Morocco had its independence in 1956 but was designated a protectorate 1912. Presently, North Africa’s sole monarchy is this one. Even though the country is fast developing and has a rising standard of living, it nonetheless maintains a large portion of its historic buildings and even more of its long-standing traditions.
Moroccan culture and dynasties collide in this country:
Each nation has a unique history complete with significant occurrences, historical facts, and historical turning points that have shaped the nation’s identity. One of the things that are regarded worthy of remembering in a nation is its history, which perfectly describes Morocco.
Morocco has established itself as a multicultural nation, with many different types of heritage being recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO. These dynasties that have succeeded one another over the years include the Idrisside, Almoravid, Almohad, Merinid, Saadian, and Alaouite dynasties.
One of the top vacation spots for adventurers who are most captivated by nature, history, the art of living, and Moroccan hospitality is Morocco. They are pleased with their stay because of the knowledge they gained from their travels in Morocco.
Dynasty of Idrisside
For more than a century, the Idrisside dynasty was the first to subdue Morocco. Idriss the First, who is renowned for making Volubilis (Walili) his capital, founded it.
The Idrisside dynasty ruled most of the Maghreb, including what is now modern-day Morocco, from 789 to 978. The Idrissides, who established the first royal dynasty in Moroccan history, were able to construct new cities, such as Fez, which later replaced Volubilis as the country’s capital during the rule of their son Idriss II and his successors.
Numerous structures, such as the Al-Qarawiyin Mosque, one of the most significant mosques in Morocco and whose architecture is an excellent aesthetic masterpiece, serve as reminders of the architectural and theological accomplishments of this dynasty. The Almoravids eventually overthrew the dynasty after a number of years.
Dynastie of Almoravide
After the Idrissides, the Almoravids took control of the nation and inherited portions of the land in the Maghreb. The Almoravids established Marrakech in 1062, overthrowing the African dynasty before launching their campaign in the north. They succeeded in establishing a monarchy throughout Maghreb and Al-Andalus, with Marrakech serving as their capital.
The second imperial city, which served as a commerce hub and a link between sub-Saharan Africa and the Maghreb, arrived after this extraordinary feat. There have been mosques built there, including the Koutoubia mosque, whose construction started under the Almoravid dynasty, as well as Koranic medersas, walls, and palaces. To supply water for the entire area, they also constructed an irrigation center.
Dynasty of Almohad
In 1147, when Abd al-Mu’min (r. 1130–1163) captured Marrakesh and declared himself caliph, they were successful in destroying Morocco’s ruling Almoravid dynasty. By 1159, they had expanded their dominion to encompass the whole Maghreb. Al-Andalus soon followed, and by 1172, Almohad control had spread throughout Muslim Iberia.
Dynasty of Marinid
During the 13th–15th centuries, the Marinid dynasty, an Amazigh (Berber) dynasty, briefly succeeded Almohad authority in Morocco and other northern African countries. The Marīnids, a Zanātah tribe, were traditionally friends of the Umayyad caliphs of Córdoba in Spain.
Dynasty of Saadian
It was ruled by the Saadi dynasty, also known as the Saydanids, an Arab Sharifian dynasty from southern Morocco. The dynasty’s rise to prominence began in 1510, when Muhammad al-Qa’im was declared head of the Sous valley tribes in their struggle against the Portuguese, who had conquered Agadir and other coastal cities.
Dynasty of Alaouite
The present governing Alaouite dynasty is an Arab family derived from the Prophet Muhammad. Moulay Rachid, the first Alaouite ruler, arrived from the southeast oasis of Tafilalet and seized power from the Saadians in the 1660s.
About Casablanca City!
History of Casablanca Casablanca, also known as Dar al-Bayda in Arabic and in Berber languages (ⴹⴹⴰⵕⵍⴱⵉⴹⴰ: romanized: albia, lit. “White House”), is the capital and largest city of Morocco. It also serves as the country’s financial and commercial hub.
With a population of about 4.27 million in the Greater Casablanca area and about 3.71 million in the urban area, the city is the most populous in the Maghreb and the eighth-largest in the Arab world. The Port of Casablanca, which is located 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Tangier, is Morocco’s main port and one of the largest man-made ports in the world [3]. It is also the second-largest port in North Africa. [4] The Royal Moroccan Navy’s main naval base is located in Casablanca.
