1956, the new monarchy ousted the Glaousa family, but since then, the city has become a haven for artists and activity. Now, more than fifty years later, Marrakesh remains an important city with a rich cultural history that attracts visitors from around the world.
Should I Travel To Morocco Right Now?
Should I Travel To Morocco Right Now?
With political tension on the rise in North Africa and the Middle East, many travelers have questions about the situation in Morocco. At Journey Beyond Travel, we want you to feel safe and secure in your choice to visit Morocco. We also realize that travelers have legitimate concerns about visiting Morocco at this time, so we’ve put together an FAQ with some the more common questions we’ve received about travel in Morocco and the region in general.
Q: I’ve seen the news reports about demonstrations and protests in places like Egypt and Tunisia. Are there similar demonstrations happening now in Morocco?
A: No, though there are rumblings that protests and demonstrations could take place in the country before too long.
Q: Are tensions in the country high?
A: Yes, but not in the way you may think. Morocco and Moroccans are sympathetic to the protesters they see on the news each day, but, as of late, have not felt they are under the same duress. Morocco has a largely open political climate, and the public is allowed to demonstrate and speak openly against government policy—something many of the Egyptian and Tunisian protesters have listed as a major complaint against their own governments.
Q: But you say there is still tension. What do you mean by that?
A: Moroccans are very well informed and keep abreast of global affairs. That they themselves are not protesting right now does not mean they have not taken sides. While it’s usually considered prudent to avoid political conversation as a rule, whether about Western military power, the status of the Western Sahara or anything else for that matter, this rule of thumb holds especially true now.
Q: Morocco is a monarchy. Don’t the people wish they had greater personal freedoms?
A: Yes, but for the vast majority of Morocco, life is very good right now. When the current King, Mohammad VI, took power, he began a sweeping liberalization of the country and its laws. In the last decade the country has loosened laws on not only public demonstrations, but also women’s rights, freedom of the press and the rights of minorities.
Q: That’s great, but there must be a few areas where people have reason to be upset, right?
A: Yes. While freedom of the press has been expanded, it is still against the law to write anything mocking or criticizing the King. One young man was recently sentenced to three years in jail for creating a fake Facebook page for the monarch. Also, economic inequality is staggering in Morocco, and while the situation has been improving, many people are still forced to live in slums and shantytowns. That said, the government has been working to improve living conditions and public health, but there is still a long way to go.
Q: Would it be risky for me to travel to Morocco right now?
A: Not necessarily, or certainly no more so than any other time of year. The situation in the country is currently stable, and Moroccans value the income from tourism. Any anger or frustration they have is not toward tourists. If you take the same basic precautions you would on any trip to the country, you should be in no danger. Keep abreast of the news, avoid gatherings of large people and don’t become involved in any political demonstrations yourself. As always, make sure people know where you are, register with your embassy before traveling and take a working cell phone and the numbers of your country’s embassy and emergency contacts.
Please note that this is the opinion of Journey Beyond Travel and does not constitute personal travel advice. You are responsible for all decisions you make should you choose to travel to Morocco at this time.
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With political tension on the rise in North Africa and the Middle East, many travelers have questions about the situation in Morocco. At Journey Beyond Travel, we want you to feel safe and secure in your choice to visit Morocco. We also realize that travelers have legitimate concerns about visiting Morocco at this time, so we’ve put together an FAQ with some the more common questions we’ve received about travel in Morocco and the region in general.
Q: I’ve seen the news reports about demonstrations and protests in places like Egypt and Tunisia. Are there similar demonstrations happening now in Morocco?
A: No, though there are rumblings that protests and demonstrations could take place in the country before too long.
Q: Are tensions in the country high?
A: Yes, but not in the way you may think. Morocco and Moroccans are sympathetic to the protesters they see on the news each day, but, as of late, have not felt they are under the same duress. Morocco has a largely open political climate, and the public is allowed to demonstrate and speak openly against government policy—something many of the Egyptian and Tunisian protesters have listed as a major complaint against their own governments.
Q: But you say there is still tension. What do you mean by that?
A: Moroccans are very well informed and keep abreast of global affairs. That they themselves are not protesting right now does not mean they have not taken sides. While it’s usually considered prudent to avoid political conversation as a rule, whether about Western military power, the status of the Western Sahara or anything else for that matter, this rule of thumb holds especially true now.
Q: Morocco is a monarchy. Don’t the people wish they had greater personal freedoms?
A: Yes, but for the vast majority of Morocco, life is very good right now. When the current King, Mohammad VI, took power, he began a sweeping liberalization of the country and its laws. In the last decade the country has loosened laws on not only public demonstrations, but also women’s rights, freedom of the press and the rights of minorities.
