[Mdina]", "Muse de la Musique - Muse Mouassine Marrakech", "Le Matin - S.M. The mosque was founded in 1147 by the Almohad caliph Abd al-Mu'min. Between 1961 and 1990 the city averaged 281.3 millimetres (11.1in) of precipitation annually. [69], The city is located in the Tensift River valley,[70] with the Tensift River passing along the northern edge of the city. The square attracted dwellers from the surrounding desert and mountains to trade here, and stalls were raised in the square from early in its history. After the premature death in 1900 of the grand vizier Ba Ahmed, who had been designated regent until the designated sultan Abd al-Aziz became of age, the country was plagued by anarchy, tribal revolts, the plotting of feudal lords, and European intrigues. Here you will have the opportunity to . [143] Numerous riads and historic residences exist through the old city, with the oldest documented examples dating back to the Saadian period (16th-17th centuries), while many others date from the 19th and 20th centuries. from. The map is very easy to use: Check out information about the destination: click on the color indicators. [62] In the 1980s, Patrick Guerand-Hermes purchased the 30 acres (12ha) Ain el Quassimou, built by the family of Leo Tolstoy. Job Search. Throughout the seasons, fragrant orange, fig, pomegranate and olive trees display their color and fruits in Agdal Garden, Menara Garden and other gardens in the city. These date back to the 12th century during the Almoravid period and many have them have been modified since. He preached against the Almoravids and influenced a revolt which succeeded in bringing about the fall of nearby Aghmat, but stopped short of bringing down Marrakesh following an unsuccessful siege in 1130. "[182] Among its oldest and most significant artifacts is an early 11th-century marble basin from the late caliphal period of Cordoba, Spain. Medina, Marrakesh. When it comes to beautiful green spaces in Marrakech, Majorelle Garden, situated northwest of the medina, steals the . Don't Trust Any Weather Forecasts. The average process inspector & tester electrical salary in Marrakech, Morocco is 97,971 .. or an equivalent hourly rate of 47 to hiking. Go on, add a bit more pink to your life having a break in New York. The city is home to a number of gardens, both historical and modern. famous asian tourist attraction. [247], Olives and colourful bejewelled slippers for sale. The ancient section of the city, known as the medina, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. [139] The garden, open to the public since 1947, has a large collection of plants from five continents including cacti, palms and bamboo. [208] Ceramics are in monochrome Berber-style only, a limited tradition depicting bold forms and decorations. [68] The city has expanded north from the old centre with suburbs such as Daoudiat, Diour El Massakine, Sidi Abbad, Sakar and Amerchich, to the southeast with Sidi Youssef Ben Ali, to the west with Massira and Targa, and southwest to M'hamid beyond the airport. Choose between a guided trip that includes a walking tour of the old city and a driver-only excursion, with both . [244], In 2009, king Mohammed VI inaugurated a regional psychiatric hospital in Marrakesh, built by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, costing 22million dirhams (approximately 2.7million U.S. Message copper This seller usually responds within a few hours. [144][145] It likely influenced other buildings such as the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. The French colonial army encountered strong resistance from Ahmed al-Hiba, a son of Sheikh Ma al-'Aynayn, who arrived from the Sahara accompanied by his nomadic Reguibat tribal warriors. Another version of tajine includes vegetables and chickpeas seasoned with flower petals. Your budget Marrakech to Fes desert tour will start early in the morning. The main developments have been in facilities for tourists including hotels and leisure centres such as golf courses and health spas, with investments of 10.9billion dirham (US$1.28billion) in 2011. [80][81] According to Climate Action Tracker, the current warming trajectory appears consistent with 2.7C (4.9F), which closely matches RCP 4.5. The blacktopped runway is 4.5km (2.8mi) long and 45m (148ft) wide. Hattstein, Markus and Delius, Peter (eds. [87] The city is popular with the French, and many French celebrities have bought property in the city, including fashion moguls Yves St Laurent and Jean-Paul Gaultier. [45][51], The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the largest and most famous mosques in the city, located southwest of Jemaa el-Fnaa. The Almoravids established the first major structures in the city and shaped its layout for centuries to come. Istanbul, Berlin, London, Paris, New York City and many more 2022. By Paula Hardy, Destination Expert 2 August 2022 11:15am. . [131] Bab el-Khemis is in the medina's northeastern corner and is named for the