Morocco is a unique African countrylocated in the northwestern part of the continent. Its shores are washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, here are located snowy peaks and mountain gorges, a huge sandy expanse of the Sahara and the golden beaches of resorts. Numerous sights of Morocco can be seen in ancient cities such as: Marrakesh, Casablanca, Fet and Rabat, Meknes and Chefchaouen.
History and religion of Morocco
This African state has a richa story rooted in the Arab settlements in the Maghreb that appeared here in the VIII-IX centuries. In ancient times, the lands of Morocco were inhabited by nomadic tribes who were the ancestors of the Berbers. From the 12th century BC here was the Phoenician colony, which in VI-V century. BC. fell under the power of Carthage.
Indigenous people in ancient times were called at the beginningLibyans, getuls, numids, later the Romans called them Berbers. The origin of the name "Moors" originates from the Phoenician word "Maura". In the 5th-6th centuries AD the northern regions were conquered by the Vandals, and later fell under the rule of Byzantium.
And only in the VII century, the territory was includedIn the Arab Caliphate, the spread of the Muslim religion and the Arabic language occurred everywhere, which the local population also adopted. In the 8th century, the Berbers and Arabs jointly conquered the territory of the Iberian Peninsula.
Ancient cities are examples of classical Arab-Berber architecture, which includes fortifications, stately palaces, mosques and fountains, aqueducts and baths.
Beginning in the 15th century, Europeanthe colonialists (Spaniards, Portuguese, British and French), who for many years locals put up stubborn and often successful resistance. The struggle for the independence of the state continued until the middle of the 20th century. In 1956, national state institutions were created, reorganization of the socio-economic, ship and financial systems was carried out. A constitutional monarchy has now been established in Morocco.
Examples of medieval architecture and whatsee in Morocco tourists: the Bahia Palace in Marrakash, the Bab al-Mansur gate in Meknes and other architectural monuments. They are distinguished by exquisite taste, richness of decoration and oriental elegance.
Casablanca
Casablanca is located on the site of the oldBerber village Anfa, who was given the name Dar el-Beid ("white house") by Sultan Mohammed Ben-Abdallah. A modern name he received from the Spaniards, who ruled for several centuries.
The population of Casablanca, the largest city inMorocco is 3.5 million inhabitants, and it is rightfully a business center with skyscrapers, its own port, many banks, a modern airport. Mohammed, who is an excellent example of modern Moroccan architecture.
Одна из достопримечательностей Марокко – огромная the mosque of Hassan II, which can be simultaneously 25 thousand worshipers. It is the second largest after the mosque in Mecca and the tallest structure of Casablanca (its minaret has a height of 200 m). Designed by the French architect M. Pinso 3300 workers and craftsmen, it also has a unique retractable roof, which in a matter of minutes turns the prayer hall into an open terrace.
It is also distinguished by the fact that it is open to people of a non-Muslim religion, which is very important for tourists who want to know in advance what to see in Morocco and where to go.
Not far from the mosque of Hassan are located the splendid palace of justice Mahama du Pasha, as well as the modern church of Notre Dame de Lourdes with beautiful colored stained glass windows.
Marrakesh
This ancient city is the heart of the East and the formerthe capital of the Berber Empire and Sultan Yusuf. It is located in the central part of Morocco, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, it is also called "red" for the color of the buildings of clay. Its ancient narrow streets give charm and a kind of vital character, which is inherent in the city for several centuries.
Главная торговая площадь города — Джем эль-Фна, where musicians and performers regularly give performances. Another attraction of Morocco in Marrakesh is the Koutoubia Mosque, near which the Menara Gardens are located, the most beautiful and romantic place, according to locals and visitors.
Музей Дар-Си-Саид выглядит, как прекрасный Palace, built in the best traditions of the art of Morocco. It features Berber weapons, jewelry, clothing, original cedar furniture and a large collection of carpets that were made by local craftsmen.
The most popular among tourists - the palace of El-Badi,built at the beginning of the XVII century, which the locals call the "incomparable". Its construction was carried out for the money that Marrakesh received from Portugal after losing the Battle of the Three Kings in 1578.
A masterpiece of Arab-Andalusian architecture is inMorocco Bahia Palace in Marrakesh, built in the XIX century for the Viziers and Sultans. There are many private rooms, decorated with elegant stucco ceilings and instructed wood, a charming patio, a garden with fountains planted with orange, banana trees and cypresses. Of particular admiration for tourists is the beautiful marble floor of the courtyard, in the center of which is a fountain, surrounded by galleries on either side.
The small museum of Bert Flint, collected by this art historian from Denmark, introduces tourists to the folk traditions and art that exist in the regions of Morocco near the Sahara desert and the Sousse valley.
