Marrakech, the popular city of North Africa, has become one of the most important tourism centers of the world with its radical tourism moves in the last 20 years. When you visit Jemaa El Fnaa Square, Koutoubia Mosque, Bahai Palace and Souk Traditional Bazaar, you make a time travel to the early 1900s.
Sand, sea, sun holidays, tourists, exotic culture holidays are preferred by travelers rather than the idea. Deep emotions left by man on a trip without having a swim are remembered even years later. One of the most important stops of this cultural tourism is the famous city of Morocco, which means “God's Country” in Berber language.
Morocco was the most recognizable city of Casablanca until 20 years ago. Of course, the influence of Casablanca, a film by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, was great. However, in 1999, thanks to the throne of King VI. Muhammad's reformist rule, Marrakech has become one of the most preferred tourism centers in the world. Thanks to the proximity to Europe and that almost all of its population speak good French, especially European tourists have headed to Marrakech.
The pearl of Morocco
Morocco, at the very edge of Africa, is a kingdom at the point where the continent is approaching Europe. The official language of the country is Arabic. The second official language is French, however, from 1912 to 1956, when it remained under French rule. Spanish and Berber languages were also common in the country. President of the country, since 1999, has been King VI. Mohammed. 99.1 percent of the country's population is Arab-Berber, 0.2 percent is Jewish, and 0.7 percent of other ethnicities. Moroccan currency is dirham and 1 dirham is about 1.45 Turkish Lira. It should be added that Morocco is not a very expensive country compared to Turkey.
You need five hours of air travel from Istanbul to Marrakech. Journeys usually take place in Casablanca in 4.30 hours, and then a half-hour flight from there to Marrakech. The best times to visit the city are spring and autumn. The only thing to be aware of is the occasional sandstorms that occur occasionally in the spring. On the other hand, Marrakech's night life is quite colorful.
A city with a thousand-year history
Marrakech, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, is an efficient oasis, founded as the capital of the Marabouts in the early 11th century. In the years when the dynasty was dominated by the borders ranging from North Africa to Southern Spain, Marrakech was a city that blended the culture of Andalusia with the desert culture and the heart of trade.
Marrakech serves as a gateway between the desert and northern Morocco. Just like in Mardin, the city is divided into a new city and an old city. In the new city called Gueliz, there are modern buildings and in the old city called Medina, there are historical and touristic buildings.
Because of the color of the land, almost all of Marrakech has a red appearance. For this reason, it is known as the “Red City” among the local people. Among the income sources of Marrakech, tourism occupies a large space.
The most famous mosque in North Africa: Koutoubia
The Koutoubia Mosque, dating back the 11th century, was rebuilt in the 12th century after the collapse of the old building. The mosque is considered as the symbol of Marrakech. The magnificent minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque is 70 meters high. The main feature that separates the mosques in Morocco and Turkey is the minarets. The minarets of mosques in Morocco, unlike ours, are not round, but has a rectangular tower.
The Square of Dead
Jemaa el Fnaa square is one of Marrakech's most famous and lively places. The local people call the square "Doomsday" or "the place where the dead meet". People used to name the square because it was a place where executions were held in the ancient times. The largest and most historical feature of this wide square is the meeting of the Berber and the Arabs from the North who come from Africa for trade.
Jemaa el Fnaa is the first square protected by UNESCO. The square is a fair where the sailors during the day, fortune-tellers, traditional dancers, storytellers, traditionally dressed water sellers, and carriages who serve the city wanderers meet.
It is possible to find an incredible variety of spices, dried herbs and delicious juices in the square. The square becomes different, especially when it gets dark. Pick-ups and carts bring down tables and thousands of traditional foods. When all the preparations are over, perhaps the world's largest outdoor restaurant is completed.
A bazaar where you can find almost anything
