Meknes THE MARKET FOR MEDINA

THE MARKET FOR MEDINA

Obligatory point of passage between the Atlantic plains and highlands Oriental, on the one hand, and between the Middle Atlas and hills Septentrional pre-Rif, on the other hand, Meknes occupies a very strategic position. In addition to this location, the region offers significant economic potential: the fertile plains of Sais, the abundance of water resources, oaks Atlas, all factors conducive to human settlement and communication passage for so long.

In the absence of archaeological evidence, it is reasonable to believe, according to some written sources, the earliest human settlements in the region of Meknes could go back to the 4th century BC.

Moreover, according to the written sources, the name appears only in Meknes 9th centuries, with the installation of a group of Berber Zénètes Meknassa, around wadis and Boufekrane Wislane.

At the Almohad period until the end of the 11th century, the name of az-Zaitoun Meknassata (Meknès olive) appointed yet ethnic groups and rural dwellers of various origins: Berber Sahara Berber Zénètes and Idrissides.





This influx of people has resulted in a significant economic and urban development, resulting in the appearance of urban areas, the construction of the Almoravid fortress Tagrart considered the core of the city of Meknes, Nejjarine Mosque, the mosque ... Sebbaghine

At the Almohad period, Meknes knew the establishment of public utility buildings such as: public baths, water supply channel sources, the expansion of the Grand Mosque and the development of fiscal institutions.





The period is marked by the Merinid interest in mental institutions, religious and social. Therefore, several buildings have emerged: Library of the great mosque, madrasas Filalia and Bouanania, Jamaa Mosque Lalla Aouda, Jamaa Mosque Az-Zarqa, fountains, Maristane, bridges, zaouia and mausoleums.

The Alawite time is very significant. Meknes was the capital of the country. Sultan Moulay Ismail the bestowed several buildings worthy of a modern capital at the height of his hopes: Dome of Ambassadors, and Silôts Swani Basin (Heri) Stables capacity of 1200 horse, green spaces Jnan Ben Hlima, prisons Qara. He also surrounded by walls 40 km in length, drilled 20 gates fortified towers and bastions (Lekhmis Bab, Bab Bardaïne, Bab al-Mansour, Kari Bordj Ben ect ..). In addition to its military pronounced the medina of Meknes has flourished within its walls, then Alawite, giving rise to numerous buildings: palaces (Ksar al-Mhencha, Dar Kbira, Ksar al- Mansour, Ksar Baïda ....), religious institutions, mosques and madrasas, public squares, fountains and jardins.Point gateway between the Atlantic plains and highlands Oriental, on the one hand, and between the Middle Atlas Septentrional and pre-Rif hills, on the other hand, Meknes occupies a very strategic position. In addition to this location, the region offers significant economic potential: the fertile plains of Sais, the abundance of water resources, oaks Atlas, all factors conducive favorite human settlement and communication passage for so long.






In the absence of archaeological evidence, it is reasonable to believe, according to some written sources, the earliest human settlements in the region of Meknes could go back to the 4th century BC.
Moreover, according to the written sources, the name appears only in Meknes 9th centuries, with the installation of a group of Berber Zénètes Meknassa, around wadis and Boufekrane Wislane.

At the Almohad and up to the late 11th century, the name Meknassata az-Zaitoun (Meknès olive) appointed yet ethnic groups and rural dwellers of various origins: Berber Sahara Berber Zénètes and Idrissides.
This influx of people resulted á economic development and urban notable results in the appearance of urban areas, the construction of the Almoravid fortress Tagrart considered the core of the city of Meknes, Nejjarine Mosque, the mosque ... Sebbaghine

At the Almohad period, Meknes knew the establishment of public utility buildings such as: public baths, water supply channel sources, the expansion of the Grand Mosque and the development of fiscal institutions.
The period is marked by the Merinid interest in mental institutions, religious and social. Therefore, several buildings have emerged: Library of the great mosque, madrasas Filalia and Bouanania, Jamaa Mosque Lalla Aouda, Jamaa Mosque Az-Zarqa, fountains, Maristane, bridges, zaouia and mausoleums.




The Alawite time is very significant. Meknes was the capital of the country. Sultan Moulay Ismail the bestowed several buildings worthy of a modern capital á up to its expectations: Ambassadors Dome, Basin and Silôts Swani (Heri) Stables capacity of 1200 horse, green spaces Jnan Ben Hlima, prisons Qara. He also surrounded by walls 40 km in length, drilled 20 gates fortified towers and bastions (Lekhmis Bab, Bab Bardaïne, Bab al-Mansour, Kari Bordj Ben ect ..). In addition to its military pronounced the medina of Meknes has flourished favorite within its walls, Alawite time favorite for lead á many buildings: palaces (Ksar al-Mhencha, Dar Kbira, Ksar al- Mansour, Ksar Baïda ....), religious institutions, mosques and madrasas, public squares, fountains and gardens.

