Meknes, entrenched in Morocco’s rich history, attained the esteemed status of a World Heritage Site in December 1996, acknowledged by the Inter-Governmental Commission of UNESCO. As one of the four imperial cities of Morocco, Meknes experienced a golden age during the reign of Moulay Ismail (1672 – 1727), leaving an indelible mark on its landscape. The remnants of this prosperous era, coupled with the echoes of preceding epochs, render Meknes an essential destination for any traveler exploring Morocco.
During the late 17th century, while Louis XIV held sway in France, Moulay Ismail strategically chose Meknes as his capital. The amusing anecdote of Moulay Ismail’s proposed marriage to one of Louis XIV’s daughters, marked by the sending of three Comtois clocks, adds a touch of humor to this historical period. This choice was driven by Meknes’s strategic, political, and geographical significance, setting the stage for a thriving era.
The Kasbah of Meknes, notable not only for its architectural brilliance but also as the inaugural masterpiece of the Alaouite dynasty, holds a distinctive place in Moroccan history. The Kasbah, a significant part of Morocco’s architectural heritage, features monuments that captivate with their diversity yet maintain a fundamental homogeneity. Prominent doors like Bab Mansour Laalej and Bab Errih lead to palaces, sub-assemblies, or the Kasbah as a whole, earning Meknes the moniker “the capital with beautiful doors.”
Delving into the history of Meknes unveils a city steeped in heritage, deriving its name from the Berber tribe of the “Meknassas” that dominated eastern Morocco in the 6th century. Occupied by ancient civilizations, including the Romans who erected the city of Volubilis, Meknes witnessed the ebb and flow of conquerors, from the Almoravids to the Almohades and Merinids. However, it was under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the late 17th century that Meknes experienced a transformative development, becoming the capital of the Alaouite empire.
Moulay Ismail’s vision aimed to elevate the Kingdom into a formidable regional power, leading to the construction of monumental structures such as extensive walls, mosques, and the iconic “Bab Mansour” gate. The city’s prosperity was further fueled by the wealth garnered through the resale and exchange of Christians captured by corsairs in Sale. Intriguingly, beneath the ambassadors’ pavilion lay the Prison of Cara, an expansive underground labyrinth, shrouded in mystery and tales of haunting.
Transitioning to Rabat, the current capital city of Morocco, the city unfolds along the Atlantic Ocean, its golden ramparts embracing both the old and modern facets. Once the capital shifted from Fez in the early 20th century, Rabat evolved into the political, administrative, and financial nucleus of the kingdom. Major thoroughfares like Mohammed V Street bear witness to the legacy of the protectorate era, featuring landmarks such as the post office, train station, and courthouse.
Rabat’s historical roots extend to antiquity, evident in the excavations of the Chellah necropolis, revealing Roman remains. The city thrived as the capital of the Almohad Empire in the 12th century, leaving enduring structures like the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Oudaïas. The Hassan Tower, a symbol of Rabat, stands as a testament to Almohad grandeur, even though it remains incomplete.
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V, overlooking the esplanade of the Hassan Tower, holds significant symbolic value, housing the tombs of King Mohammed V, King Hassan II, and Prince Mulay Abdullah. A masterpiece of traditional Moroccan art, this white, green, and gold edifice was meticulously crafted between 1961 and 1971.
Perched on a cliff facing the ocean, the Kasbah of the Oudaïas is a fortress within the city, its history intertwined with the defense against Andalusian pirates. The Oudaïas gate and the Jamaa el-Atiqa mosque, dating back to the Almohad period, offer a glimpse into Rabat’s medieval past.
The Andalusian Garden, an oasis of greenery and tranquility in the heart of Rabat, adheres to the Arab-Andalusian tradition, emanating a captivating ambiance with the fragrance of jasmine and orange trees.
Shifting to Tangier, a city steeped in Morocco’s historical tapestry, its strategic position as a crossroads between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea has shaped its captivating narrative. With origins dating back to Phoenician trading posts, Tangier witnessed various civilizations, from the Vandals to the Arabs.
The 15th century marked the city’s reconstruction after destruction by European powers, leading to a period of international governance. Tangier became an international zone in the 20th century, governed by multiple countries. This era fostered a unique environment where diverse cultures and ideas converged, attracting artists like Matisse and writers such as Paul Bowles.
As Morocco sought independence, Tangier regained its Moroccan status in 1956, prompting the departure of foreigners and reshaping the city’s economic landscape. Today, Tangier beckons with its museums, Dar el-Makhzen Palace, lively medina, and enchanting views of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif mountain range, emerges as a blue jewel at the foot of the Kelaa and Meggou Mountains. Renowned for its azure-hued corridors and buildings, Chefchaouen’s captivating beauty draws visitors seeking simplicity and breathtaking landscapes. The city, with its mythical blue ambiance, transforms into a magical spectacle at sunset, reflecting a Mediterranean charm that enchants all who behold it.
Tetouan, a crossroads of civilizations, stands as a meeting point for Andalusian, Ottoman, Arab-Berber, and European influences. Known as the “Daughter of Granada” or “Little Jerusalem,” Tetouan preserves Andalusian architectural expertise and a rich intangible heritage in craftsmanship, music, and traditions.
Archaeological excavations trace Tetouan’s origins to the ancient city of Tamuda, with a history dating back to the third century B.C. Under the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century, Tetouan flourished, only to face destruction by Henry III of Castile in 1399. The city underwent a renaissance in the late 15th century, welcoming refugees from Granada and expanding through the 17th century.
In the 20th century, Tetouan became the capital of the Spanish protectorate, experiencing significant urban and industrial growth. Despite a period of decline in the 19th century, Tetouan re-emerged as a major academic and cultural hub, contributing to the national liberation movement.
Today, Tetouan remains a focal point for academics and tourists alike, showcasing the enduring appeal of its history and cultural richness.
