History of Marrakesh

The city of Marrakech boasts over 10 centuries of history! Its history began in the 11th century, when the Almoravid dynasty settled in Marrakesh. It was Sultan Youssef ben Tachfine, founder of the Almoravids, who built two mosques and fortifications and established the imperial city of Marrakech as the capital of the empire.

The city was soon graced with magnificent assets and architectural treasures, making it one of the most beautiful cities in North Africa.

100 years later, it passed into the hands of the Almohads, who destroyed most of the Almoravid heritage and created a kasbah, mosques, gardens, and gateways to the city. Although their reign lasted only a few decades, they left a substantial mark on Moroccan architecture and culture. T

hen came the Marinids who neglected the city, causing it to decline over the years while losing much of its wealth. It became the capital again when it was taken by the Saadians in 1551, and regained its former splendour thanks to the sumptuous palaces that are still standing today.

It rapidly became the most important city in the country, until the arrival of the Alaouites in 1669. They relegated the city to a secondary position, proclaiming Meknes as the capital of the kingdom in place of Marrakech. A period of instability followed, marked both by the decline of the city, which fell into ruins after numerous battles, and the reign of Mohammed III, who restored the entire city and built the royal palace.

It ended with the establishment of the French protectorate in 1912, making Morocco part of the French colonial empire. In the 19th century, the country was seriously weakened by the wars it had waged against France and Spain. It began to be coveted by major European powers. Spain settled in southern Morocco, while France colonised Algeria. These two countries, along with Germany, wanted to colonise Morocco.

In 1911, there were revolts in some big Moroccan cities, which could no longer cope with the situation in the country. Morocco turned to France for help, as it was right next door in Algeria. France took advantage of the situation to occupy Moroccan territory and place it under a protectorate from 1912, which obviously did not please all Moroccans. However, as the country was very weak, it had no choice.

It was during this period that the Guéliz district, also known as the new ‘city’ of Marrakech, was built by the French. It was not until 1957 that Morocco regained its independence, after several years of negotiations with France. From that date, it became the Kingdom of Morocco. That is it for the broad outlines! Nowadays, Morocco has become a popular destination offering a rich heritage and magnificent monuments that recount the illustrious history of the country nicknamed the “Land of the Sunset”!