open-air Thursday market (Souq el Khemis). Duration 11h 20m When Sunday Estimated price $30 - $240 . . [240] It has two formal passenger terminals; these are more or less combined into one large terminal. It was the mansion of Si Said, brother to Grand Vizier Ba Ahmad, and was constructed at the same time as Ahmad's own Bahia Palace. The exact meaning of the name is debated. But the fashionable neighbourhoods of Hivernage and Gueliz are . Religious nomads called the Almoravids wandered to the Tensift . Spend your days exploring the quiet courtyards and snaking alleyways of the historic Medina, walking through the serene Jardin Majorelle or taking in the beauty of the city's mosques before ending the evening at a one-of-a-kind riad. Set in a 17 hectares (42 acres) olive grove at La Palmeraie, the hotel has 252 rooms, 16 suites, six restaurants and a 535 square metres (5,760sqft) conference room. The hospital has 194 beds, covering an area of 3 hectares (7.4 acres). The central internal courtyard, with The city regained its preeminence under wealthy Saadian sultans Abdallah al-Ghalib and Ahmad al-Mansur, who embellished the city with sumptuous palaces such as the El Badi Palace (1578) and restored many ruined monuments. The spectacle of the mountains is superb. It attracted numerous western rock stars and musicians, artists, film directors and actors, models, and fashion divas,[58] leading tourism revenues to double in Morocco between 1965 and 1970. dollars). [citation needed], The historic wealth of the city is manifested in palaces, mansions and other lavish residences. View of the High Atlas from Marrakech. Address : Rue Cadi Ayad, N42, appt 4 Imm Jnane Atlas Guliz. Concluded at Marrakesh on 15 April 1994", "Morocco: Marrakesh bomb strikes Djemaa el-Fna square", "Qaeda denies involvement in Morocco cafe bomb attack", "MARRAKECH: Dozens of heads of State and Government to attend UN climate conference", "The Reappropriation of Water in Overexploited Basins: The Case of the Tensift Basin (Morocco)", "Marrakech (Marrakesh) Climate Normals 19611990", National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, "World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 19812010", "Marrakesh, Morocco - Monthly weather forecast and Climate data", "Understanding climate change from a global analysis of city analogues", "Cities of the future: visualizing climate change to inspire action", "Groundwater Depletion in an Urban Environment under Semiarid Climate and Persistent DroughtCity of Marrakesh (Morocco)", "Recensement gnral de la population et de l'habitat de 2004", "World Travel: Africa's beating heart; Marrakech, no longer a hippy paradise, is still a vital centre of economy and culture in Morocco", "Marrakech is the new Costa del Sol: for a host of Western celebrities, Marrakech in Morocco has become the place to be seen at and increasingly, to live in. [60][61] Expatriates, especially those from France, have invested heavily in Marrakesh since the 1960s and developed many of the riads and palaces. [189][190][191], Elsewhere in the medina, the Dar El Bacha hosts the Muse des Confluences, which opened in 2017. Crafts employ a significant percentage of the population, who primarily sell their products to tourists. Historically the souks of Marrakesh were divided into retail areas for particular goods such as leather, carpets, metalwork and pottery. The Ourika River valley is about 30 kilometres (19mi) south of Marrakesh. The Ben Youssef Madrasa, north of the Medina, was an Islamic college in Marrakesh named after the Almoravid sultan Ali ibn Yusuf (11061142) who expanded the city and its influence considerably. Zoom out: double click on the right-hand side . The death of Yusuf II in 1224 began a period of instability. [84][85], Marrakesh is a vital component of the economy and culture of Morocco. Marrakech Medina Walking Tour: Half-Day Guided Tour. [171] Churchill used to relax within the gardens of the hotel and paint there. A hot semi-arid climate (Kppen climate classification BSh) predominates at Marrakesh. Beginning in the 17th century, the city became popular among Sufi pilgrims for its seven patron saints who are entombed here. This area of the city is rarely explored by tourists other than Jewish heritage groups - get down before . [235] Also, here takes place Grand Prix Hassan II tennis tournament (on clay) part of ATP World Tour series. Visit Marrakech and region is a travel and tourism portal in Marrakech Morocco Itineraries Shopping Souks Gardens Museums Gastronomy Restaurants Hotels Events Activities Well-being . Best neighborhood for sightseeing. [221], The Moroccan tea culture is practiced in Marrakesh; green tea with mint is served with sugar from a curved teapot spout into small glasses. Marrakech Visit website. "[179] The museum holds exhibits of both modern and traditional Moroccan art together with fine examples of historical books, coins and pottery produced by Moroccan Jewish, Berber and Arab