4 Historical Sites Worth Seeing in Rabat

If one wants to escape the bustle and crowds in Marrakech or Fez, Rabat is the perfect place and has no shortage of attractions worth visiting. Its location also makes it a perfect stop for a night between Casablanca and Fez.

Oudaya in Rabat
The winding blue streets of the Oudaya. Credit: Instagram at @ojrobert
 Juliette Owen-JonesBy Juliette Owen-Jones -
Juliette Owen-Jones is a journalist and editor at Morocco World News.
May 12, 2019
Rabat – Although Rabat is the political and administrative hub of Morocco, it is often overlooked by tourists and forgotten from itineraries. However, if one wants to escape the bustle and crowds in Marrakech or Fez, Rabat is the perfect place and has no shortage of attractions worth visiting. Its location also makes it a perfect stop for a night between Casablanca and Fez.

Hassan Tower

A close of up of Hassan tower. Photo credit: Instagram @ojrobert
Hassan Tower (Tour de Hassan) is one of the oldest historical monuments Rabat has to offer. Construction of the mosque began in 1195, after being commissioned by Yaqub al-Mansur, the third caliph of the Almohad Caliphate. He dreamed of the mosque being the largest in the world with the tallest minaret. However, when al-Mansur died 4 years later in 1199, his dream died with him and construction came to a halt.

Although the tower only reached half of its intended height at 40 meters, it is incredibly well preserved and is still a beautiful sight to see 820 years later. The 200 unfinished columns are also striking.



     2.  Mohammed V Mausoleum


The Mohammed V Mausoleum. Photo credit: Instagram @ojrobert
Directly next to Hassan Tower, this mausoleum contains the tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. The mausoleum took approximately 400 men and almost a decade to build before it was finished in 1971. Its white floors and walls are made from granite and marble, and the roof is tiled in a distinctive green, the color of Islam. The tombs themselves are carved from white onyx.

The sheer craftsmanship and historical significance make this site a must-see.

 Kasbah of the Oudaias

The winding blue streets of the Oudaya. Credit: Instagram at @ojrobert
This kasbah dates back to the Almohad Dynasty in the 12th century and is still well preserved. The ancient kasbah gets its name from an Arab tribe, the Oudayas, hired by Sultan Yaqub al-Mansur to defend its wall and build more fortifications.

Having been home to many groups of peoples who all left their mark on the suburb, the history of this neighborhood is deep and fascinating. For example, the winding steps from the kasbah down to the shore were added in the 17th century by Muslims fleeing Catholic Spain, who also gave the nearby Andalusian garden its name.

The winding blue and white streets of this neighborhood leading to ocean views make it a beautiful place to spend the day meandering. Inside the kasbah, one can find Rabat’s oldest mosque, built in the 10th century and restored by an English pirate in the 18th, although it is not open to non-Muslim tourists.

The lush Andalusian garden is filled with well-fed cats and a Moorish cafe overlooking the Bouregreg river that serves traditional Moroccan cakes and mint tea.

Theaters Across Morocco

Rabat – In honor of National Theater Day on May 14, Morocco’s Ministry of Culture announced it will widen the network of theaters across the country and improve infrastructure.

In a statement, the Ministry of Culture said it is actively working on improving theater spaces in the cities of Al-Hoceima, Zmamra, Tamesna, Sraghna, Chichawa, Rissani, Taroudant, Ifrane, Taounat, Tetouan, Tangier, Debdou, Khémisset, and Sidi Slimane by the end of the year.

On National Theater Day, the Ministry consulted with regional and provincial governments as well as civil societies to put into place a national program of activities which “cover all of the Kingdom’s cultural centers, theaters, and entertainment venues.”

Meknes festival Sidi Abderrahmane

Meknes - The 6th edition of the festival Sidi Abderrahmane El Mejdoub of the word and wisdom opened on Wednesday in Meknes, on the initiative of the association "Meknes Forum for Culture and Development".

Initiated by the association "Forum of Meknes for Culture and Development" with the support of the Ministry of Culture, this cultural and artistic event aims, among other things, to promote the intangible heritage of Morocco and highlight the Zajal and the cultural heritage as a national cultural heritage, besides contributing to its transcription through various means including image and sound.