The Museum of the Majorel demonstrates Islamic culture and art to all visitors, it is located in the artist’s studio and is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
Rabat
It is a city on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean andthe capital of the state of Morocco with a rich history. Many tourists come here every year, dreaming of relaxing on sandy beaches, playing on golf courses or riding horses from the royal stables.
In the capital there are many government buildings and embassies of other countries, and the Moroccan king lives in the royal palace. Here and the main educational institution - the University of Mohammed V.
The old part of the city - Medina - has an ancienthistory, its narrow streets resemble the mountain paths that lie between the shops and small mosques. Here live artisans and weavers who make carpets, dishes from silver and copper, lace, etc. All this can be bought in the local market. From the new city, it is fenced off by a wall erected in the XII century.
In the capital of Morocco, the attraction is the ancient fortress of Kazba. Every Friday the King comes here to prayer, the departure ceremony of which looks very magnificent and bright.
Fez, Morocco
Scientific and cultural capital - ancientThe imperial city of Fez, located in the central region of the state. It was here that the prophet Mohammed fled, fleeing from Mecca. Here is the oldest university in the world, as well as a huge number of mosques (about 800), because in the Middle Ages this city was considered the spiritual capital of Islam.
Geographically, it is divided into 3 parts:
- Old Medina, the main attraction of Fez, along the perimeter of which a medieval wall was erected, consists of narrow pedestrian streets in which artisans live by districts;
- Fez-Jjidd is the area of the new Medina, where markets, restaurants and countless shops are located;
- The new Fez is a modern part with wide avenues, transport stations and the airport.
The city of Fez in Morocco is included in the list of culturalUNESCO heritage. Passing through its ancient streets, tourists can see artisans at work, merchants in small shops, minarets and fountains with mosaics, beautiful gardens and squares.
Old and New Medina, surrounded by a wall, havemany entrances-exits in the form of a colorful stone gate in the Arabic style. Another attraction: the mosque and university Al-Karaouin, an ancient religious and educational complex, founded in the IX century. Here is also the tomb of the man who founded the city of Fez - Idris II.
Some of the most interesting sights inMorocco, in the opinion of tourists, is a dye in Fez, where tanners process and dye leather in vats according to ancient methods. Paints are used only natural: henna, turmeric, etc. Next to them there are always shops that sell finished leather products.
Chefchaouen
This is the most fabulous Moroccan "blue city",founded in the XV century by Muslims in the form of a fortress to protect against the Portuguese conquerors. Later it became a place where the Jews who were expelled from Spain came. Guided by the Talmud, they began to paint houses in blue and blue shades, the colors of the sky, to be closer to the Almighty.
In fact, this is a small village wherethere are no Jews, but the locals continue to paint their buildings in heavenly colors, which attracts tourists here who want to fully appreciate the local color to leave their comments about Morocco and its interesting ancient settlements. They come here from nearby Fez.
Meknes
It is an ancient capital located 60 km fromFez, on the mountain plateau of El Hadjab. Meknes city will be interesting for tourists with the most beautiful city gate existing in the north of the African continent - Bab al-Mansur. Another attraction of Morocco are the grand ruins of the palace of Dar-el-Kebir, which were built by Moulay Ismail.
Monumental warehouse buildings Dar el-Ma forFood storage amaze and admire the three-meter thick walls, built for reliable protection against thieves and conquerors. From the terraces of this building the Agdal basin (4 hectares in area), used as a reservoir and irrigation gardens, is clearly visible.
Agadir - resort in Morocco
Located in the green and picturesque valley of Sousse,on one side it has mountains that protect the sahara desert from the hot air, and on the other, beautiful beaches and the Atlantic coast. Medieval Agadir was conquered by the Portuguese, who built a fort and a commercial port here. In 1960, the city suffered from an earthquake, which turned into piles of dilapidated buildings and stones, but over the past decades it has become a modern resort of the European level with many cafes and bars, shops and markets. Tourists who come on trips to Morocco can not only soak up the sandy beaches, but also go in for a dynamic surfing and take boat trips.
Tours in Morocco
This African state is considered a touristcolorful mystery that can be solved only by those who see it and appreciate its beauty and originality. In any travel agency you can find trips to Morocco with a visit to cities and interesting sights. Many also offer trips to the Sahara, the Urik valley and the Ouzoud Falls (near Marrakesh), a visit to the Phoenician settlement of Essueyr, excursions by jeep to the Massa reserve, and other exciting activities.
Марокко не зря называют страной восходящего Sun (El Maghreb), as well as the fabulous Middle Ages. It is small, but very many-sided: here you can find not only civilization, but also the desert sands of the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains, the ocean coast. Only having arrived on an excursion in Morocco, having heard a call for a prayer, having tried local delicacies (marshmallow, etc.), wandering around the market and looking at the rich handicrafts of local artisans, one can feel the spicy and fabulous "taste of the East."