peoples. [32] They went on to take over much of the Almoravids' former territory in Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. [231] The Madrasa was re-constructed by the Saadian Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib (15571574) in 1564 as the largest and most prestigious madrasa in Morocco. [126] This second mosque is the structure that stands today. Le Selman Marrakech hotel review: A palatial bubble of luxury close to Morocco's style city - The Independent Wed, 08 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT Powered by Google News Both yellow and white taxis offer a set price of 17.30 (COL$ 80 000) for all their Medellin airport to city centre trips. [156] It was part of a larger architectural complex which included a library, hammam (public bathhouse), and a madrasa (school). [44][45] Thanks to the wealth amassed by the Sultans, Marrakesh was embellished with sumptuous palaces while its ruined monuments were restored. [213] The Marrakech Bienniale was established in 2004 by Vanessa Branson as a cultural festival in various disciplines, including visual arts, cinema, video, literature, performing arts, and architecture. The road from Marrakesh to Settat, a 146km (91mi) stretch, was inaugurated by King Mohammed VI in April 2007, completing the 558km (347mi) highway to Tangiers. [161][162] Many of these mausoleums also serve as the focus of their own zawiyas (Sufi religious complexes with mosques), including: the Zawiya and mosque of Sidi Bel Abbes (the most important of them),[163] the Zawiya of al-Jazuli, the Zawiya of Sidi Abdellaziz, the Zawiya of Sidi Yusuf ibn Ali, and the Zawiya of Sidi al-Ghazwani (also known as Moulay el-Ksour). Based on the design of the Roman villa, they are characterized by an open central garden courtyard surrounded by high walls. Various European names for Morocco (Marruecos, Marrocos, Maroc, Marokko, etc.) This 5-star hotel and spa is located in central Marrakech, a 10-minute drive from Menara Airport. [154][160], The city also holds the tombs of many Sufi figures. The ancient Medina is arguably one of the best places to stay in Marrakech, shrouded behind over 20 kilometers of brick, reaching 9 meters high, once intended to protect those living within. The bus fare from Marrakech airport to city is 30 MAD which is $3 USD (including . Mamounia Hotel is a five-star hotel in the Art Deco-Moroccan fusion style, built in 1925 by Henri Prost and A. [166] The Jewish cemetery here is the largest of its kind in Morocco. [123] The Ensemble Artisanal, located near the Koutoubia Mosque, is a government-run complex of small arts and crafts which offers a range of leather goods, textiles and carpets. [217] Tajines may also be basted with "smen" Moroccan ghee that has a flavour similar to blue cheese. Meals and Drinks. [234] Roughly 5000 runners turn out for the event annually. Slam Famed designer Yves Saint Laurent bought and restored the property, which features a stele erected in his memory,[138] and the Museum of Islamic Art, which is housed in a dark blue building. This calculation uses our Cost of Living Plus Rent Index to compare cost of living. Book Now . The chamber next to it, originally a prayer room equipped with a mihrab, was later repurposed as a mausoleum for members of the Alaouite dynasty. [208], Festivals, both national and Islamic, are celebrated in Marrakesh and throughout the country, and some of them are observed as national holidays. United Nations agencies became active in Marrakesh beginning in the 1970s, and the city's international political presence has subsequently grown. This ornamentation is framed by three panels marked with an inscription from the Quran in Maghrebi script using foliated Kufic letters, which were also used in Al-Andalus. [124], The ramparts of Marrakesh, which stretch for some 19 kilometres (12mi) around the medina of the city, were built by the Almoravids in the 12th century as protective fortifications. The Muse de Marrakech exhibits a collection of Moroccan art forms within the decadent salons of the Mnebhi Palace. The Red city . Despite the global economic crisis that began in 2007, investments in real estate progressed substantially in 2011 both in the area of tourist accommodation and social housing. Since this species is almost extinct, these trees are being replanted and promoted by the artists' cooperative Femmes de Marrakech. [35] The Agdal Gardens cover about 340 hectares (1.3sqmi) and are surrounded by a circuit of pis walls,[135] while the Menara Gardens cover around 96 hectares (0.37sqmi). [111][117], Marrakesh has the largest traditional market in Morocco and the image of the city is closely associated with its souks. Free shipping for many products! On 30 March 1912, the French Protectorate in Morocco was established. The meal is prepared in a tajine pot and slow-cooked with steam. [59] Yves Saint Laurent, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Jean-Paul Getty all spent significant time in the