"Meknes" a Wilaya de Meknes Travel Page by ttishbite

Although the history of Meknes is somewhat more interesting than the city itself, it was still a nice stop on the way to Volubilis. I think if we had visited Meknes before Fes, it may have been more exciting. It was definitely more chill.

The builder of Meknes, Moulay Ismail, came into power in 1672 at the age of 25. He was a ruthless ruler who is said to have slain 30,000 people with his own hands.

Ismail bought slaves from sub-saharan Africa to create the Black Guard who served him willingly and were provided for after pledging that their offspring were raised to serve in the Guard.

Ismail used 25,000 Christian prisoners and 30,000 criminals as slave labor to construct his palaces and his own mausoleum. He also had 360 wives and concubines and 800 children.

He united the Moroccan people and chased away the Portuguese and English.