In the Global Financial Centers Index rankings for 2022, Casablanca came in at number 54 globally, outpacing several other cities like New Delhi, Jakarta, Istanbul, and Mexico City. Casablanca, the largest financial center in Africa, is one of the competitors for Emerging International. The primary industrial facilities and corporate headquarters of the largest American and European firms operating in Morocco are located in Casablanca. According to recent industry statistics, Casablanca is the country’s main industrial region.
About Tangier City!
History of Tnagier Northwestern Morocco is home to the city of Tangier (/taendr/ tan-JEER; Berber languages:, romanized: anja; Arabic:, romanized: anja). Where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge off Cape Spartel lies on the Moroccan coast, at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar.
The town serves as both the regional and national capitals of Morocco’s anja-Aila Prefecture and Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima. Since before the tenth century BCE, numerous civilizations and cultures have had an impact on Tangier’s history.
Tangier was a crossroads for many civilizations from its time as a crucial Berber town through its time as a Phoenician commerce hub and up to Morocco’s independence phase in the 1950s. Foreign colonial powers began to view it as having international stature in 1923, and numerous diplomats, spies, bohemians, writers, and merchants from Europe and the United States traveled there.
Rapid modernization and growth are taking place in the city. A football stadium, an airport terminal, a contemporary business zone named Tangier City Centre, and tourism initiatives along the harbor are among the ongoing projects. The Tangier-Med port will have a significant positive impact on Tangier’s economy.
About Chefchaoune City!
History of Chefchaoune Ali ibn Rashid al-Alami, a descendant of Abd al-Salam ibn Mashish al-Alami and Idris I, erected the city as a minor kasbah in 1471 (876 AH). Al-Alami built the kasbah to defend northern Morocco from Portuguese incursions.
About Fes City!
History of Fes beginning towards the close of the eighth century and the start of the ninth century CE, Idris I and Idris II laid the groundwork for Fes. What is currently known as the Oued Fes originally consisted of two autonomous, rival villages on opposite coastlines. A majority Berber (Amazigh) population initially called the area home, but over time, successive waves of mostly Arab immigration from Ifriqiya (Tunisia) and al-Andalus (Spain/Portugal) gave the emerging city an Arab identity as well.
After the downfall of the Idrisid dynasty, it was contested between different Zenata groups allied with either the Fatimid Caliphate or the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba. In the 11th century the Almoravid sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin conquered the region and united its two settlements into what is today the Fes el-Bali (“Old Fez”) quarter. Under the rule of the Almoravids and of the Almohads after them, despite losing the status of capital to Marrakesh, the city remained the economic and political center of northern Morocco and gained a reputation for religious scholarship and mercantile activity.
About Meknes City!
The Historic City of Meknes has exerted a considerable influence on the development of the civil and military architecture (the kasbah) and works of art. Founded in 1061 A.D. by the Almoravids as a military stronghold, its name originates from the great Berber tribe Meknassa who dominated eastern Morocco as far back as the Tafilalet in the 8th century. Geographically, it is remarkably located in the Saïss Plain between the Middle Atlas and the pre-rifan massif of Zerhoun. It contains the vestiges of the Medina that bears witness to ancient socio-economic fabric and the imperial city created by the Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672-1727).
What gives this urban treasure its worldwide worth is the current presence of this historic city with its great monuments and unusual ruins situated within a dynamic urban setting. A set of ramparts encloses the two ensembles and keeps them apart from one another. Meknes is particularly interesting since it is the first major creation of the Alaouite dynasty and reflects the magnificence of its architect, in addition to being created in the Hispano-Moorish style, which adds to its architectural interest. It also offers a novel approach to urban design, fusing aspects of Islamic and European town planning and architecture.
About Volubilis!
Essentially Roman ruins of a fortified municipium constructed on a commanding perch at the foot of the Jebel Zerhoun can be found in Volubilis. With a 42 acre size, it is extremely significant for illustrating urbanization and Romanization at the boundaries of the Roman Empire as well as the visual representation of the contact between Roman and native cultures. It offers a significant amount of authenticity due to its seclusion and the fact that it had not been inhabited in almost a thousand years. It is one of the most abundant sites from this era in North Africa, not just because of the ruins but also because of the abundance of epigraphic material.
