Morocco 2001

Morocco 2001

Marakech

Koutoubia Moseque

Berbers lived here from Neolithic times, but the city itself was founded in 1062 AD. The Almoravids grew the citym built walls, mosques, and madrassas. The city became the cultural, religious, and trading center for the Magreb and sub-Saharan Africa. In the 17th Cent, the city was a place of pigrimage for the Sufi, because of the seven patron saints of Morocco being entombed here. Today, Marakech is still a major economic center and tourist destination

Busy already in 2001, I understand that is has grown dramatically not just in size, but prominence. Foreigners, especially French, love owning property here.

The Jemma El Fna, one of the businest squares in Morocco and beyond, once was the place of executions

In modern day it's a place to visit on the weekend, when all sorts of events take place here

Games for the foolish to try to beat, and all fun to watch

Back then, the ' Three Amigos' were out and about, selling water - not for visitors' consumption

Of course, he hangs the harmless little snake around my neck - no problem, I do like snakes (and spiders, too)

There was a snake handler, with a Cobra, and this time I could not resist

Everyone has something 'special' to sell - caveat emptor is an absolute must

Some tour the square like this. In the background the smoke is from many charcoal fires and food is for sale all over

The Jemma El Fna is surrounded by shops and bazaars

Shops to wander around in and to lose yourself in and hand-made Berber carpets are everywhere


Part of the Saadian Tombs, which had been sealed for centuries, until rediscovered in 1917	Lying hidden for so long left them virtually unscathed and have since been perfectly restored

The Bab Agnau Gate

There is more of a gate complex inside

I already said that I took the train from Fes to Tangier in 2001. Apparently much has changed since then and the railway system has been dramatically expanded since then. For my next visit, trains it is.

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