BAB EL MANSOUR Aleuj..Meknes

Bab el Mansour Aleuj is the largest and most remarkable door Meknes completed in 1732 by Moulay Abdallah, son of Sultan Moulay Ismail. It was designed by a Christian convert to Islam, hence its name: The door Mansour, the renegade. Marble columns adorning the side bastions protruding from the ruins of Volubilis.
Aside from its historical value, Bab Mansour is considered by the inhabitants of the city as a portal linking the past to the present.
Completed in 1732 by the son of Sultan Moulay Ismail, Bab el Mansour Aleuj is by far the most beautiful gate of Meknes. According to legend, this door is the work of a Christian convert to Islam, hence the name "door of the renegade."

In architectural terms, this monument is incredible. Symmetry is remarkable for a door greater. Overlooking the huge square-El Hedime, it is framed by two great bastions whose arches are placed on marble columns. Decorations that adorn the facade is beautiful.

In the image of the city and the construction of Moulay Ismail, the door combines strength and durability with a touch of elegance. It is often considered the most beautiful gate of Morocco!
The majestic gate Bab el Mansour el Aleuj is a jewel of architectural heritage left by Moulay Ismail. Fully decorated and ornate ceramics and mosaics green, multicolored faïcences are arranged in complex arabesques, it marks the entrance to the vast grounds of the imperial court.
Less extensive than that of Fez, Meknes medina is also quieter and very pleasant to go. Place Hédim is the starting point for all walks
Bab el-Khemis Dyers' Souk
Souk Sekkarin knives, tin objects
Souk Bezarîn basketry, textiles and utensils of daily use
Bab el-Jadid Musical Instruments
Souk-Nejjarine carpentry workshops
Souk es-Sebbat Shoes, fabrics, clothing ...
Souk el-Herir silky fabrics

Meknes

Meknes
Meknes At the heart of the Moroccan countryside, favorite! is Meknes, the imperial city of Moulay Ismail. With tireless ardor, an indomitable will, he undertook to make this city a capital image.Palais its mosques, fountains, terraces, gardens, stables, warehouses, granaries erected without interruption for 50 years to fill the gigantic scope designed by murailles.Rêve unfinished Moulay Ismail, Meknes never complete to dream: For gates, gates, pierce the walls to give access to the wonders of the city. The main Bab al-Mansour, the most beautiful of Morocco, leads to huge méchouar where stands the mausoleum of Moulay moving Ismaïl.Meknes fascinates with its monuments, the splendor of its palaces. One of Jamai, former residence of a vizier, houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts and its sumptuous collections of pottery, embroidery, carpets, woodwork, jewelery ... Meknes fascinated by the incredible theater of everyday life: Observer in kissarias (center traditional commercial), a merchant unfold a piece of blue cloth; assist in the bdb Jadid, a long and syrupy bargaining; comptempler in the souks, concentrated face of a craftsman who carves a silver bracelet or hands a skilled painter on wood ... And then the city of Meknes we dream by his campaign, green and soothing, gently undulating, planted with olive trees, where lounging over twenty centuries the ancient Roman city of Volubilis. Campaign which provides generously for the Mount Zerhoun where hangs the holy city of Moulay Idriss, the city green roofs
 
 MAUSOLEUM OF ISMAIL MOULAY

In the first courtyard, a charming fountain used for ablutions. The ceilings themselves are painted cedar. The third courtyard has a fountain and an Italian marble sundial dating from the seventeenth century. Then, to actually enter the mosque, you must remove your shoes. You can see the mosaics which include Koranic scripture. Besides the tombs of Moulay lsmaïl and his two son, you will see two clocks offered by Louis XIV. Moulay Ismail received the gift when the Sun King refused to grant him the hand of his daughter. The marble columns supporting the room were restored in 1957.

 THE MARKET FOR MEDINA



On the left of the place El-Hedim behind the arcades of potters, is one of the most beautiful and lively covered market in Morocco. You will find many stalls of spices and olives very diverse, but also colorful birds. Better to be armed with a sprig of mint to face the aisle to chickens and sheep spectacle worth seeing.









 BAB EL MANSOUR Aleuj

The largest and most remarkable doors Meknes. It was completed in 1732 by his son Moulay lsmaïl. Is said to be the work of a Christian convert to Islam, which is being called as the door of the Renegade

Meknes ..Historic Of City

Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids as a military settlement, Meknes became a capital under Sultan Moulay Ismaïl (1672–1727), the founder of the Alawite dynasty. The Sultan turned it into a impressive city in Spanish-Moorish style, surrounded by high walls with great doors, where the harmonious blending of the Islamic and European styles of the 17th century Maghreb are still evident today.


The Historic City of Meknes was the capital city for the Alaouite dynasty (17th century). Its Sultan Moulay Ismaïl redesigned the city in
Hispano-Moorish style.

Meknes is enclosed by 25 km long walls that are pierced by monumental gates like the Bab Mansour. Over 80 monuments are enlisted, including mosques, medresas, hammams and fondouks.

