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Marrakesh Facts |
Marrakesh Overview |
Marrakesh Tourist Attraction Marrakesh Location Map | Marrakesh City Map |
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History: Marrakesh was founded in the year 1062 by Almoravids who were a group of religious aesthetics. Before them the place was inhabited by the Berbers. They settled on the High Atlas villages after leaving this site. With time this city became the capital of the large empire of Youssef Ben Tachfine, an Almohad ruler. The famous Koutoubia mosque was constructed during the reign of the first Almohad sovereign, Abdelmoumen, and was later decorated with a beautiful minaret by his grandson Yacoub El Mansour. Marrakesh reached its zenith of glory during the reign of his son Youssef. Another landmark the Badii Palace, a wonderful creation was contributed by the sovereign Ahmed El Mansour Dahbi, a kind of a celebration for attaining victory over the Portuguese in 986 AD. History has made the city a conglomeration of Arab cities coexisting with Berber villages.
Geography: Marrakesh being a desert city experiences extremes of temperatures with day temperatures exceeding 40 degree centigrade. The night temperatures go close to 0 degrees. The Atlas Mountains forms a boundary for the city. The two main divisions of the city are Medina, known as the old city and the modern city.
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Economy: the economy of Marrakesh is dependent on the local handicrafts and hotel industry. Marrakesh being such an important tourist destination, the economy of the city is thriving on tourism. The tradition and culture of the Berbers gets reflected in the handicrafts which sell like hot cakes.
Transport System: get inside the city with a taxi from the airport, or a bus from the bus station which is nearBab Doukkala, a 20 minute walk from Jema el-Fna. Once you are in the best way to enjoy the city is on foot or pedaling the bicycle. You can also hire a taxi for traveling to the outskirts of the city. There is a central train station in the city. If horse carriage excites you then go for it!
Administration and Government: Morocco being a Constitutional Monarchy, Marrakesh also falls under the same administration. The government is composed of elected representatives. Marrakesh is one of the administrative divisions of Morocco.
Social Conditions: the population is mainly composed ofMuslims. Sine Marrakesh is a major tourist centre the society is more accustomed to the ways of the foreign tourist. The society is extremely tolerant towards all the religions.
Educational Institution: education is free till primary level and also compulsory. Morocco is amongst those countries which are having a high female literacy rate. Arabic language is considered to the first language in the schools with French as the second language. The main educational institutions are in Fes and Ifrane.
Cultural Life: the cultural life of the city is rich with heritage and history. Most of the population of the city is of Berber origin. Morocco has the reputation of having the most religious tolerance which is reflected even in Marrakesh. The festivals which are celebrated in the city are the Film Festival, the Date Festival, the Camel Festival, the National Festival of Popular Arts, Tourist Fantasias, Fete du Throne.
Accommodation Options: if you are looking for cheap accommodation options then look in the streets of the Jma L Fna. Private houses are another good option which is known as the Riads. The Club Med in Marrakesh is the best option for those who can spend more money.
Food and Wine: junk food is available in abundance in the Jma L Fna streets. Catanzaro is a good pasta outlet. Café Du Livre, Restaurant Argane, Pizza Hut, Dragon D’Or, Hotel Ali and Chez Chegrauni are some of the restaurants where you can satisfy your gastronomical desires. The Chez Chegrauni is very famous and known for the delicious Tajines which are a combination of meat and vegetable soup. This is the most popular destination for the tourists.
Shopping: the places where shopping can be fun are El Badii, La Maison du Kaftan, La Orientaliste. But one thing should be kept is that bargaining is a must when you are shopping from the street side shops.
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