city; Laurent bought a property here and renovated the Majorelle Gardens. Rice is cooked with saffron, raisins, spices, and almonds, while couscous may have added vegetables. Marrakech MedinaIt is truly a colorful city of entertainment and is called the one of the pearls of morocco. Snake charmers, acrobats, magicians, mystics, musicians, monkey trainers, herb sellers, story-tellers, dentists, pickpockets, and entertainers in medieval garb still populate the square. A pastilla is a filo-wrapped pie stuffed with minced chicken or pigeon that has been prepared with almonds, cinnamon, spices and sugar. Many of the souks sell items like carpets and rugs, traditional Muslim attire, leather bags, and lanterns. Contemporary art includes sculpture and figurative paintings. [130][51] It provides access to roads leading to the mountain towns of Amizmiz and Asni. [244] Ibn Tofail University Hospital is one of the major hospitals of the city. Since 2002, groundwater levels have dropped by an average of 0.9 m per year in 80% of Marrakesh and its surrounding area. The region has been inhabited by Berber farmers since Neolithic times. Icons on the Marrakech interactive map. 0 . [72] David Prescott Barrows, who describes Marrakesh as Morocco's "strangest city", describes the landscape in the following terms: "The city lies some fifteen or twenty miles [2530km] from the foot of the Atlas mountains, which here rise to their grandest proportions. The collection of the museum is considered to be one of the finest in Morocco, with "jewellery from the High Atlas, the Anti Atlas and the extreme south; carpets from the Haouz and the High Atlas; oil lamps from Taroudannt; blue pottery from Safi and green pottery from Tamegroute; and leatherwork from Marrakesh. [174] In March 2012, Accor opened its first Pullman-branded hotel in Marrakech, Pullman Marrakech Palmeraie Resort & Spa. Berber music is influenced by Andalusian classical music and typified by its oud accompaniment. Owner of coppermarrakech. For those who want to escape the bustle of the city, the Palmeraie is the part of Marrekech for you. Orange wood is used for making ladles known as harira (lentil soup ladles). 2022. Jaal Riad Resort - Adults Only. It quickly reestablished its status, especially during the reigns of the Saadian sultans Abdallah al-Ghalib and Ahmad al-Mansur. It is important to know that there is no higher price for night, weekend and holiday taxi trips and your overall fare includes tolls from the airport. "[88] However, despite the tourism boom, the majority of the city's inhabitants are still poor, and as of 2010[update], some 20,000 households still have no access to water or electricity. During the 16th century, the Mellah had its own fountains, gardens, synagogues and souks. Trade and crafts are extremely important to the local tourism-fueled economy. 0%. evening djemaa el fna square with koutoubia mosque, marrakech, morocco - national market stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images damnoen saduak floating market or amphawa. [154], Among the other notable mosques of the city is the 14th-century Ben Salah Mosque, located east of the medina centre. Marrakesh became the stronghold of the Almohad tribal sheikhs and the ahl ad-dar (descendants of Ibn Tumart), who sought to claw power back from the ruling Almohad family. [98] The AeroExpo Marrakech International Exhibition of aeronautical industries and services is held here, as is the Riad Art Expo. Based in the remote and picturesque village of Tijhza, were we stay in a simple but pleasant riad and enjoy optional walks each day. [232] Its 130 student dormitory cells cluster around a courtyard richly carved in cedar, marble and stucco. It offers a fitness centre and a garden with solarium. The number of households in 2014 was 217,245 against 173,603 in 2004. Not to mention the shopping scene, discover artisan shops in Medina to have a real sense of local shopping. [46][47] The palace was intended primarily for hosting lavish receptions for ambassadors from Spain, England, and the Ottoman Empire, showcasing Saadian Morocco as a nation whose power and influence reached as far as the borders of Niger and Mali. [209] A greater number of theatrical troupes perform outdoors and entertain tourists on the main square and the streets, especially at night. It has about 800,000 inhabitants and most of the houses are colored read. The Crie Berbre, to the northeast of this market, is noted for its dark Berber carpets and rugs. Servicio de Publicaciones, "Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization (with final act, annexes and protocol). Avenue Mohammed VI contains what is claimed to be Africa's largest nightclub:[94] Pacha Marrakech, a trendy club that plays house and electro house music. [4] The name is spelled Makc in the Berber Latin alphabet, Marraquexe in Portuguese, Marrakech in Spanish. Tel : 0524433407 0524433406/09. [192] The museum holds temporary exhibits highlighting different