Moroccan history
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Exhibition – A Spring in the High Atlas
The museum of Mouassine is housed in a house from the 17-18th century. The space is used to show exhibitions of the arts of Morocco.From the 15th of May until the 15th of June 2017 there will be an exhibition titled “A spring in the High Atlas.” Showcasing Precious Berber textiles from the High Atlas. […]
Morocco to Timbuktu: Africa’s Historical Trade Routes
“Morocco to Timbuktu – An Arabian Adventure,” BBC production. Marrakech resident Alice Morrison takes us on an epic travel adventure to discover the salt traders routes of North Africa. Starting her voyage in Tangier, the Gateway to Europe, Alice uses ancient trading routes into sub-Saharan Africa. Winding her way towards the Sahara via Marrakech and onward […]
The Secret Garden – Marrakech
The walls of Marrakech Medina hold hidden spaces. As we walk through the sun kissed, busy, vibrant streets we are often unaware of the beauty concealed behind the doors. Your first experience as a visitor to one of our riad hotels will illustrate this, as you step through the doors for the first time, the hidden […]
A Jazz lovers break in Morocco
When it comes to the age of Jazz in Europe, and the connections to the Belle Epoque in Marrakech one name is iconic : Josephine Baker. Imagine a trip to Morocco which immerses you in the world of Josephine and a festival of Jazz music! Flying to Marrakech you can book your stay Riad Star, […]
Contemporary dance event in Marrakech
There are always wonderful cultural events to enjoy when visiting Morocco. This dance event fuses world dance in a contemporary context and will be held at 8.30 pm on March 2nd 2017 at Dar Atakafa in Marrakech. BLASMIA a contemporary dance group invites you to discover and interact with tribal forms of dance from all over the […]
Marrakech a city of contrasts.
Marrakech; one of the great Imperial Moroccan cities, the fabled red city, the destination of camel trains laden with wares from far afield for over 900 years, the place of inner discovery for the bohemian travellers of the 1960’s. This magical place with a location which is locked in on all sides by the desert once made the […]
Baltic amber in Moroccan jewels
Morocco is the furthest West of the countries of the Mahgreb, these countries which are situated along the North African coast are at the end of the long and hugely important silk routes from the East. Along this highway of commerce came caravans with exotic treasures to trade. The 10th century written accounts from those who trod this […]
A history of Moroccan music.
The Music of Morocco has been influenced by many cultures and reflects the location geographically of the country. Morocco’s location has given a unique combination of musical styles, with aspects of Spanish, Sub Saharan, Middle Eastern and of course indigenous Amazigh culture all represented. Historical phases of Morocco’s history have also played a part in […]
Historical Trade routes between Morocco and Scandinavia
The Arabian traders of the silk routes between China and Morocco carried diverse treasures. They also carried news and tales of their encounters along their way. The Arab traders of Baghdad were very accustomed to trading with many cultures and civilisations. Early written records made by Abbasid historians tell of trade with Scandinavians. This written […]
Moroccan Saffron
Saffron is a prized cookery and natural medicine ingredient. Saffron is cultivated in the Siroua Mountains of Southern Morocco. The region is prosperous and famous due to this valuable crop. With a value greater than that of gold per gram this little flower really does hold hidden treasure. Saffron is the stamens of a crocus. […]
Marrakech history and culture break
Riad Papillon will be your home for a three night culture break. Just ten minutes walk from the drama and chaos of the Jemaa al Fnaa Square you could hardly believe the oasis of calm provided by the Riad courtyard. Great Value at £199 (Euros 239) per person. Explore the fabulous souks with a personal […]
Arabic Calligraphy: creating art with words
Calligraphy, known as Khatt in Arabic, is very much part of the Arab identity. On your trip to Marrakech, you will see that it is all around you: on shop signs, newspapers, books and advertising. It has become a way of communicating through art. We met up with Nour-Eddine Boukheir, a traditionally trained calligrapher, who […]
