Marrakesh is a is a very known Moroccan city, the city of Marrakech is the capital city of the region : Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz, the city was once called the "The city of gold" and nowdays is called in Morocco as "Marrakech Al Hamra", it counts a polulation of 1,036,500 (as of 2006), the city is located in southwestern Morocco, by the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

The Kingdom of Morocco was once known as "Marrakech" , the origins of the name is berber tamazight and it means the land of God., Marrakech is a very famous moroccan travel destination, and of course even more important than other destinations such as Agadir, Essaouira or Meknes, the city is very known for its huge market place and the berber shops, Marrakech has the busiest square in the entire continent of Africa, called "Jamaa El Fena, Djemaa el Fna".

The three common names of the city are : "Marrakech" in French, "Marrakesh" in English, and "Marrakesch" in German, Photos and pictures from marrakech are listed elsewhere in My computer, as well as music from Marrakech and hotels and riads for your vacation in marrakech Morocco, for further specific inquiries about Marrakech please feel free to use my contact form and I will address your inquiry in very short terms.

Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco
(Arabic: المملكة المغربية),The full Arabic name Al-Mamlaka al-Maghribiya translates to "The Western Kingdom." Al-Maghrib (meaning "The West") is commonly used. For historical references, medieval Arab historians and geographers used to refer to Morocco as Al-Maghrib al Aqşá ("The Farthest West")
The Latinized name "Morocco" originates from medieval Latin "Morroch," which referred to the name of the former Almoravid and Almohad capital, Marrakech. The Persians straightforwardly call it "Marrakech" while the Turks call it "Fas" which comes from the ancient Idrisid and Marinid capital, Fès. It is that the word "Marrakech" is presumably derived from the Berber word Mur-Akush meaning Land of God.

Morocco, is a country in North Africa with a population of 33,241,259. It has a coast on the Atlantic Ocean that reaches past the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco has international borders with Algeria to the east, Spain to the north.
The climate is Mediterranean, which becomes more extreme towards the interior regions where it is mountainous. The terrain is such that the coastal plains are rich and accordingly, they comprise the backbone for agriculture. Forests cover about 12% of the land while arable land accounts for 18%. 5% is irrigated.

Morocco is known for its wildlife biodiversity. Birds represent the most important fauna.[13] The avifauna of Morocco includes a total of 454 species, of which five have been introduced by humans, and 156 are rare or accidental.

Morocco is an ethnically diverse country with a rich culture and civilization. Through Moroccan history, Morocco hosted many people coming from East (Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Jews and Arabs), South (Sub-Saharan Africans) and North (Romans, Vandals, Andalusians (including Moors and Jews)). All those civilizations have had an impact on the social structure of Morocco. It conceived various forms of beliefs, from paganism, Judaism, and Christianity to Islam.

Each region possesses its own specificities, thus contributing to the national culture and to the legacy of civilization. Morocco has set among its top priorities the protection of its diverse legacy and the preservation of its cultural heritage.


Culturally speaking, Morocco has always been successful in combining its Berber, Jewish and Arabic cultural heritage with external influences such as the French and the Spanish and, during the last decades, the Anglo-American lifestyles.

Moroccan cuisine has long been considered as one of the most diversified cuisines in the world. This is a result of the centuries-long interaction of Morocco with the outside world. The cuisine of Morocco is a mix of Berber, Spanish, Corsican, Portuguese, Moorish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and African cuisines. The cuisine of Morocco has been influenced by the native Berber cuisine, the Arabic Andalusian cuisine brought by the Moriscos when they left Spain, the Turkish cuisine from the Turks and the Middle Eastern cuisines brought by the Arabs, as well as Jewish cuisine.
Spices are used extensively in Moroccan food. While spices have been imported to Morocco for thousands of years, many ingredients, like saffron from Tiliouine, mint and olives from Meknes, and oranges and lemons from Fez, are home-grown. Chicken is the most widely eaten meat in Morocco. The most commonly eaten red meat in Morocco is beef; lamb is preferred, but is relatively expensive. Couscous is the most famous Moroccan dish along with pastilla, tajine, and harira. The most popular drink is green tea with mint. The tea is accompanied with hard sugar cones or lumps.
Moroccan music is predominantly of Arab origins. There also exist other varieties of Berber folk music. Andalusian and other imported influences have had a major effect on the country's musical character. Rock-influenced chaabi bands are widespread, as is trance music with historical origins in Muslim music.

