Marrakech

Catalogue• Background

• Position

• Demographics

• Climate

• Main sights in Marrakech

History

• it was founded (1062) by the Almoravid leader Ali ibn-Yusuf and was the capital of Morocco from then until 1147 and again from 1150 to 1660. It was captured by the French in 1912.

Name The probable origin of its name i

s from the Amazigh (Berber) words mur (n) akush, which means "Land of God"

Position

• Marrakech is known as the "Red City".It is the third largest city in Morocco . Marrakech has never been Arabic, always Berber. It was its own centre in the struggle against the French earlier last century, and could have become a capital in a country away from Morocco if history had wanted it differently. Anyway, its position has been strong for such a long period. It is from 'Marrakech' that 'Morocco' is derived.

Demographics

• The official number of residents is 450,000 (as of 2006).

Climate

Koutoubia Mosque （库杜比亚清真寺）

It is considered the ultimate structure of its kind. Six rooms (one above the other) constitute the interior; leading around them is a ramp by way of which the muezzin could ride up to the balcony. It is built in a traditional Almohad style and the tower is adorned with four copper globes.

Djemaa el Fna

Modern Marrakech It has taken the red colour of its old quarters and blended this with sharp lines and higher structures.

Marrakech’s reputation as a pot of hustlers is not undeserved, but few things happen here that can't be handled. If you show respect, and keep your things close to your body, and remain alert in a crowds, nothing bad will happen to you.