Marrakesh. This is a fantastic city that is a symbol of Morocco. Marrakesh was built in 1062 AD by Yusuf bin Tasyfin or Ibn Tasyfin from the Murabitun Dynasty. This dynasty ruled Morocco after the rule of the Scientific Dynasty in the country collapsed.
The city is the second largest city in Morocco after Casablanca. The rulers of the Murabitun Dynasty chose Marrakesh as the seat of their government far from the mountains and rivers. Marrakesh was chosen because it is located in a neutral region between two competing tribes for the honor of hosting the new capital city.
For centuries, Marrakesh has been known as the ‘seven saint’ or seven saints. When Sufism was very popular during Moulay Ismail’s reign, in
Marrakesh there was often a ‘seven saints’ festival. In 1147 AD, Marrakesh was taken over by the Muwahhidun Dynasty. At that time, residents’ buildings and worship were destroyed.
However, the dynasty reconstructed the entire building, including the construction of the Koutoubia Mosque and Tower Gardens – both of which are landmarks of the City of Marrakesh to this day. In 1269 AD, Marrakesh was taken over by the Marrin Dynasty and the capital was moved to Fez. This dynasty had experienced a setback in 1274 AD to 1522 AD
Beginning in 1522 AD, the Saadians took power in Marrakesh. The city of Marrakesh, which turned poor, was once again excited after being made the capital of southern Morocco. At the end of the 16th century AD, Marrakesh returned to its former glory. Culturally and economically, Marrakesh is the leading city in Morocco. At that time, the population reached 60 thousand people.
In 1669, Marrakesh was controlled by the sultan of Morocco and the capital moved back to Fez. In the mid-18th century, Marrakesh was re-established by Sultan Muhammad III. In the early 20th century, France built many French-style buildings. When Morocco won independence in 1956, the capital of the kingdom moved to Rabat.
Today, Marrakesh is one of the cultural cities protected by UNESCO. In that city, many mosques and madrassas are left over from the heyday of Islam, including: Koutoubia Mosque, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Casbah Mosque, Mansouria Mosque, Bab Doukkala Mosque, Mouassine Mosque, and many others. In this city also found many palace buildings from the glory of Islam, such as El Badi Palace, Royal Palace, and Bahia Palace. There are also many handicraft centers in Marrakesh. As an old city that is used as a tourist attraction, Marrakesh also has many museums, such as: Mu seum Dar Si Saad, Marrakesh Museum, Museum Bert Flint, and Islamic Art Museum.