Morocco is home to Andalusian classical music that is found throughout North Africa. It probably evolved under the Moors in Cordoba, and the Persian-born musician Ziryab is usually credited with its invention.
Chaabi (popular) is a music consisting of numerous varieties which are descended from the multifarious forms of Moroccan folk music. Chaabi was originally performed in markets, but is now found at any celebration or meeting.
Popular Western forms of music are becoming increasingly popular in Morocco, such as fusion, rock, country, metal and particularly hip hop.

Moroccan music is predominantly of Arab origins. There also exist other varieties of Berber folk music. Andalusian and other imported influences have had a major effect on the country's musical character. Rock-influenced chaabi bands are widespread, as is trance music with historical origins in Muslim music.

Morocco is home to Andalusian classical music that is found throughout North Africa. It probably evolved under the Moors in Cordoba, and the Persian-born musician Ziryab is usually credited with its invention.

Chaabi (popular) is a music consisting of numerous varieties which are descended from the multifarious forms of Moroccan folk music. Chaabi was originally performed in markets, but is now found at any celebration or meeting.

Popular Western forms of music are becoming increasingly popular in Morocco, such as fusion, rock, country, metal and particularly hip hop.

So you are welcome in this Magic Country.

Near the beautiful archeological site of Volubilis and the ancient town of Moulay Idris, lies the breathtaking city of Meknes. The historical city of Meknes was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Morocco in the year 1996. This is a city that is steeped in history and anyone who visits the city can feel the presence of the inhabitants of the past. Although some of the buildings have been restored, it looks as if the constructors of the city walked out yesterday.

The city’s name, Meknes, is derived from the Miknasa, which was a Berber tribe. Roman communities inhabited this region in 117AD and the earliest history of the tribes that settled in this site date back to the eighth century. The Miknasa established a town here in the tenth century from where the fortified city grew in leaps and bounds.

The doors to the city are massive and very intimidating. Known as “Bab el Mansour”, its columns were looted from the Volubilis archeological site and they definitely instill a feeling of anticipation and excitement when standing before them. Sultan Moulay Ismail founded the historical city of Meknes in the eleventh century as a military settlement for the Almoravids. He fortified the city with staggeringly high walls that are triple tiered and seem to carry on for miles. The narrow maze of cobblestone streets, endless stores and bustling street vendors, create a very authentic atmosphere within the city.

Visitors will be amazed at the well preserved European and Islamic architectural styles from the seventeenth century that are easily found in the city. The son of Saltan Moulay Ismail destroyed parts of the city in rebellion and the ruins add to the rich history of the city. Some of the buildings have been restored and guests can look forward to visiting the Great Mosque, the Great Mosque Tower, the Royal Palace and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum.

This magnificent World Heritage Site in Morocco is an extremely noteworthy attraction that is popular with locals and foreign visitors. The city is easily accessible from destinations such as Rabat and Fez and is a significant historical monument to inhabitants of the past and the communities that shaped the future.

The Medina of Fez is not only referred to as Morocco's cultural and spiritual center, but it is also one of the country's imperial cities. The Fez Medina was discovered in the 9th century and became prominent when it replaced Marrakech as the capital of Morocco. This all took place during the 13th and 14th century under the control of the Marinids. The Fez Medina is no longer the political capital of Morocco since Rabat was given this title in 1912. Today UNESCO has designated the entire Medina of Fez as a world monument.

The Fez Medina is an incredible place made up of beautiful historical buildings that date back to medieval times. These well preserved buildings include mosques, palaces, fountains and residential homes. The oldest university in the world is also located in the Medina of Fez. These old buildings are surrounded by eight kilometers of fortified walls that were built in an attempt to keep invaders out of the city. The Fez Medina is also one of the most complex labyrinth cities in the world, with houses and shops built close together along tangled streets making it near impossible for visitors to find their own way around.

What makes the Medina of Fez so extraordinary is the fact that these exclusive properties are available for people to rent during the holiday seasons. Until recently this experience was not an option, but in recent years a number of these ancient properties have been restored and made available for people to rent. Visitors now get an opportunity to experience how people lived in the 9th century. Those visiting the Fez Medina in this way are assisted by staff who care for their every need as well as maintaining these world heritage buildings. They are also provided with the use of a Moroccan cell phone during their stay.

There is a choice of buildings for visitors to choose from including villas, a traditional riyad house, antique royal suites and small palaces. Instead of the customary hotel, visitors are taken to a historic and romantic period of time where they are treated to a unique experience and a secret way of life that has only been opened to them in recent years.

Tangier has been strategically located between North Africa and Europe, and geographically positioned connecting Mediterranean Sea to Atlantic Ocean. The Kingdom of Morocco benefits from varied moderate climates; Tangier in particular has extremely pleasant weather throughout the whole year, which attracts many tourists from all corners of the globe and Tangier has become a very popular holiday destination, with tourists who wants to soak in the sunny beaches and enjoy all kind of activities and cultural experiences.

