Morocco’s Red Treasure: Marrakech

Morocco’s Red Treasure: Marrakech

Marrakech morocco; Morocco is bordered by the European continent to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the other part is surrounded by Afro-Arab countries. One of these countries is Algeria. People can see this border. This is today’s photo … One beach shared by two countries, Saidia in Morocco and Borsay in Algeria.

This is one photo that pretty much shows how close Algeria and Morocco are. One beach is shared by two countries and nothing separates them, except for some national flags and rocks, Saidia beach in Morocco and Borsay beach in Tlemcen,

Algeria-Morocco border.

The painting shows the degree of great geographical closeness between the two countries, but at the same time it shows the degree of political divergence with the presence of closed borders that prevent movement between the people of the two countries.

But nevertheless, it is not surprising that a colorful culture has emerged from such a position. All Arab countries are similar but at the same time have their own charm and individuality.

Although Casablanca first comes to mind when you talk about Morocco, Marrakech is the city where you’ll feel the mix the most. It’s a city where modern life is immersed in 1000 years of history with red-earth houses, chirping markets, luxury hotels and a lively nightlife…

The city is divided into “Gueliz” which is called the “New City” with the Old City “Medina” inside the walls. The Medina is full of historical buildings and markets, while Gueliz is full of modern buildings and stores selling international brands.

Morocco’s Red Treasure: Marrakech; So, we’re off to Marrakech.

Marrakech, Morocco’s world famous tourist city, is one of the safest and most colorful cities in North Africa. “The Red City”, waiting to be explored with its exotic souks, food and alleyways, becomes most attractive at this time of the year. This city, which is located in the heart of North Africa, allowing you to understand life in this city

Morocco’s Red Treasure: Marrakech; Majorelle Gardens.

One of the most beautiful places in the city, the Majorelle Gardens, organized by French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1919 as a botanical garden.

The artist, who settled in Marrakech because of his illness, created these gardens around his house, and there was also his studio of the period.

After his death in 1962, his estate, which included these gardens, was purchased by the French fashion designer Saint Laurent (Yves Saint Laurent). He liked this place so much that he willed that his ashes be scattered in this garden, and this was done after his death in 2008.

A must visit is this magnificent garden with a variety of cacti, palms and ferns. Guaranteed to take great photos….

Jemaa el-Fnaa Square (Jemaa el-Fnaa)

Jemaa el Fnaa Square, the most populous and popular place in Marrakech, is the meeting point for all visitors. You could say the heart of the city. If you lose your way, ask this square because all roads start here.

Tourists from all around the world visit this square.

This square has an interesting history. This area, often known as the “square of severed heads,” was where executions took place in the tenth century.

There is a mosque in this square, which all the tourists are also eager to visit. This is the reason why Jema el-Fnaa Square got its name. Jema is the cathedral mosque and al-Fnaa is the square of severed heads.

Mornings and afternoons here are not much different from other Arab squares. On a huge territory under the hot African sun there is a huge number of shops where traders offer spices, fresh juice, herbs and fruits. Here you will also see traditional water carriers in colorful outfits, who do not mind taking pictures with tourists.

A walking day is different from the night. At sunset the city changes the night is beautiful. The city comes alive after the heat of the day. In the evening there is a huge open-air buffet and entertainment venue, sometimes crowds are so large that it is impossible to pass in some places. Those who do horoscope and Tarot card divination, those who do henna tattoos, those who dance, tVendors selling juices, sweets, Arabic dishes that are prepared here in the square.Everything is brand-new, and the costs are really low. Here you can also see performances by street performers, dancers whose ancestors were slaves from Guinea, sword swallowers, belly dancing, scorpion fights. All of this is worth seeing, so the guides recommend that you always have change to pay for the street performers. You won’t get change from a large bill, of coursehose who play with snakes and monkeys. You may feel that you are in a real oriental fairy tale.

Here you can also taste Arabic dishes, and enjoy a cup of real Arabic coffee or tea with Arabic pastries.

It’s a bustling, smoky, colorful oriental life on Djem El Fna, it’s steeped in mysticism and Arabian adventure that hasn’t changed over the centuries with its unique architecture.

The Jem el Fna Square, together with the Medina of Marrakech, became a UNESCO protected site in 1985.

Morocco’s Red Treasure: Marrakech; Bahia Palace

The grandest palace in the city built for Bou Ahmed, vizier of Sultan Hassan in the 19th century to immortalize the name of his wife, “Bahia”

It has a magnificent architecture. Inside, the zellige tiles, painted ceilings and magnificent decoration reflect the spirit of the time. You can marvel endlessly at every detail of the mosaics, a huge handiwork. The palace also has a garden full of flowers and trees.

