Marrakech is a charming city of pink-red buildings, verdant green gardens and pulsating public squares. Its beautiful blend of the traditional and modern is appealing to tourists. Like many other North African cities, Marrakech too has both an old and new city. While the new city has posh public buildings, restaurants and hotels, the old city houses bustling markets, public squares, mosques with tall minarets, royal palaces and tombs.
Marrakech, the Land of God
Marrakech was once an imperial city, the capital of Morocco, famed for its Sufism, art, craft and folk lore. At that time the Arabs, Persians and Europeans called it the ‘Kingdom of Marrakech.’ The name ‘Marrakech’ is believed to be derived from the Berber ‘mur (n) kush meaning the ‘land of god.’ In fact, ‘Morocco’ itself is believed to have been coined from ‘Marrakech’ or ‘mur (n) kush.’
The Garden City
Marrakech nestling at the foothills of the High Atlas can also be called a green city. Driving past the city one can notice swaying palms all along and beautiful flower beds on the broad road dividers and junctions. Also it has numerous gardens with well laid seats and date palms giving shade to those who come to relax in it.
Menara garden is one beautiful garden laid out on acres of land bearing olive orchards, palm yards, eucalyptus and many more trees. Take a walk in the garden to view the fruit laden trees, variety of flowers and birds perched on tree tops. Also go around the picturesque pond where once light and sound shows were held to attract tourists.
Imposing Koutoubia Minaret
Wherever one goes in the city, the Koutoubia minaret rising from the mosque looms tall in the background. This twelfth century mosque built by Almoravid rulers is 77 meters high and 12 meters large. With no steps and only ramp, this mosque can be entered only by followers of Islam. Derived from the Arabic word ‘Kutab’ or library, it has lots of book shops around it.
Djemaa el Fna and souk
Right across the mosque is the renowned Djemaa el fna square. One of the busiest squares in Africa and the world, it comes alive in the evenings with snake charmers, acrobats, musicians, dancers, story and fortune tellers. To experience the best of Arabia and Africa, walk round the square observing the incredible performers in their traditional costumes and arts.
Get hands painted with henna designs or bargain for dry fruits from the numerous stalls or just have a plateful of local snacks with fresh fruit juice. Behind the square is the busy market of Marrakech. Walk its narrow lanes to pick ethnic Berber jewelry, embroidered kaftans or brass and silver antiques. With a rich display of wares, it is easy to get lured by the shop-sellers. Only don’t forget to bargain hard.
BahiaPalace and Saddian Tombs
To get a taste of the ancient art and architecture of Morocco, visit the Bahia palace. Three storied with 140 rooms, this palace is remarkable for its decorated ‘riads’ (open balconies) with wooden fresco panels, ceilings with natural colored artistic motifs, screen walls made of marble powder, exquisite lanterns, green zones and fountains. A short distance from here is the Saddian tombs worth a visit for its art work.
High Atlas and OurikaValley
No visit to Marrakech is complete without a trip to the High Atlas. To witness heavenly natural sights, drive up to the High Atlas region and Ourika Valley. With the hills forming the backdrop and stream flowing all through the valley of flowers and trees, it is pleasurable to walk here observing natural beauty and the wares displayed by the locals. Also visit a Berber village and home to get a taste of the rich culture and hospitality of the locals.
Other related articles: Wikipedia, Top Attractions in Marrakech Green City (suite101.com)
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