The ruins at this location are evidence of numerous civilizations. From prehistory through the Islamic era, all ten centuries of its habitation are portrayed. Numerous works of art, such as mosaics, marble and bronze statues, and hundreds of inscriptions, have been created at the location. This evidence, along with what has yet to be found, shows the inventiveness of the people who have inhabited the area throughout history. The Roman rampart built between 168 and 169 AD serves as the site’s boundary.
Two topographic types can be seen in the site’s features: a rougher hilly area covering the South and Western parts where a terraced plan was used, and a relatively flat sloping area in the North-Eastern part, the monumental sector, and a portion of the sector of the triumphal arch. The ruins are a testament to many different eras, including the Mauritanian period, when it was a part of a sovereign state, the Roman era, when it was the capital of the Roman province of Mauritania Tingitana, the so-called “dark ages,” which culminated in the Christian era, and the Islamic period, which was marked by the establishment of the Idrissid dynasty.
About Rabat City!
Rabat, which can be found in the northwest of Morocco on the Atlantic coast, is the result of a fruitful dialogue between Arabo-Muslim tradition and Western modernism. The city that has been inscribed includes the new town that was planned and developed from 1912 to the 1930s during the French Protectorate, as well as the Jardins d’Essais botanical and pleasure parks, as well as the royal and administrative quarters.
Additionally, it includes older sections of the city that date back to the 12th century. The new town is arguably the most comprehensive and one of the biggest and most ambitious contemporary urban projects developed in Africa in the 20th century. Older components include the Hassan Mosque (started in 1184) and the Almohad ramparts and gates, the only sections still standing from the Almohad caliphate’s ambitious plan for a grand capital city. There are also remnants of the Moorish, or Andalusian, principality of the 17th century.
About Marrakech City!
Since the Neolithic era, Berber farmers have lived in the area. The Almoravids built the city’s first significant structures and influenced its layout for many centuries. The name “Red City” (Al Madinat alhamra’) or “Ochre City” (ville ocre) refers to the city’s crimson walls, which Ali ibn Yusuf built in 1122–1123, as well as other buildings made of red sandstone. Marrakesh developed quickly and became known as the trade, cultural, and religious hub of the Maghreb.
The city experienced a period of decay before Fez overtook it. As the seat of the Saadian dynasty in the early sixteenth century, Marrakesh rose to prominence. Sultans Abdallah al-Ghalib and Ahmad al-Mansur adorned the city with opulent palaces like the El Badi Palace (1578) and restored numerous damaged monuments. Due to the seven patron saints who are interred within the city’s walls, the city started to attract Sufi pilgrims in the 17th century. T’hami El Glaoui was appointed Pasha of Marrakesh in 1912, when the French Protectorate of Morocco was founded. He held this position for almost the entire duration of the protectorate until 1956, when the function was abolished with the independence of Morocco and the restoration of the monarchy.
The medieval fortified city of Marrakesh is crammed with traders and their stalls. The area surrounding the medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a significant commercial hub and popular tourist attraction, the city is among the busiest in all of Africa, with Jemaa el-Fnaa serving as the busiest square on the continent. The construction of hotels and real estate in Marrakesh has increased significantly in the twenty-first century. The French are very fond of Marrakech, and several famous French people have homes there. With 18 souks, Marrakech boasts the most traditional markets (souks) in all of Morocco. A sizeable portion of the community works in crafts and sells their goods mostly to visitors.
The city of Marrakesh is connected to Casablanca and northern Morocco through the Marrakesh train station and the Ménara International Airport. Cadi Ayyad University is one of many colleges and institutions in Marrakesh. The Najm de Marrakech, KAC Marrakech, Mouloudia de Marrakech, and Chez Ali Club de Marrakech are among the Moroccan football teams present. The World Touring Car Championship, Auto GP, and FIA Formula Two Championship races are held at the Marrakesh Street Circuit.
About Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou!
The Ksar is a typical pre-Saharan habitat that consists of a collection of mud structures encircled by high walls. In the region of Ouarzazate, Ait Ben-Haddou is a stunning illustration of southern Moroccan architecture.
