The Wonders of a Moroccan Kasbah

Discover the Wonders of a Moroccan Kasbah

Strategically located at the junction of 3 rivers, Ouarzazate was once the base of power over vital southern trade routes and remains to this day the main gateway to these routes.  At the heart of the region rest the bizarre remains of ancient and restored Kasbahs, highlighting a family adventure well worth the effort. 

A Kasbah in the Dades Valley

 Kasbahs, fortified mountain villages usually perched on a mountain hillside for defense purposes, were built out of mud and straw.  Constructed to protect from arrow and other attacks, they were built with high walls and no windows or very narrow ones.  Erected in a sprawling manner, Kasbahs included attached earthen dwellings as well as other buildings necessary for everyday life – bath houses, garrisons, stables, granaries and more.

A Kasbah was also a place of residence of a wealthy and powerful local leader.  As such, it was the place of defense and the refuge for inhabitants when a city was under siege.  Built to a height of three stories with towers on every corner, Kasbahs were constructed higgledy-piggledy, twisting and turning without an organized plan.  This is precisely what makes them such a great family adventure travel destination, especially for children.  Exploring a kasbah, one never knows what to expect around the next corner.

Kasbah Touririt

Located in the heart of Ouarzazate, Kasbah Taourirt, the one-time home of Pasha Glaouil, one of the world’s richest men, is one of the first of the Kasbahs to explore.  Its architecture is typical of this kind of edifice; its exterior and interior are magnificent, offering a clear picture of how these fortifications were built.  The Kasbah was made to house over 1000 people – slaves and family members in over 300 rooms including stables, garrisons, ceremonial rooms and domestic living quarters.  Traditional dyes – saffron for yellow, henna for red, mint for green, indigo for blue – were used to color the tiles decorating the walls and ceilings and other architectural features abound.  The fun in exploring here comes when wandering through the myriad of rooms and passageways – a maze of twisting and turning, up and down chambers, which are fascinating from the architectural and decorative point.

Ait Benhaddou

Towers at Ait Benhaddou

The breathtaking vistas in the region have also become a choice film location, the most well-known of these being Ait Benhaddou, a Kasbah north of Ouarzazate.  This UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah is so stunning that many popular films have been made here –among them “Lawrence of Arabia,” and “the Gladiator”.  Ait Benhaddou is well worth a visit.  A Kasbah made up of various fortresses towering 10m into the air, it is one of those places you dream of visiting – exotic and different, and you can easily fantasize life here centuries ago.  And the view is spectacular, especially at sunrise and dawn, when the Saharan sun reflects the red walls.  Wandering through the Kasbah, you’ll need to climb and jump and look out for mud pieces falling on you as you go.  For youngsters, this is a dream come true!

Ait Benhaddou from Above

These are only 2 of the countless Kasbahs in the region.  Traveling north from Ouarzazate, the Dades Valley, known as “The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” features many beautiful painted, crenulated Kasbahs which are the stuff of fantasies made for great exploration for family adventure travel.

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Unwind in morocco: An Intimate Look at a Moroccan Bath House

Unwind : An Intimate Look at a Moroccan Bath House

A Moroccan bath house, a Hammam, is an important part of the local culture.  Originally descended from the Roman bath and fashioned after Turkish baths, Moroccan Hammams were created because most homes lacked indoor plumbing.  Moroccan Hammams were also rooted in Islamic rituals.  Today, however, Hammams have become a place where locals go at least once a week to soak, exfoliate and catch up on the latest gossip with friends.

Walking into the Hammam, I hardly knew what to expect.  Opening the giant wooden door, the sights and fragrances that greeted me were incredible.   Fragrant candles, rose petals scattered throughout, warm burnished wood, fountains, stunning stained glass lanterns, sheer gold curtains – these were only part of the elaborate decorations that held me captive from the start.

 

With a robe in hand, I was directed to a changing room and then led to the sauna, passing more fresh flower bouquets and bubbling fountains on the way.  Opening the door to the sauna, I was enveloped by the fragrant steam, as the scent of orange blossoms and rose water filled the air.  After a long day of trekking in the hot Moroccan sun, my skin soaked up the lovely moisture, my muscles took a break from strenuous touring as a total sense of relaxation came over me.

 

My masseuse entered the sauna, handing me a scoop of henna-clay mixture, and signaled to me to cover myself in the goop and scrub.  Covered in the mud, I felt the billowing steam work its magic and awaited her return.  Eventually, she came in with an exfoliating glove, all ready to scrub me off, shedding dead skin and impurities.  More rinsing and lathering followed until my skin was rosy-red and baby-smooth.

Soothing music and the smell of almonds filled the air.  Then, for complete relaxation, a full body massage!  Regretfully thinking that I was finished, I rose to depart, only to be greeted by the dramatic finale as a bucket of cold water was poured over my head! 

“Ah” I thought, “More energy to continue my adventures in this great land.” 

No doubt, a Moroccan Hammam is the perfect place to unwind, relax, re-energize and come out squeaky clean!

