Like many North African and Middle Eastern cities, Marrakech has two main divisions: the old city called Medina of Marrakech, Marrakech and the modern city. Medina of Marrakech is walled, includes many narrow and maze-like streets, and was built by Arabs as far back as the 9th century CE. Medina of Marrakech consists of historical fountains, palaces, and mosques and the monuments are conserved for their cultural significance.
Because of the very narrow streets, Medina of Marrakech is free from automobile traffic because of its very narrow streets, and this feature of the Medina of Marrakech makes it unique among highly populated urban centers. The Medina of Marrakech, Marrakech has numerous extraordinary monuments like; the Koutoubiya Mosque, the Kasbah, the battlements, monumental doors, gardens, the Bandia Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs, several great residences and Place jamaa El Fna, a veritable open-air theatre. The Almoravids built the walls of Medina of Marrakech, Marrakech in 1126-27. In 1147, the dynasty was devastated and most of its monuments were destroyed. Under the rule of Almohadian kings (1147-1269), Marrakesh prospered again as never before. Between 1147 and 1158, the Koutoubia mosque built on the ruins of the Almoravidian buildings. The unique 77-metre minaret of the mosque is a prime example of Moslem architecture, a great local landmark and the symbol of the city. The Medina of Marrakech, Marrakech is a must-see part of the city and this place is packed with little shops selling not only tourist souvenirs but also day-to-day needs of the local people. This is the exotic, fascinating part of the modern city. It is nice to go through the contrast between the busy traffic at the outside of the walls and the quietness at the inside.
|