Today it is an artistic masterpiece dating back to the splendor of Moroccan architecture of Andalusian character, which is overflowing with its civilizational manifestations.

Morocco’s Red Treasure: Marrakech; Koutoubia Mosque (Koutoubia Mosque)

It is the largest mosque in the city. The mosque is located in Jemaah al-Fna Square so that it is visible from all points of the city. Qutubiya means library or bookstore in Arabic. It can accommodate up to twenty thousand people. Around the mosque there is a park planted with orange trees. The mosque was built in the 13th century and is located in the center of the city. The ancient 77-meter minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, visible from any place in Marrakech, serves as a landmark for all tourists. Its red-earth color, is characteristic of Marrakech, which is known for its magnificent embroidered architecture.

The architecture of the mosque combines Andalusian and Moroccan architectural traditions. It is covered with colored stucco, and finished with bright mosaics and horseshoe-shaped arches. Five domes crown the mosque. In the central aisle there is a mihrab pointing towards Mecca. In the inner courtyard of the mosque until the 13th century (the construction of madrasahs) readings of Islamic law and the Koran took place, now here are held services of traditional prayers – namaz.

Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque, but tourists can admire its view from the outside, stroll through the garden, along the pedestrian paths.

There are many legends about this mosque. One of them tells that on the minaret of this mosque every day, in the evening rises the saint Sidi Abu al-Abbas al-Sabti (1130-1205). From the top of the minaret, he makes sure that all blind, poor and destitute people find food and shelter for themselves

According to legends, this mosque was rebuilt twice. It was built in the 12th century. During the first construction, it turned out that the mihrab was turned away from Mecca. By order of the angry Sultan Abd-Al-Mumin, the architect was beheaded and the mosque itself was destroyed. Then it was rebuilt.

According to another legend, the sultan’s wife sinned by eating three grapes in the holy month of Ramadan. She immediately repented, collected all her gold jewelry and gave it to the mosque. They melted them down and made them into golden balls, which became the decoration of the mosque.

There is a legend in Morocco that if you come across a water carrier

, you can make a wish and it will definitely come true.

And also your wish will definitely come true, if you have pure thoughts, on the full moon stand near the minaret of the Koutoubia mosque, and turn to the east, seeing the reflections of golden balls on the face of the moon, make a wish, the most cherished. This ritual is performed by all tourists who find themselves in Marrakech during the full moon.

Morocco’s Red Treasure: Marrakech; Museums.

Marrakech is full of delightful museums, including the Dar Si Said, which showcases fantastic Moroccan architecture and objects.

The Marrakech Museum in the Dar Menebhi Palace has embroidery, weapons and modern art. For historical images of the city, a visit to the Maison de la Photographie is a must.

Visitors can find many contemporary art galleries in the new part of the city showcasing the work of local talent. The Ben Yousef Madrasa, which began construction in the 14th century, has architecture that intertwines wood and stone work. With a capacity of 900 students at a time, this madrasa defies time.

Morocco’s Red Treasure: Marrakech; Ben Yusef Madrasa

Discover the street markets.

One of the best ways to touch the magical atmosphere of the city in Marrakech is to wander the streets, you can easily get lost in the markets, of which there are many. Taste the local teas served to you amidst the aromas of hundreds of types of spices and handmade leather goods.

The most famous product you can buy in the narrow street markets is argan oil. The original of this world famous oil is also available only in Morocco. Argan oil, which is used in cosmetics, is also used in Arabic

cooking. It can be a good gift for your loved ones

Take part in a desert safari tour.

One of the greatest ways to travel through Morocco‘s vast desert is by taking the desert route from Marrakech to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in Merzouga. without spending long hours.

The tour is filled with beautiful landscape, so you won’t ever be bored because you’ll be too busy taking in each new view individually. The changing landscape is incredible, from the fertile plains of the Hausa around Marrakech, to the High Atlas Mountains and then to the various valleys and oases.

At the end you will see rocky plateaus followed by the breathtaking Erg Shebbi sand dunes. The highlight of our 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is your sunset camel ride and relaxing at night under the stars in a Bedouin camp in the Sahara Desert.

There are many all sorts of safari tours in the Agafay Desert near the city, or you can take an unforgettable camel ride in the desert and admire the magnificent view of the Atlas Mountains. There are many agents in the area who sell tours. Be sure to bargain.

Morocco is a country of stunning contrasts:

sandy hills of the Sahara desert and snow-capped mountains, golden beaches and azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, silver waterfalls, rushing rivers in mountain gorges, cedar forests and orange groves.

But if you don’t visit Marrakech while traveling to Morocco and see its most interesting places, then the trip loses all meaning. This city is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world all year round