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Short City Breaks: Marrakech

Enveloped in an aura of mysteriousness and drama, exotic Marrakech provides travelers with a true taste of Moroccan life.  Set to the backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains rising majestically out of the Sahara, it is the gateway to Morocco’s red desert and the base for the High Atlas region.  Here, African, Berber and Arab Morocco come together in the clanging and banging of everyday life.

Marrakech Souk

 

Founded in 1062 and one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, Marrakech is rife with magnificent landscapes, historical landmarks and beautiful ancient buildings – evidence to the city’s fascinating history.

Djemaa el Fna at NIght

Start out in the maze of narrow streets and alleys leading to the city’s souks, located near Djemaa el Fna, the city’s central square.  Here, local vendors tout every imaginable ware – from spices and local produce to pottery, metalworks, jewelry and rugs.  Friendly merchants will gladly offer you a glass of mint tea, a traditional custom while you’re expected to haggle for their goods.  When the cacophony becomes too much, take refuge in a rooftop café, from where you can observe the unfolding drama below.

Typical Building Style

The heart of traditional Marrakech, the Dejmaa el Fna, comes to life at sunset when story tellers, musicians, snake charmers, witch doctors, fire-eaters and acrobats ply their trades as locals clamor around.

In sharp contrast to the Dejmaa el Fan, to the south lies a tranquil district of the Medina, with its many splendid monuments depicting the city’s fascinating history.

Marrakech is also famous for its lush and beautiful gardens.  The Agdal and Menara gardens are set amidst a fantasy landscape of orchids and olive groves.  The Jardins Majorelle, originally created by a French painter and now owned by Yves Saint Laurent, are smaller in size but spectacular with their lily and cactus ponds and the stunning pavilion housing the Islamic Art Museum.

Majorelle Gardens

Picture of Menara gardens
thanks to Acp from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

Marrakech is also a great base for adventure travel throughout southern Morocco.  On the west, mystical Essaouira sits on the Atlantic coast and offers a lovely seaside resort.  To the east, Ourzazate with its dramatic desert scenery opens the gateway to the Sahara.

While maintaining a strong bond to its history, Marrakech, with its spectacular location and bustling ambiance is rooted in the present.  It is a city imbued with the sights, sounds and flavors of Morocco; it is quite simply, a feast for the senses.

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Ben Youssef Madrasa

Ben Youssef Madrasa

An exquisitely carved archway in the Ben Youssef Madrasa

This is a gathering of Lovers.
In this gathering
there is no high, no low,
no smart, no ignorant,
no special assembly,
no grand discourse,
no proper schooling required.
There is no master,
no disciple.

Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi

The Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech is one of the most beautiful places in this vibrant North African city. Within its walls you find tranquility and beauty unsurpassed by any other monuments here. 

The central courtyard of the Madrasa

The Ben Youssef Madrasa is named after the amoravid sultan Ali ibn Yusuf (reigned 1106–1142), who expanded the city and its influence considerably, but was founded much later during, in the 14th century by the Marinid sultan Abu al-Hassan.

View from one of the dormitories

The building was re-constructed in the 16th century by the Saadian Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib(1557–1574).

Closed down in 1960, the The Ben Youssef Madrasa building complex was refurbished and reopened to the public as an historical site in 1982.

The beautiful court seen from the main entrance

The Ben Youssef Madrasa was one of the largest theological colleges in North Africa and may have housed as many as 900 students.

One of its best known teachers was Mohammed al-Ifrani (1670-1745).

The beautiful main courtyard is partly built in cedar mable and stucco and it is extremely ornate.

The carvings  covering the walls have no representation of humans or animals as required by Islam, and consist entirely of inscriptions and geometric patterns. In the middle you have a beautiful pool in cool blue and green mosaic tiles.

The 130 student dormitory cells at the Ben Youssef Madrasa face this court. It feels so strange being inside these tiny rooms where generations of pious young men have studied their holy book.

It is a surprise really to find a space like Ben Youssef Madrasa in a city as Marrakech. The refined beauty of its interior is a contrast to the rough and charming exterior of the streets outside. The space here is actually like many others found in Marrakech. You are suddenly removed to a beautiful quiet room far away from the commotion of the streets outside.  

You are suddenly back to its grand era, when, as you are wander in the courtyard hear the call of the muezzin at the nearby Ben Youssef Mosque. I caught this on this short film clip taken during my visit.  

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Ben Youssef Madrasa

Ben Youssef Madrasa


Wall in the patio
The Ben Youssef Madrasa was an Islamic college in Marrakech, Morocco, named after the Almoravid sultan Ali ibn Yusuf (reigned 1106–1142), who expanded the city and its influence considerably. It is the largest Medrasa in all of Morocco.
The college was founded during the period of the Marinid (14th century) by the Marinid sultan Abu al-Hassan and allied to the neighbouring Ben Youssef Mosque. The building of the madrasa was re-constructed by the Saadian Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib (1557–1574). In 1565 the works ordered by Abdallah al-Ghalib were finished, as confirmed by the inscription in the prayer room. Its 130 student dormitory cells cluster around a courtyard richly carved in cedar, marble and stucco. The carvings contain no representation of humans or animals as required by Islam, and consist entirely of inscriptions and geometric patterns. This madrasa was one of the largest theological colleges in North Africa and may have housed as many as 900 students. One of its best known teachers was Mohammed al-Ifrani (1670-1745).
Closed down in 1960, the building was refurbished and reopened to the public as an historical site in 1982.