The most well-known ksar in the Ounila Valley is the site of Ait-Ben-Haddou, which is situated in the foothills on the southern slopes of the High Atlas in the Province of Ouarzazate. A remarkable example of southern Moroccan architecture is the Ksar in At-Ben-Haddou. The ksar is a cluster of primarily communal homes. A dense concentration of houses, some modest and others resembling small urban castles with their high-angle towers and upper sections decorated with clay brick motifs, can be found inside the defensive walls that are reinforced by angle towers and entered through a baffle gate. There are also buildings and community areas inside the walls. It is a remarkable collection of structures that provides a thorough overview of pre-Saharan earthen construction methods.
The earliest buildings don’t seem to date back to the 17th century, despite the fact that the southern Moroccan valleys have been home to these structures’ structure and technique since very early times. The location served as one of the numerous trading stops along the road that connected Marrakesh to ancient Sudan via the Tizi-n’Telouet Pass and the Dra Valley. Architecturally, the living spaces are arranged in a small, confined group that is suspended. The mosque, the public plaza, the grain threshing grounds beyond the ramparts, the fortification and loft at the top of the village, the caravanserai, the two cemeteries (Muslim and Jewish), and the Sanctuary of Saint Sidi Ali or Amer are among the communal spaces of the ksar.
The Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou is a notable example of a ksar in southern Morocco that exemplifies the primary forms of clay structures that can be seen dating from the 17th century in the valleys of the Dra, Todgha, Dadès, and Souss. This is a requirement (iv).
Criteria (v): The traditional earthen dwelling depicted in the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou represents the culture of southern Morocco, which is now under danger due to irreversible socioeconomic and cultural changes.
Credibility (2009)
The buffer zone preserves the environment around the ksar, which is entirely contained within its limits. Due to lack of upkeep and routine maintenance brought on by the ksar’s people abandoning it, the earthen structures are extremely insecure. With difficulty, the CERKAS (Centre for the protection and rehabilitation of the architectural heritage of atlas and sub-atlas zones) keeps track of adherence to the property’s visual integrity.
Genuineness (2009)
The Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou has maintained its architectural authenticity in terms of configuration and materials, in contrast to other ksours in the area. The clay constructions are in perfect climatic harmony with the surrounding natural and social surroundings, and the architectural style has been effectively conserved.
Large residences with well-preserved ornamental elements are frequently tended to in the lower portion of the village. Earth and wood are still the principal building materials. The ongoing oversight of the “Comité de contrôle des infractions” (Rural Community, Town Planning Division, Urban Agency, CERKAS) has prevented the introduction of cement thus far. Only a few reinforced concrete and lintels managed to evade its attention, but they were rendered in earth to conceal them. To guarantee that the wood is not replaced by metal, special care is also taken to doors and windows that open onto the alleys.
Requirements for protection and management (2009)
The several laws for the designation of historic monuments and sites, in particular Law 22-80 safeguarding Moroccan heritage, are what the protection measures mainly pertain to. Currently, the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou has a 2007–2012 five-year management plan. The development of this management plan took two years of reflection and workshops, including all parties involved in the site’s future, particularly the local inhabitants. This plan’s suggestions are being carried out. Additionally, two management committees—one local and one national—have been established, in which all stakeholders are represented and participate in decision-making. In addition to looking after the property, CERKAS makes sure that this management plan is implemented in a coordinated manner.
About the Merzouga Desert!
A little community called Merzouga may be found in southeast Morocco, around 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the Algerian border, 35 kilometers (22 miles) southeast of Rissani, and about 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Erfoud.
The town is well-known for being close to Erg Chebbi and is a well-liked travel destination.The Erg Chebbi has been called “a wonderland of sand,” and it has been called “a desert theme park.”The largest naturally occurring underground water body in Morocco is near Merzouga.
About Midelt City!
In the first half of the 20th century, Midelt expanded around a named French administrative post. Previously, the fertile environs had been dotted with villages and ksour. In order to facilitate the extraction of lead, gypsum, other minerals, and fossils from the neighboring Ahouli and Mibladen mines and other locations, the French built their station. As a result of the growth of these mines, Midelt was electrified in 1930, and a railroad was built from Midelt to the Mediterranean shore. Only Casablanca in Morocco had electricity earlier.
Control returned to the Moroccan government in 1956, the year of Moroccan independence. Midelt Province’s present provincial capital is Midelt.
