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Marrakech
 

Marrakech or Marakesh (مراكش Murrakush), known as the "Red City or Al Hamra," is a city in southwestern Morocco in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Its name derives from the word Moor or “Maur” (Marrakech/Murrakush: city of the Moors) like the country Mauritania (land of the Moors). Interestingly, the name Morocco derives from Murrakush. This city is located at and is the capital of the Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz region. Marrakech has the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco and also has the busiest square in the entire continent of Africa, called Djemaa el Fna.

Like many North African and Middle Eastern cities, Marrakech has two main divisions: the old city (médina) and the modern city.

Marrakech is served by Ménara International Airport.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Morocco

The official number of residents is one million; however, the population is estimated to be around two millions. The largest part of the population of Marrakech is of Berber origin.

History

Main article: History of Morocco

Yusuf ibn Tashfin, member of the Almoravides dynasty, founded the city in 1062.

Prior to the reign of Moulay Ismail, Marrakech was the capital of Morocco. After his reign, his grandson moved the capital back to Marrakech from Meknès.

Sites

Areas and neighborhoods

Mosques, medrassas, synagogues and zaouias

Palaces, dars and villas

Cemeteries, koubbas and mausolea

Handicrafts and business

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Marrakech".

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