Photography - Ivan Andrejic
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Marrakech Bathed in the pink glow of its adobe walls, the lovely Marrakesh throws open its doors to all culture lovers. Architectural masterpieces and traces of the human experience stand within these walls. Marrakesh is composed of an array of influences that defy eras, a mosaic of colors where the wonders of the past and the present come into focus. Stroll through the city. Walk through a gate into the medina and advance into the old district. This is where you’ll find the beating heart of the former royal capital and the famous minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. The tower rises 250 feet like a beacon over Marrakesh. It is also a signature of Islamic art, for its design and proportions inspired Hassan Tower in Rabat and the Giralda of the Seville Cathedral. Press on a bit further to the expansive Menara gardens created by the Almohad Caliphate to enjoy the cool calm of its olive tree-lined paths. As the sun sinks toward the horizon, the place takes on an enchanting amber glow that evokes the tales of the Arabian Nights. Other types of beauty are found along the streets. Get lost in time as you marvel at these treasures bequeathed to the ocher city by history.
Marrakech was founded in 1062 by Youssef IbnTachfin, first ruler of the Almoravid dynasty. Simple caravan camp, the city becomes an important cultural, commercial, and religious center that shone throughout Morocco, Andalusia and Black Africa, thanks to the construction of many mosques and medersas (Koranic schools). Marrakech is elected capital of the kingdom. It is also at this time that the plantation of the Palmeraie began. The legend tells that by eating dates, Youssef IbnTachfin sprinkled the fruit stones, which found there fertile, soil to flourish and eventually lead to palm trees. Youssef IbnTachfin’s son, Ali Ben Youssef built ramparts for several kilometers so that he can protect the city from attacks. In 1147, Abd El-Moumen, founder of the Almohad dynasty, sieged Marrakech for nine months, and seized the city. The main buildings of Marrakech were razed. The Remparts, and the minaret of Koutoubia will be spared. During the reign of the first Almohad kings, «the red city» will be the capital of a prosperous empire. They built many palaces and religious buildings, such as the famous mosque of Koutoubia.
At the end of the 13th century, the Marinid rulers overthrew the Almohad Caliphate, which controlled Morocco.The Marinid dynasty briefly held sway over all the Maghreb in the mid-14th century and were able to take Marrakech from the weakened Almohads. The city was then abandoned by its men of letters and artisans, in favor of Fez, which became the capital. In the early 16th century, Marrakech became the capital of the kingdom. It also revives prosperity and beauty, thanks to the Saadian Sultan Ahmed El-Mansour, who built among others the El-Badii Palace, a replica of the Alhambra of Andalusia, as well as the Saadian tombs. At the end of the Saadian dynasty, Marrakesh loses much of its prestige and heritage that falls into ruin. It was not until the reign of the Alawites (the currentMoroccan royal family) that the city regained some prestige with the restoration of the walls of the city, the Kasbah and the construction of new buildings and mosques. At the beginning of the 20th century, Marrakech experienced many political troubles. During this period, Marrakech was governed by Pasha Thami El Glaoui until the end of the protectorate. With the help of the French, EL Glaoui reigns in a despotic way, of which he represses the insurrections of the Berber tribes and became one of the most influential men of Morocco. In 1956, the end of the protectorate and the return of exile of Mohamed V marks the end of the reign of Glaoui.
The Gates - giving access to the medina in the
past, the 10 gates through the walls, “bab” in arabic, are often impressive. some of them have inspired other towns of the kingdom. Bab Agnaou: (the gate of “the hornless ram”) was given this name because it had lost its two towers. it was built in blue-grey stone from gueliz. Nowadays it has become nearly red because of the desert sand brought by the wind. it is the main entrance to the kasbah. Bab Er- Robb: this red-ochre, door called “grape juice”, was used for controlling the entrance of spirits. Bab El Khemis: giving access to the souk bearing the same name (meaning Thursday, because of the market which used to be held on that day). The structure of the gate seems to come from andalusia. Bab Aylan: it bears the name of a Berber tribe and is notable for its angled shape. it was built by the almoravides. Bab El Jdid: it is the most used gate of the medina. it is situated between the renowned Mamounia Palace and the neighbourhood of the hermitage. Bab Douklala: a massive gate, right up two square towers, near the bus station, gives access to the north of the medina. Bab El Debbagh: giving access to the tanners’ district, this fiverounded angle gate dates from the almoravide era.
The Koutoubia Mosque - One of the
most spectacular monuments in Marrakesh and one of the most beautiful mosques in the western Muslim world. Marked by a complex history, it is actually a double sanctuary with a minaret. The first koutoubia was inaugurated in 1157 and the second one as well as the minaret were built a year later on the initiative of abdelmoumen. The two sanctuaries are distinguished by the T-plan giving great importance to the wall of the qibla (orientation of the prayer). outlined against the landscape, the 77-m ashlar minaret has a ramp which leads to the top. Soberly decorated with carvings and white and green tiles on the upper parts of the faรงade and the pinnacle.
