Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz
Marrakech is a city located in the center of Morocco. It lies at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and serves as a gateway between the Atlantic Ocean and Morocco. Known as the "Red City," Marrakech is one of the major cities in Morocco, with a population of approximately 1,036,500 people as of 2006.
Name and History:
The original name of Marrakech is likely derived from the Berber language, "Murr Akush," meaning "Land of God." It embodies the same word found in Mauritania, but this connection has not been definitively established. For decades, it was known to Arabs, Persians, and Europeans as the Kingdom of Marrakech.
The Almoravid dynasty established the first state in Marrakech in 1070, initiated by Abu Bakr ibn Umar and completed by Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin, making it the capital of the Almoravid state and a separate political and cultural center. Later, the Almohad dynasty emerged and founded a state after they conquered the Almoravids in 1147. The Almohads' first act in Marrakech was to demolish the red dome (Koubba el-Ba'adiyin) and build a mosque, making Marrakech their capital. The Marinid dynasty followed, founded in Marrakech in 1269, but the city served as their secondary center, with the primary one being in Fez. Subsequently, the Saadian dynasty, under Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour, was established in 1659, restoring Marrakech as the capital and the primary center of the Saadian dynasty. Many buildings and facilities were constructed during the reign of Sultan Al-Mansur Al-Dhahabi.
The Spanish influence followed, as the Spanish infiltrated Marrakech in 1861 after signing a treaty with Sultan Mohammed bin Abdurrahman.
Climate:
Marrakech has a semi-tropical tourist-friendly climate, with extremely hot summers and a significant temperature difference between day and night. Rainfall is irregular and scarce, and sunlight is abundant. Temperatures range from 6 to 38 degrees Celsius, rarely dropping to 5 degrees Celsius or rising above 43 degrees Celsius.
Famous Tourist Attractions:
- Bahia Palace
- Almoravid Dome
- Koutoubia Mosque
- El Badi Palace
- Majorelle Gardens
- Amelkis
- Menara Gardens
- Secret Garden
- Oukaimeden
- Bab Agnaou
- Dar Si Said Museum
- Saadian Tombs
- Yves Saint Laurent Museum
- Telouet Kasbah
- El Badi Palace