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Ben Youssef Medersa

Ben Youssef Medersa

The city of Marrakech offers brilliant color, exotic smells and flavors, and an inimitable environment that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. A visit to the old fortified city is like stepping back in time, and many of the ancient buildings have remained virtually unchanged for centuries.



One of the most amazing places in the city is Ben Youssef Medersa. This stunning ancient structure near the heart of the Medina is an Islamic school attached to the Men Youssef Mosque. It was once the largest Koranic school in all of North Africa, with up to 900 students enrolled at one time. Each student enrolled in the school would memorize the Koran by rote by the time they completed their studies.

The Ben Youssef Medersa is home to some of the most stunning art and architecture in the city. The school itself was founded by the Merenid Sultan Abou el Hassan in the 14th century; however, the current structure was rebuilt in the 16th century by Sultan Abdullah el Ghallib.

Similar to the Saadian tombs, the Ben Youssef Medersa is a prime example of Saadian design. Every surface, from the rose colored walls to the towering columns, are covered in the intricate decorations of the time period. The tile work throughout the structure is vibrant and stunning. The stucco molding features elaborate carvings of traditional Islamic calligraphy.

There are 130 dormitory cells (where students once resided), surrounding a peaceful courtyard filled with elaborate carvings in marble, cedar and stucco. It may be interesting to note that in all the carvings and painting throughout the Ben Youssef Medersa, there are no depictions of humans or animals. The school was built according to Islamic standards, thus the carvings and tile work consist entirely of calligraphic inscriptions and geometric shapes and patterns.

The Arabic inscriptions throughout the building are truly beautiful. They are carved into the stucco and picked out in zellij tiles. The most common inscription is the bismillah prayer “In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.”

Make sure to visit the prayer hall toward the back of the building for especially elaborate examples of this décor. The full interior of the prayer hall is decorated with a pine cone and palm motif.

When you visit the Ben Youssef Medersa, you can join a tour with one of the many on-site guides. Most visitors recommend striking out and exploring on your own. This will allow you to go at your own pace as you take in the sights and relax in the peaceful atmosphere.

The Ben Youssef Medersa is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is an admission fee, however, it’s very affordable at only $5 or $6 per person.

This the perfect place to come with friends and family to get to know a little bit more about one of the most important religions in the history of the world, along with a truly magnificent temple while exploring Morocco.



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Visit the Berber Museum at Majorelle Garden

Visit the Berber Museum at Majorelle Garden

 
Located in the heart of Marrakech, the Majorelle Garden is an oasis in a busy city, and one of its most popular attractions. In addition to enjoying the beauty and tranquility of nature, visitors can learn some fascinating facts about the Berbers of Morocco when visiting the Majorelle Garden at the museum which displays the personal collection of Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé, who until recently were the patrons of the garden created by French artist Jaques Majorelle (1886-1962).

Pierre Bergé was long fascinated by the rich culture and art of the Berber people and identified with their need to have their culture, including their language, acknowledged and preserved. The new Moroccan Constitution which was adopted in July 2011, officially recognized and formalized the Amazigh language of the Berber people, reconfirming the thoughts of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in a speech in Mar 2011 where he state that the plurality of the Moroccan identity is united and enriched by its diversity, which includes the Amazigh, the common heritage of all Moroccans.

Imazighen, or Berbers, form the foundation of indigenous North African people, with their origin believed to stretch back more than 9,000 years. They are unified by their language and culture which they have maintained over the centuries, despite some tumultuous times. The culture has a sense of community, a strong bond to the earth and a deep relationship with the sacred. The recognition afforded it by the new Constitution of Morocco will help ensure the Berber culture is preserved into the future.

Jacques Majorelle beautifully captured the emotions, colors and spirit of the Berber culture in his artworks, many of which are displayed at the Berber Museum. Other items on display include traditional handcrafted items in leather, pottery, basketry and woodworking. Decorative geometric patterns are very evident in household and decorative items, as well as those used in rituals. Ornaments and jewelry on display include intricately crafted headdresses, brooches, necklaces and earrings. Materials and techniques used in creating jewelry are varied, with filigree, engraving, carving, enamel-work and molding producing unique items. Depending on the region and local availability, jewelry incorporates silver, coral, amber and amazonite.

A section of the museum is devoted to displaying traditional clothing worn at various festive occasions such as weddings and moussems. While certain aspects are uniform, and therefore readily identified with the Berber culture, there is room for great diversity, with jewelry and accessories reflecting personal tastes. Certainly, a visit to the Berber Museum at the Majorelle Garden will provide much insight into this fascinating and ancient culture.



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