facets of Moroccan culture[193] as well as various art objects from different cultures across the world. [210] Cultural festivals of note held in Marrakesh include the National Folklore Festival, the Marrakech Festival of Popular Arts (in which a variety of famous Moroccan musicians and artists participate), international folklore festival Marrakech Folklore Days[211] and the Berber Festival. [245] In February 2001, the Moroccan government signed a loan agreement worth eight million U.S. dollars with The OPEC Fund for International Development to help improve medical services in and around Marrakesh, which led to expansions of the Ibn Tofail and Ibn Nafess hospitals. [10] A typical pronunciation in Moroccan Arabic is marrkesh with stress on the second syllable, while vowels in the other syllables may be barely pronounced. It's best to take a taxi to the train station in Marrakech since it's quite far from the old town (if that's where you're staying). [6] His son and successor, Ali Ibn Yusuf, built the Ben Youssef Mosque, the city's main mosque, between 1120 and 1132. [42] After al-Ma'mun's death in 1232, his widow attempted to forcibly install her son, acquiring the support of the Almohad army chiefs and Spanish mercenaries with the promise to hand Marrakesh over to them for the sack. The most important graves are marked by horizontal tombstones of finely carved marble, while others are merely covered in colorful zellij tiles. [167] According to the World Jewish Congress there were only 250 Moroccan Jews remaining in Marakesh. The result is that Morocco's economy and its culture is changingbut for the better or for the worse? Breakfast options. [107], Since the legislative elections in November 2011, the ruling political party in Marrakesh has, for the first time, been the Justice and Development Party or PDJ which also rules at the national level. [172][171] Other hotels include Eden Andalou Hotel, Hotel Marrakech, Sofitel Marrakech, Palm Plaza Hotel & Spa, Royal Mirage Hotel, Piscina del Hotel, and Palmeraie Palace at the Palmeraie Rotana Resort. [238], The main road network within and around Marrakesh is well paved. [90][91] The hotel infrastructure in recent years has experienced rapid growth. City guides City guides home Amsterdam Barcelona Berlin Copenhagen Dublin Lisbon Marrakech New York Paris Rome Venice . . [213] The festival, which showcases over 100 films from around the world annually, has attracted Hollywood stars such as Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Susan Sarandon, Jeremy Irons, Roman Polanski and many European, Arab and Indian film stars. [142] In 2016, artist Andr Heller opened the acclaimed garden ANIMA near Ourika, which combines a large collection of plants, palms, bamboo and cacti as well as works by Keith Haring, Auguste Rodin, Hans Werner Geerdts and other artists. [164], The Mellah of Marrakesh is the old Jewish Quarter (Mellah) of the city, and is located in the kasbah area of the city's medina, east of Place des Ferblantiers. Location : Santiago City, Chile. See all Marrakech Cities. Discover the best of Marrakech with a private driver, from Moorish palaces to royal tombs and the winding paths of Jardin Majorelle. Whether travelers arrive on the express or tour the city with thoughts of Charles Boyer and his Kasbah at the fore, all will be enchanted by what they find. [120] Souk Siyyaghin is known for its jewellery, and Souk Smata nearby is noted for its extensive collection of babouches and belts. This construction provided the occupants with privacy and lowered the temperature within the building. [128] The corner-pieces are embellished with floral decorations. [130][51] Bab Doukkala (in the northwestern part of the city wall) is in general more massive and less ornamented than the other gates; it takes its name from Doukkala area on the Atlantic coast, well to the north of Marrakesh. Wed, 08 Feb . Before you lose your way in the city's souks, get lost in these 25 facts about Morocco's most popular tourist destination. [241] The existing T1 and T2 terminals offer a space of 42,000m2 (450,000sqft) and have a capacity of 4.5million passengers per year. Medina, the best area to stay in Marrakech. "[75], A 2019 paper published in PLOS One estimated that under Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5, a "moderate" scenario of climate change where global warming reaches ~2.53C (4.55.4F) by 2100, the climate of Marrakesh in the year 2050 would most closely resemble the current climate of Bir Lehlou in Western Sahara. Before coming to Marrakesh I triple-checked the weather forecast and it indicated 18-25 degrees all the time. Enjoy the sights and sounds of New York City as you stroll through iconic Central Park, ice skate at the Rockefeller Centre and stumble upon some of the many art fairs, markets and events that fill the city streets. The most famous of Morocco's four imperial cities, Marrakesh is filled with must-see attractions. We invite you to take a stroll