Due to the rich and long history of Tangier which has been exposed to many different cultures through the time, we can definitely say that Tangier is a melting pot of many traditions, cultures and religions. Therefore, due to these facts Tangier has become an interesting and tolerant town where different people from various parts of the world can live in harmony with each other. Tangier is also a place of relaxation, tranquility and cultural enrichment.

The official legal and business language in Tangier, Morocco is French. However, Arabic is the most spoken language in public. Furthermore Spanish and English are widely used as alternative languages by the people of Tangier.

The geographical location, the diversity of cultures, the languages and the flow of new investment funds makes Tangier an attractive city for many international activities in different fields.
People of Tangier are extremely friendly and nice with those who visit this wonderful city either as tourists or on business.

Restaurants and food in Tangier

As Tangier is located between the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans it is especially famous for fresh and variety of seafood, while offering a range of international menus, where it will be a delight to enjoy the different spices that Tangier and Morocco is renowned for. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of restaurants in the city of Tangier which offer excellent choices of dishes and flavours to excite your taste. You will also find global fast food brands offering almost the same menus as other countries. Fresh couscous with chicken or meat surrounded by different of vegetables would be an exceptional food exclusively in Morocco. Some restaurants even have live entertainment for their customers to make having a meal an event to remember.

There are many local groceries, traditional bazaar that you can find wide range of fresh food, vegetables, herbs and spices. In recent years supermarkets and mega stores are opened in Tanger that will allow you to shop wide range of products from home appliances to fresh food and vegetables under one roof.

Safety in Tangier

Tangier is relatively a safe place compared to many big cities. The only trouble you will come across is the persistent touts who you should disregard. Police officers are generally all over the city to ensure that the public and visitors are kept safe. If you are ever lost in the streets of the old medina, don’t worry, it’s easy to find your way again by either heading uphill to leave the old medina or going downhill which will lead you to the Port.

Historical Places

Tangier has a great sense of history all around it. The Kasbah was built at the highest point of Tangiers and has a panoramic view of the Strait of Gibraltar and Spain. There are few places where you can see two continents at once. There is also a museum of Moroccan art and archaeology. You can enjoy the impressive views along the road that takes you to the Kasbah. The Old Medina of Tangier is a must see place while visiting Tangier, you will find two market places (the Grand Souk and the Petit Souk). The architectures of the old houses within the medina are different from one another, though there are all situated in small narrow streets. The medina covers a large area and is full of traditional Moroccan features, including many shops that sell Moroccan art work and handicraft. Tanger has inspired many prominent painters who drew fabulous paintings in addition to some poets, novelists who left heavy artistic stamps in the city. Tangier keeps charming the visitors all the time with its historical places.

Night Life in Tangier

Tangier is known as ‘The City That Does Not Sleep’ There are a lot of bars and clubs with different atmospheres, depending on what you are in the mood for. Bars are scattered all over the city. Some are Spanish, French, Moroccan, English and even Irish. Drinks are relatively cheap and they all offer free tapas. Clubs are mainly situated on the beach front with some in the city centre and a few on the outskirts of town. Clubs again vary in theme from Spanish Latino, live international bands, cabarets and R’n’B.

Beaches

Tangier is located on the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean which gives it miles of open sand beaches. The beaches are nice and clean with the Mediterranean having calm waters for enjoying sport activities such as, jet skies, horse and camel riding, walking and many other sports. Where as the Atlantic is where all the surfers, sailors and quad-bike sports can be exercised.

Located in the Middle Atlas mountains, Ifrane is an oasis of coolness and greenery. Lakes, fountains – the feeling of being away from it all is complete, surprising and rejuvenating.

Pure air

From the moment you arrive in Ifrane, there is an overriding feeling of freshness. Wide avenues, parks, European-style villas – here you will discover a little-known side of North Africa. There is an abundance of springs and lakes in this region at the heart of a dense cedar forest. The sloped-roof chalets are astonishingly reminiscent of Switzerland. This makes for an infinitely enjoyable break. On the Azrou road to the south-east, a large number of dormant volcanoes make up the countryside around Ito, a rocky landscape which reminds many people at dusk of lunar craters.

Springs and waterfalls

A few kilometers along the Meknès road, you will come to the mausoleum of a marabout, a religious man from the 16^th century, Sidi Abdesslam. Covered in blue zelliges mosaics, the mausoleum is an important place of pilgrimage, tucked away in a valley covered in cypress and olive trees. A little higher up than the village, several dozen ancient troglodytic dwellings are still used as stables or storage areas.