"Keeweechic's Marrakech" a Marrakesh Travel Page by keeweechic

Marrakech (or Marrakesh) was founded during the 11th century and was the African capital of the Almoravid dynasty ruled by Yusif Ben Tashfin. During his reign he built the walls of the city and the Kasbah. Marrakesh in the early years was the link joining the north and south caravan route. During the 14th century the city fell to the Merinids who allowed Marrakesh to decline for some 200 years before the Saadians arrived and rejunvenated the city building the Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs. During the 17th century the Alaouites over took Marrakesh and transferred the capital to Fes.

The city lies at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Today Marrakesh is one of the countries four imperial cities and Morocco’s third largest city after Rabat and Casablanca. A modern city compared others with the formation of new districts such as Gueliz and Hivernage.

Marrakech is known as the Red City because of the city’s reddish walls and buildings although its origins are Berber meaning “Land of God”. The differences in spelling come from the French – Marrakech, and the English – Marrakesh. Even the Germans and Turks have their own spelling – Marrakesch and Marakes.

Photos which are taken by myself and all headings are copyright. Please do not use them without permission. Thanks. (c) keeweechic 2001-2009 (copyright)