around some of the city's beautiful gardens and museums. [201][205] The Yves Saint Laurent Museum, opened in 2017 in a new building near the Jardin Majorelle, displays a collection of work spanning the career of French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. [227][228] Cadi Ayyad University was established in 1978 and operates 13 institutions in the Marrakech Tensift Elhaouz and Abda Doukkala regions of Morocco in four main cities, including Kalaa of Sraghna, Essaouira and Safi in addition to Marrakech. Mechoui Alley is particularly famous for selling slow-roasted lamb dishes. Tours give an insight into a fascinating part of Marrakech's (and Morocco's) history. Source: Balate Dorin / shutterstock. [175], The Marrakech Museum, housed in the Dar Menebhi Palace in the old city centre, was built at the beginning of the 20th century by Mehdi Menebhi. [204] The Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) is a non-profit art gallery that exhibits contemporary Moroccan and African art. The first of Morocco's four imperial cities, it lies in the centre of the fertile, irrigated Haouz Plain, south of the Tennsift River. copper marrakech. [50][51] Until 1867, European Christians were not authorized to enter the city unless they acquired special permission from the sultan; east European Jews were permitted. Founded almost a thousand years ago, Marrakech is one of the . Thuya craft products are made of caramel coloured thuya, a conifer indigenous to Morocco. The separate freight terminal has 340m2 (3,700sqft) of covered space. [122] The Medina is also famous for its street food. [51][130] It is one of the city's main gates and features a man-made spring. [180][181], Dar Si Said Museum, also known as the Museum of Moroccan Arts is to the north of the Bahia Palace. [119], One of the largest souks is Souk Semmarine, which sells everything from brightly coloured bejewelled sandals and slippers and leather pouffes to jewellery and kaftans. [236], BRT Marrakesh, a bus rapid transit system using trolleybuses was opened in 2017. 1. [184], The House of Photography of Marrakech, opened by Patrick Menach and Hamid Mergani in 2009, holds exhibits of vintage Moroccan photography from the 1870s to 1950s. Location : Noosa Heads, Australia. Jemaa el-Fnaa is the busiest square in Africa. Experience Morocco's colourful Marrakech and peaceful mountain walks The perfect introduction to Morocco; an insight into the colourful city of Marrakech along with some varied walking exploring the striking High Atlas Mountains. The airport has parking space for 14 Boeing 737 and four Boeing 747 aircraft. Ships from United Kingdom. The Jaal Riad is a masterpiece of architecture and decoration. [88] In the 1990s very few foreigners lived in the city, and real estate developments have dramatically increased in the last 15 years; by 2005 over 3,000 foreigners had purchased properties in the city, lured by its culture and the relatively cheap house prices. local people sell fruits, traditional food on boats in canal, ratchaburi district, thailand. A third terminal is being built. In the past, Marrakesh was an important city for trading with the tribes in the desert and all the way south across the Sahara . Moroccan women who practice craftsmanship are known as Maalems (expert craftspeople) and make such fine products as Berber carpets and shawls made of sabra (another name for rayon, also sometimes called cactus silk). The Mellah, today reconfigured as a mainly residential zone renamed Hay Essalam, currently occupies an area smaller than its historic limits and has an almost entirely Muslim population. Gay couples can visit any of Marrakech's hammans and spas, though, as with couples of all sexual orientations, discretion is in order. This centuries-old trading hub has intoxicating energy Credit: Starcevic. [93] See all results Login Register . With 130,000 hectares of greenery and over 180,000 palm trees in its Palmeraie, Marrakesh is an oasis of rich plant variety. In the early 16th century, Marrakesh again became the capital of Morocco, after a period when it was the seat of the Hintata emirs. Ciments Morocco, a subsidiary of a major Italian cement firm, has a factory in Marrakech. Vast monuments dating back to that period: Koutoubia Mosque, with the matchless minaret of 77 metres, an . [13] The latter episode set in motion the country's return to independence, when Morocco officially became (al-Mamlaka al-Maribiyya, "The Maghreb Kingdom"), its name no longer referring to the city of Marrakesh. Marrakesh has several universities and schools, including Cadi Ayyad University (also known as the University of Marrakech), and its component, the cole nationale des sciences appliques de Marrakech (ENSA Marrakech), which was created in 2000 by the Ministry of Higher Education and specializes in engineering and scientific research, and the La facult des sciences et techniques-gueliz which known to be number one in Morocco in its kind of faculties.