I visited Meknes on the morning of the 1st of January, not the best choice of times. The Place el-Hedim, Meknes’s attempt at having their own Djemaa el-Fna, looked desolate (especially under the grey clouds that didn’t want to give way to the sun). The medina was deserted, most of the shops closed. The same unfortunately was true for the Dar Jamaï Museum, advertised by my Lonely Planet guide as “one of Morocco’s best museums”.


One might also wonder why this medina has been placed on the List, next to the more mindblowing ones in Marrakech and Fez. You’ll get a medina-overdose anyway in Morocco.

As I clearly didn’t enjoy my time here in Meknes, I decided to skip the royal stables (probably closed too). I travelled on to Volubilis and Moulay Idriss on the same day, both well worth the effort so that I had a fine day after all.



If you plan a tour of Morocco you will be faced with the question of how many of the 4 “Imperial cities” (Rabat, Meknes, Fez and Marrakech) to visit. All, except Rabat, are UNESCO inscribed – which is probably about right If you have to choose, then certainly don’t miss either Marrakech or Fez! Yet Meknes is worth a couple of hours even if you are short of time and is convenient anyway for another WHS at Volubilis and a T list site at Moulay Idris. (Possibly significantly, Morocco has 4 different “Medinas” in its list but Meknes is “badged” in French and English as a “City” – I wonder why? Elsewhere the word “Medina” is used quite happily to describe an Arab “city” in its entirety including palaces, walls etc - was Morocco just getting too many “Medinas” on its list!)

Meknes was an imperial city created by Sultan Moulay Ismael which was never really completed and was then abandoned and partially destroyed by his son in favour of Marrakech. It was built in mid 17th century and has been called (inappropriately in my view) the “Versailles of Morocco” because it was approximately contemporaneous with Louis XIV and his own constructions (Moulay Ismail saw himself as superior to the French monarch and apparently suggested that Louis XIV should convert to Islam and offered to take 1 of his daughters as a wife!). Some of the palace buildings were restored and are used by the current Sultan but much remains in ruins. The walls stretch for miles and the main gate “Bab el Mansour” (photo) whose columns were taken from Volubilis is one of the architectural “highlights” – which perhaps gives you a measure of the “value scale” of what you will see. Inside the walls, the streets and souks are pleasant enough but don’t have the same sense of size and mystery as at Fez and Marrakech – one doesn’t feel “in danger” of losing oneself here!

animals in Morocco

                                               Animals of Morocco

Morocco desert tours

Morocco desert tours are an essential part of a trip to Morocco. Riding off into the sand dunes on a camel at sunset is definitely on most people’s wish list. So, it is important to understand what choices are available.
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Most Romantic Destinations in Morocco

Most Romantic Destinations in Morocco

Coming up with a list of the most romantic destinations in Morocco is no easy task. The country’s imperial cities boast a myriad of posh riad hotels and romantic dining venues, and there is no shortage of chic beach villas along the coast, but here are some amorous spots that will get you off-the-beaten path and away from the typical honeymoon destinations.

Erg Chebbi

Also known as the Merzouga Dunes, Erg Chebbi is one of the most dramatic natural features in Morocco. From the nearby small town of Rissani you can travel by camelback into the dunes and spend the evening camped out under the desert sky in a Berber tent. Eating dinner by the fire, drinking hot mint tea and dancing by starlight can add an extra touch of romance, as can waking up early to watch the sunlight splay across the sands in a dazzling array of colors.



Mezzik Village

Terraced orchards, snow-capped mountains and local kids playing soccer adjacent to precarious cliffs are the view from the High Atlas village of Mezzik. Slightly higher in elevation than the kitschy mountain town of Imlil, the base for Toubkal area treks, Mezzik is quiet, quaint and laid back. No hotels or restaurants can be found here, but you can stay a simple auberge and have your meals cooked by a local family. The romance lies in its tranquility; the best time to visit is spring when the valley flowers are in bloom.

Ouarzazate

The stunning architecture of this desert oasis can make you feel as if you’ve stepped onto a movie set, which should be no surprise considering portions of Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, The Mummy and several other films were shot here. Date palms line the sand swept streets, and from here you can plan excursions into the surrounding Draa Valley. A stay in a private villa at the luxurious Dar Ahlam, with kasbah-view cabana and pool, would certainly add that touch of romance to your desert getaway.

Zaouia d’Ifrane

The full name of this Middle Atlas village means ‘holy place of caves,’ and the natural beauty is what makes this mountain retreat romantic. Stone Berber houses, cascading waterfalls, lush fields, cedar forests and hidden grottos are what you’ll find in Zaouia d’Ifrane. The village is south of Azrou on the Marrakech road, about 100 km from Fez and 54 km from Ifrane city. The best times to visit are spring and autumn. No luxury lodgings are found here, but you can sleep in late in a simple auberge by the banks of the river.

Morocco holidays