Chaabana: When Moroccan women in the USA celebrate the eve of Ramadan according to the authentic customs of the country

Washington- Faithful to the customs and customs associated with Ramadan, the Moroccan women of America are careful every year to perpetuate the tradition of "chaabana", a festival that illustrates in the Moroccan cultural register the meaning of reunion, conviviality and psychic preparation for fasting in a festive and spiritual atmosphere worthy of this sacred month.

This celebration, exclusively female, allows expatriates, especially those residing in the concentration basins of the Moroccan community (New York, Florida, Virginia, etc), to meet each other and relive the habits of preparation for Ramadan typical of Morocco native.

For these women, who carry the motherland in their hearts, Chaabana is also a consolation in the face of the test of expatriation and nostalgia, especially since many immigrant families can not visit each year in Morocco to live religious events because of the high cost of travel.

During the Chaabana ceremonies, recently celebrated for the fourth consecutive year in the Virginia suburbs of the capital Washington and Florida, women are careful to wear traditional dresses (caftans, takchita, etc.), masterpieces Moroccan crafts that are synonymous with celebrating happy social events or religious holidays.

Both ceremonies were also animated by Sufi songs, combining panegyric, Andalusian music and traditional and modern songs from the rich Moroccan repertoire.

In the midst of this colorful atmosphere and sounds, the tables were richly decorated dishes, pastries and typical dishes of the month of Ramadan that illustrate the authenticity of the Moroccan culinary art and is the pride of Moroccans in the world. 'international.

And as at every meeting of the Moroccan community, the ceremony was also marked by patriotic songs interpreted in unison by participants wearing national flags.

For Imane Zhar, coordinator of Chaabana in Virginia, this ceremony is "an expression of the attachment of Moroccan women to secular traditions and components of their identity in order to pass it on to future generations".

In addition to being an opportunity for expatriate women to share moments of joy and break the routine of daily life in host countries, they demonstrate their ability to adapt to the realities and demands of modern life in one of the most advanced countries in the world, while preserving ties of belonging to the homeland and its traditions and customs, she told MAP.

Ms. Zhar added that more than 180 women participated in the event and contributed financially and logistically to its success in order to give a good image of the Moroccan community, highlighting the strong interaction of Moroccan women with all initiatives of a social nature, solidarity and charity of interest to members of the Moroccan diaspora.

For its part, Souad Amjahdi, president of the association "Menni Likome" in Florida, stressed that the atmosphere of the ceremony "Chabana" organized in this state, known for a high density of the Moroccan community, "differs in no way those taking place in Morocco ", adding that Moroccan families flocked there en masse to share moments of joy and conviviality, spoil the taste buds of authentic Moroccan dishes and dishes, and liven up the heart with songs and music. panegyrics of the Prophet.

The ceremony, she added, also included a special henna tattoo section for the benefit of the girls to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, as well as tips on the virtues of fasting for health and the noble purposes of this. pillar of Islam.

Ms. Amjahdi emphasized that the Moroccan community in Florida is taking advantage of these meetings to confirm its support for the various charitable and solidarity initiatives that characterize the holy month, such as mass fasting meals in mosques and case management. social problems in the United States or in the country of origin.

With their determination to celebrate "Chaabana" every year, the women of the United States-based community paint a glowing picture of a cultural heritage that has shaped for decades the singularity of the Moroccan model and its multiple tributaries.

And religious events, including Ramadan, represent a way for them to reconnect with this heritage and consolidate the bonds of their membership in the Islamic Ummah around the world.

Traditional Moroccan Ramadan Recipes

Looking for ideas of what to serve at a traditional Moroccan iftar or ftour, the meal offered to break the fast? The recipes here are all traditional offerings which are popular during the month of Ramadan. They typically accompany a spread of dates, hard-boiled eggs, fruit juices or milk shakes, and a soup such as harira.

For variety, consider adding some dishes from the list of Moroccan Ramadan Recipes - Finger Food and Other Dishes for Breaking the Fast.




Chebakia 
Halwa Chebakia is a Moroccan sesame cookie which is folded into a flower shape, fried and then coated with honey. It's very popular in Ramadan, and is also served for special occasions.







Harira 
Classic Moroccan Harira Soup
Harira is Morocco's famous lentil and tomato soup. Although eaten year round, it's especially popular in Ramadan, when many families serve it daily to break the fast.








Stuffed Dates 
Orange flower water and cinnamon are used to flavor the almond paste filling in this easy stuffed dates recipe. If you prefer, you can replace the orange flower water with lemon zest.












Makrout with Dates and Honey 
This is another special occasion sweet which is popular in Ramadan. A mild date paste is enclosed in a log of semolina dough, then cookies are sliced, fried and dipped in honey.









Hssoua Belboua - Barley Soup with Milk 
This classic Moroccan recipe for Hssoua Belboula combines barley grits with milk to yield a rich, creamy soup that's both nutritious and satisfying. Serve it for iftar or suhoor.









Semolina Soup with Milk, Anise Seeds and Honey 
This simple Moroccan soup is easy to prepare and can be served in the evening or for breakfast. Although it's delicious as-is, honey is offered on the side for sweetening the soup.


Moroccan Sellou 

 Moroccan Confection of Sellou (Sfouf). Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Sellou is a unique Moroccan sweet made from toasted sesames, fried almonds, and flour that has been browned in the oven. It is traditionally served in Ramadan and for special occasions.


Almond Briouats 
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
These popular Moroccan cookies are made by folding almond paste flavored with orange flower water and cinnamon within warqa dough. The pastries are fried and then soaked briefly in honey. Almond Briouats are commonly served at both special occasions and casual tea times.


Spinach and Cheese Briouats 
This simple but incredibly tasty version of briouats features a melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese and spinach filling. Herbs or hot peppers can be added for more flavor, but my family loves them plain.


Moroccan Mint Tea 
Mint tea is incredibly popular throughout Morocco. Many Moroccans consider it a must after a day of fasting.

MOROCCAN PANCAKE LAYER CAKE

Happy pancake day United Kingdom!! How are you guys celebrating?! I thought the best way would be with a gorgeous baghrir layer cake. Because why have one pancake when you can stake them all up and make every single bite magical?

Baghrir is traditionally enjoyed in Morocco with a honey and butter syrup that is often flavoured with orange blossom water. For this reason, I chose to make a Moroccanized version of the crème patissière to layer my baghrirs with honey and orange blossom water!

The consistency of the crème patissière is perfect for this cake because it’s not too runny like a custard and not as dense a buttercream. This crème patissière is definitely a winner and it so yummy you are going to want to eat it with the spoon, so be careful and make sure you keep enough for your cake!

I also added pistachio and pomegranates seeds to add some crunchiness and bring out the flavour of the crème patissière. That said, feel free to use any other crunchy topping of your choice such as, sprinkles, chocolate chips, ground almonds, walnuts, etc.

Enjoy!

Café Lounge Marrakesh

Visit the far-away golden land of Morocco without ever having to leave Prague at Café Lounge Marrakesh, a popular restaurant and hookah lounge in the pretty neighborhood of Vinohrady. Step into Café Lounge Marrakesh and feel yourself being instantly transported to an exotic land – the interior boasts authentic decorative arts handmade in Morocco including carved wooden furniture, carpets and kelims (including the ever-interesting Wedding Blankets/carpets made with sewn-in sequins for some extra shine), a variety of intricate-looking hookahs, leather stools, and of course lit up metal lanterns that make the atmosphere oh so romantic. The authentic feel of leaving Prague and stepping straight into Marrakesh is made all the more real by the traditional Moroccan music floating through the air from a stereo system and the wonderful smells wafting from the kitchen. The menu is small but features all the classic Moroccan dishes you know and love (Couscous, meat Tajines, Moroccan sweets, etc.); food is prepared by order so be prepared to wait. The tea menu is extensive and includes, of course, the ubiquitous Moroccan mint tea. Should you wish to partake in smoking a hookah or Shisha, the establishment offers a variety of high quality flavored tobacco. Café Lounge Marrakesh offers entertainment in the form of exotic belly dancers that weave their magic movements into the minds of patrons regularly there; also small gifts and souvenirs are available to purchase should you wish to spice up your Prague home. Visit Café Lounge Marrakesh today and experience the wonderful land of Morocco and the fabled city of Marrakesh.


Budečská 1005/12 Praha 2, +420 734 373 425, +420 734 101 876, http://marrakesh.cz