Q: That’s great, but there must be a few areas where people have reason to be upset, right?
A: Yes. While freedom of the press has been expanded, it is still against the law to write anything mocking or criticizing the King. One young man was recently sentenced to three years in jail for creating a fake Facebook page for the monarch. Also, economic inequality is staggering in Morocco, and while the situation has been improving, many people are still forced to live in slums and shantytowns. That said, the government has been working to improve living conditions and public health, but there is still a long way to go.
Q: Would it be risky for me to travel to Morocco right now?
A: Not necessarily, or certainly no more so than any other time of year. The situation in the country is currently stable, and Moroccans value the income from tourism. Any anger or frustration they have is not toward tourists. If you take the same basic precautions you would on any trip to the country, you should be in no danger. Keep abreast of the news, avoid gatherings of large people and don’t become involved in any political demonstrations yourself. As always, make sure people know where you are, register with your embassy before traveling and take a working cell phone and the numbers of your country’s embassy and emergency contacts.
Please note that this is the opinion of Journey Beyond Travel and does not constitute personal travel advice. You are responsible for all decisions you make should you choose to travel to Morocco at this time.
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
Morocco’s Agafay Desert
Morocco’s Agafay Desert
The Agafay Desert is located just an hour’s drive from the lively souks and dizzying maze-like market streets of Marrakech. Literally untouched by development, the Agafay offers quite the contrast from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.
Visiting the Agafay Desert is a good option if you would like to gaze at some sand dunes and desert, but don’t have the time to travel all the way south to where Morocco borders the Western Sahara. In the spring, the Agafay is alive with blooming wildflowers. The rest of the year, the Agafay is parched and thirsting for water giving you just a taste of the aridness of the Great Sahara.
There are currently no train lines south of Marrakech so if you want to travel to the desert you will need to rent a car, catch a bus or take an organized tour. Quite a few tour companies offer multi-day ATV tours of the Agafay hills complete with tent camping and traditional Moroccan meals. These off-the-beaten path type of tours take you across sand dunes, over rocky buttes and through hidden canyons all offering splendid views of the Atlas Mountains in the background.
Popular Morocco tours arranged by Journey Beyond Travel include a trip to Lake Takerkoust, a manmade lake on the edge of the Agafay Desert that was built in 1929 to provide the city of Marrakech and surrounding areas with electricity. You can swim and sunbathe at one of the beaches alongside the lake or you can rent jet skis or pedal boats and explore the waters. The hills above the lake offer many hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails.
Quite a few luxurious boutique accommodations have sprouted up alongside the Agafay Desert. La Pause is a peaceful retreat alongside an oasis of palm and olive trees. This resort offers simple luxury in the Berber tradition meaning there is no electricity, but visitors are treated to thousands of candles and exquisite meals served under tents with wide-open views of the surrounding desert and Moroccan wilderness. Visitors can enjoy a camel sunset ride, a round of cross-golf (a unique version of cross-country golf), mountain biking and horseback riding.
The Agafay Desert is located just an hour’s drive from the lively souks and dizzying maze-like market streets of Marrakech. Literally untouched by development, the Agafay offers quite the contrast from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.
Visiting the Agafay Desert is a good option if you would like to gaze at some sand dunes and desert, but don’t have the time to travel all the way south to where Morocco borders the Western Sahara. In the spring, the Agafay is alive with blooming wildflowers. The rest of the year, the Agafay is parched and thirsting for water giving you just a taste of the aridness of the Great Sahara.
There are currently no train lines south of Marrakech so if you want to travel to the desert you will need to rent a car, catch a bus or take an organized tour. Quite a few tour companies offer multi-day ATV tours of the Agafay hills complete with tent camping and traditional Moroccan meals. These off-the-beaten path type of tours take you across sand dunes, over rocky buttes and through hidden canyons all offering splendid views of the Atlas Mountains in the background.
Popular Morocco tours arranged by Journey Beyond Travel include a trip to Lake Takerkoust, a manmade lake on the edge of the Agafay Desert that was built in 1929 to provide the city of Marrakech and surrounding areas with electricity. You can swim and sunbathe at one of the beaches alongside the lake or you can rent jet skis or pedal boats and explore the waters. The hills above the lake offer many hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails.
Quite a few luxurious boutique accommodations have sprouted up alongside the Agafay Desert. La Pause is a peaceful retreat alongside an oasis of palm and olive trees. This resort offers simple luxury in the Berber tradition meaning there is no electricity, but visitors are treated to thousands of candles and exquisite meals served under tents with wide-open views of the surrounding desert and Moroccan wilderness. Visitors can enjoy a camel sunset ride, a round of cross-golf (a unique version of cross-country golf), mountain biking and horseback riding.
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