The Koutoubia, the most known and visited monument in the city, thanks to its superb minaret, true architectural master-work of Hispano-Moorish influence is next to a pleasant green area, the Lalla Hassna Park which spreads over an area of some two hectares of rose trees romantically trimmed. Facing the minaret, a wide path crosses the entire park, at its edge stands a large fountain and in its center a long basin goes along the path. At the core of the park, rises the municipal library and a koubba (white dome), grave of Lalla Zohra, daughter of a liberated slave, whose legend tells she was a woman during the day and a dove during the night, to escape her old master’s attentions. Visiting this garden will also be, the opportunity to admire the relics of the Almoravides palaces.
Menara Gardens - Created in
the middle of the 12th century by the Almohades, this garden is one of the oldest in Marrakesh and is an immense olive grove dotted with palm and cypress trees. Opposite the pavilion, where the sultan spent the summer evenings accompanied by his close relatives and musicians, the basin has become a highly-prized spot by the Marrakchis for walks and picnics. This basin is supplied with water thanks to an age-old hydraulic system, enabling the water to be carried directly from the mountains. You will be delighted by the peacefulness of this site easily reached from Bab Jdid by the Avenue of the Menara by taxi or more romantically by caleche.
Secret Garden - The
one of the biggest and of the oldest riads of the medina of Marrakesh. The origins of the complex date back in the time of the Saadiens dynasty, more than four hundred years ago. Reconstructed in the middle of the XIXth century by an influential boss of the Atlas, the Secret Garden was the abode of few of the highest political personalities of Morocco and Marrakesh. The riad, which we can today appreciate fully thanks to its recent restoration, is part of the big tradition of the Arab-Andalusian and Moroccan palaces.
the visitor can discover gardens and buildings which compose it and which constitute so many exceptional testimonies of the art of gardens, of the architecture and the hydraulics arabic. Thanks to the millennium and ingenious hydraulic technique of the khettara, the Secret Garden disposed indeed from its origin of domestic water, a rare privilege and an additional sign of its wealth. The original hydric system of the riad was restored too : The “ courses of the water � show well the way the water coming from the Atlas was distributed inside the palace to irrigate gardens and stoke cookings, hammam and fountains.
The souks - meaning markets in
English - are located in the medina and are accessible by the Jemaa-elFna square, they are one of the most important places of commerce of the city since this activity gathers more than 40 000 craftsmen, specialists in many areas, simple and sometimes unthinkable! The souk of Marrakech is an open door to a maze that aims to plunge into a show dazzling sounds, exotic scents and colors.
To get an idea of the richness of the Marrakchi handicraft and to give you the knowledge of its 40 000 craftsmen, nothing beats a stroll in the souks of the medina among the most famous of Morocco for their diversity and the atmosphere the souks of Marrakech are unique in the world in their organization and size. It is a very rewarding experience for the visitor. They have traditionally narrow lanes, which intersect, stretch intertwine to form the impression of a mazewhen entering for the first time. to protect yourself from the sun. The souks are organized by district and by profession.
The house of the Photography
of Marrakesh is a structure with cultural vocation which purpose is to share testimonies of past. it constituted a collection of photographs harvested, year after year after long researches, mainly in france. Today, the house of the Photography of Marrakesh gathers several thousand original documents, photos, postcards, glass plates‌
Riads of Marrakech Riad Zineb is located in the heart of the historic Medina 8 minutes walk from Djemma El Fnaa Square, 1 minute from the souks and 3 minutes from the Marrakech Museum. Riad taxis have access to 1 minute walk from the riad. The large patio with its beautiful orange trees is surrounded by its 8 bedrooms and of course access to the terrace with a 360 degree view on the rooftops of the Medina. The rooms have of course their private bathroom, double or twin bed, 2 large family rooms for 4 to 5 people.
You also have access to other riads Karmela and Riad Karmela Princess 100 meters away and enjoy the 2 restaurants, bars, massage room and hammam, organization of excursions once on site. It is imperative to pre-book your transfer with the Riad because it is very difficult to find house the first time. The Riad has a central swimming pool in the patio. Free Wifi throughout the Riad.
Opened in 2017 in a hip and cultural neighbourhood of the Medina, the
Karmela Princesse Riad has
everything to seduce lovers of intimate and welcoming Moroccan luxury. Taking you on a timeless voyage, this enchanting place completes a trilogy of riads, with one located just opposite. The dreamlike decor tells a story crafted by Marie Lloret, known as the ‘provocateur of interior design.
Golden caftans, Zellig tiles, artisanal woodwork, celadon copper, ceramics, leather, velvet, silk‌ the most precious materials, textures and colours adorn the patios, alcoves, salons, rooms and suites where the ochre city’s sunny light casts its golden rays in abundance. The five-star spirit also shines through in the thousand and one tailored services and divine meals combining international creativity with local tradition, because you deserve to be treated like royalty
Riad Karmela Marrakech remains
the main house with 8 spacious rooms, 9 Junior Suites and 2 apartments that can each accommodate 5 people. During the month of July 2009, an extension of Riad Karmela integrated two neighboring riads with 6 other Deluxe rooms, 6 Junior Suites which is located on a terraces in a Berber tent with all the comfort and sophistication of a decorative Moroccan draperies. A second massage room and a second steam room are also available.
Small KARMELA guest house is right in front of Riad Karmela. There are 5 rooms and suites can accommodates 10 to 12 people. The small Riad Karmela dinners are served either in the main Karmela patio during the winter or on the terrace in the month of May.