With a population of over 1,500,000 Marrakech is one of Morocco's Imperial Cities. Founded in 1062 as the capital of the Almoravide dynasty, it is an oasis set upon the fertile Haouz Plain at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains.
The origins of the word, Marrakech gave its name to the whole country of Morocco in all its many foreign versions - Morocco, Maroc, Morokko, Marruecos, etc. All these names come from the Latin "Morroch" which derives from the medieval name for Marrakech.
Under Abdal Mou'min Marrakech became a great Islamic capital. Abdal Mou'min was a great builder and gave Marrakech its most spectacular landmark, the Minaret Al Kutubiyya with four walls, each face measuring 42ft, rising 226ft to the tip of a lantern turret. Masjid Al Kutubiyya is among the greatest works of North African architecture and is surrounded by beautiful gardens which continue to adorn the city today.
Throughout history the city has never failed to leave an indelible
mark upon visitors. Sir Winston Churchill was particularly taken by Marrakech
and, in his War Memoirs has left this evocative memorial to the southern
Moroccan city:
"Here, surrounded by its extensive palm-groves that have sprung
out of the desert, the traveller may rest assured that he will never tire of
the majestic view of the snow-covered Atlas mountains. The sun is dazzling
and warm, but never unbearably so; the air is sharp and refreshing, yet
never unpleasantly cold; the days are perfect, the nights are cool.
"The local inhabitants, dressed in their burnooses of various
colours and patterns, are themselves a permanent picture; every countryman
is a possible painting, every crowd is a pictorial composition.
"Should anyone be seeking a warm sunny Winter, it is to be found
in a truly unique setting here in Morocco."
For those who remember the sixties song "Marrakech Express", Marrakech is still a rail terminus for other parts of Morocco. Roads link the city with the north and with the Atlantic seaport of Safi. |
Other Moroccan Towns: