History and Culture
History and Culture
At Marrakech Riad we pride ourselves on offering our guests as much support and information as they require to help them to plan their perfect stay in our beautiful Medina accommodation. Marrakech Morocco, a world heritage site
Marrakech is a culturally rich and diverse city, it has fascinating and complex historical influences. The culture, architecture, cuisine and people of this great red city all reflect the influence of traders, inhabitants and rulers who have gone before. We research and write about interesting facets of this rich historical background. We hope that these pieces of information will help you to gain an understandingof Marrakech before and during your stay with us.
Saadian Tombs
The Saadian tombs in Marrakech’s medina are the resting place of the former royal dynasty of Morocco, built in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur they were lost for many years only to be rediscovered by archaeologists in 1917. Since then they have become an integral part of any culture or history fans visit to Marrakech. […]
Ramadan in Marrakech
The Islamic calender also has 12 months like the Gregorian, however whereas the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar (i.e. based on the earth’s orbit of the sun) the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. This means that the calendar does not correspond directly to the seasons in the same way that the western calendar does, […]
The Jewish community in Marrakech
The Jewish community has a long history in Marrakech and Morocco at large, indeed the history of the community stretches back to antiquity under the Roman empire following the dissolution of the Jewish state in 70 AD with Jewish people arriving after the destruction of the Jewish state. The Jewish people received relatively kind treatment under the sultans due […]
Fresh Orange juice in Jemaa el Fna
When under the boiling sun that is often to be found in Morocco and indeed much of north Africa, there is little more refreshing or thirst quenching than a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. Luckily if you happen to find yourself in the great square of Jemaa el Fna there is certainly no short […]
Marrakech Museum
If you’re looking for a more historical perspective on Marrakech and Morocco or indeed just looking for a tranquil and interesting place to visit between the hustle and bustle of the markets and the souks then Marrakech Museum is what you’re looking for. The museum itself is a classic example of the local architecture meaning […]
Islamic Art in Marrakech
Due to scruples contained within Islamic texts it is forbidden to depict living creatures such as humans or animals. This has not however stopped the Islamic world from developing its own very distinctive and beautiful forms of art, indeed many of the forms and shapes expressed within the realms of Islamic art certainly have benefited from these cultural directives. […]
Orange Canelle a Moroccan treat.
For a fresh taste of Marrakech it is hard to find a better example of a simple yet delicious dish as Orange Canelle or Moroccan Orange Salad. This salad is the simple combination of slices of orange placed on a plate with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top. This seemingly simple dish is a great […]
Donkey and cart
The donkey and cart is a common sight in the medina of Marrakech where the streets are too narrow for truck and vans. These docile and dependable creatures, known as ‘brill’ in arabic are essential to everyday life. A Riad hotel in the Medina is the perfect base from which to explore and experience this […]
An afternoon walk through the lively Marrakech Souks
The Marrakech Souks contain an astonishing variety of life. Just a 15 minute walk though the Souks near to Riad Papillon and Riad Cinnamon in the central medina gives a window onto an ancient culture. Start in a Caravanserai ( a camel motel!) recently restored using UNESCO funding (Marrakech is a UNESCO world heritage site), […]
A stroll through Marrakech at dawn, from Riad Cinnamon to the Jemma al Fna square
What better place to wake before dawn than the ancient City of Marrakech. The gallery below traces an early morning stroll, waking in our luxury Riad Cinnamon, taking a hot shower in the Casablanca suite, moving swiftly up to the roof terrace to catch the sunrise behind the Ben Yussef mosque and the Atlas Mountains […]
Chicken Tagine with preserved lemon and olives
Some would argue that Chicken Tagine is the Moroccan National dish (though others would say cous cous!). It is certainly a Moroccan classic. If you want to experience the REAL Morocco stay in our Riad Marrakech Luxury Accommodation. What better way to sample the delights of this ancient culture and share a warm moroccan welcome. […]
Fez style Zellig tile work
Craftsmen from the Imperial City of Fez, Morocco are known for their intricate tile work. This magnificent example is behind a fountain in the old town of Marrakech. Stay in one of our Riad boutique hotels and experience the Red City at First hand. Make contact today to reserve accommodation.
Oud, a classical arab musical instrument
In the heart of the Marrakech Mediana, master craftsmen, known as ‘mellem’ are working using many ancient skills. The Mellem below was photographed in the Marrakech Souks not far from Riad Cinnamon shaping an Oud in lemon wood. The enchanting sound of classical Oud is familiar throughout the arab world Stay in our Riads in Magical Marrakech and experience this fascinating and ancient […]
Broad Beans, in season in March and April
We enjoy serving seasonal organic fruit and vegetables at our marrakech riads. In March and April this includes broad beans which are abundant in the street markets. Reserve dinner for your arrival evening when you book accommodation. The perfect base from which to explore the ancient medina of Marrakech, Morocco.
Chrob ou Chouf fountain, Marrakech
The Chrob ou Chouf fountain is located in the Central Medina near to the Marrakech Museum and our Marrakech Riad Cinnamon. Built under the Saadian dynasty around 1600 the arabic name translates literally as ‘Drink and Look’. As Marrakech expanded fountains provided essential drinking water for new neighbourhoods transported via a complex system of underground […]
Svenge, Moroccan deep fried donuts
Svenge is a widely available in Marrakech, often served from street food stalls. Rings of dough deep fried in oil, usually sold tied in bunches of five. Svenge is eaten at breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. Our Marrakech Riads offer the perfect base from which to explore the Red City. Reserve Accommodation […]
Marrakech Riad Plasterwork
The skill of craftsmen practicing ancient trades in Marrakech is quite astonishing. The renovation of our Riad hotels involved dozen of ‘mellem’ or master craftspeople. Among the most impressive to watch working was the ‘mellem gubs’ the plasterworker. The intricate cornices and ceiling pieces were actually cast in the Riad just as they would have […]
Spakia, a honeyed snack, eaten with soup while breaking the Ramadan fast
Spakia is one a number of ‘hi-energy’ foods traditionally prepared in Ramadan forming part of the meal which breaks the fast after sundown. Coated in honey and seeds it is usually eaten with Harira soup. Our Marrakech Riad Cinnamon belonged to a long established Marrakech family before we converted it as a Boutique Hotel. They […]
Slilou, a Moroccan delicacy traditionally made during Ramadan
Slilou is one of a number of seasonal specialities prepared during Ramadan. It consists of a blend of nuts and spices ground to a fine powder and eaten with teaspoons, usually from a shared dish during the ‘breakfast’ after sundown. Slilou is a high energy food, and it’s absolutely delicious! Our Marrakech Riads are located […]
Tanjia, a special dish unique to Marrakech
Many visitors to Morocco are familiar with Tagine, the classic slow cooked Moroccan meal prepared in a cone shaped clay pot of the same name. The ancient City of Marrakech has a signature slow cooked dish which is even more special, the TANJIA. The Tanjia dish is shaped like a greek urn, it is perfectly […]