The History of the Moroccan Flag
The Moroccan flag is a common sight in the streets of Marrakech; it can be found flying proudly in both the new town of Gueliz and the old town Medina. Indeed, the Moroccan people are often very patriotic and you will find many Marrakchi locals will proudly tell you about the history of their country […]
El Wifak Carpet Cooperative: Berber Rugs and Arabic Carpets at the Ensemble Artisanal, Marrakech
All around the world Morocco is famous for it’s carpets and many travellers land in Marrakech in search of a quality piece of authentic craftwork. But it is rare to find a carpet seller who sells quality products, at fixed prices, without the tourist-spiel. However, the El Wifak Carpet Cooperative, located in the Ensemble Artisanal […]
Abdil’s Wood Workshop
Whilst walking around Marrakech, it is impossible not to notice how many of the doors, window shutters and wooden tables are carefully adorned with exquisite carvings or intricately painted tessellated patterns. These humble items extend far beyond their functional use: the beautiful designs, that are so unique to the region, represent a certain respect for […]
Jemaa el-Fnaa – Boxing
For many hundreds of years, the Jemaa el-Fnaa square of Marrakech has played host to a wide range of markets, a plethora of unimaginable spectacles and all forms of entertainment imaginable. Indeed, in the red city today, very little has changed. A short stroll through Marrakech’s central square could involve an encounter with anything from a Berber […]
The Almoravid Dynasty and Moul Lksour
In the neighbourhood of Dar el Bacha there lies an ancient history of royalty, wealth and opulence of the former Almoravid Empire. About a thousand years ago, the area served a a residential and administrative sector for the princes and dignitaries who belonged to the dynasty. Yet the neighbourhood also holds a rich cultural significance for […]
Moroccan dried fruits: sacred and delicious
Dried Moroccan fruits and dates in particular are not only key staples in Moroccan cuisine, they have a rich cultural and historical significance that goes back many thousands of years. As early as 6,000 BC there is evidence to suggest that the date palm was cultivated and harvested in North Africa and the Middle East […]
Souk Semmarine: The famous Souk districts of the Medina.
If you speak to anyone who has visited Marrakech, you can be sure that they will mention the red city’s famous Souk District. Located in the very heart of the Medina, just north of Jemaa al-Fnaa and a five minute stroll from Riad Spice, Cinnamon, Papillon and Riad Star. The souks of Marrakech are the largest you […]
The Almoravid dynasty: The Almoravid Koubba
The Almoravid Koubba is the oldest building in Marrakech, constructed in 1117 it’s the only remaining example of architecture from the Almoravid Berber dynasty of which remains in the red city. In times long gone past the space that the Koubba occupies was used for washing before prayer. At the time a then revolutionary system […]
The Majorelle Gardens: Marrakech’s botanical paradise
Just a 20 minute walk or a 5 minute taxi ride from the Marrakesh Medina are the Majorelle Gardens (Le Jardin Majorelle). The garden’s were created as a project by the French artist Jacques Majorelle between the 1920’s and 30’s and have grown to become one of Marrakech’s most popular tourist attractions. As I travel […]
Music salesmen in the square: Jemaa al-Fnaa
During your visit to Morocco you will discover Marrakech’s central square (Jemaa al-Fnaa) to be a sensory overload of sight, taste and sound whether you visit at night or at day. From the stalls selling fresh orange juice to the open air cooking stands that appear once the sun begins to set over the red […]
Amal Saha: Jemaa al Fnaa
You never truly quite know what to expect before venturing into Marrakech’s thriving central hub, Jemaa al-Fnaa. A five minute wander through this ancient space and you will witness acrobats, story tellers and magicians all competing to hold the gaze of the moving crowds. There is one act, however that is perhaps quite different from […]
Camels: majestic beasts of Morocco
Camels have played a important role for North Africans for thousands of years. In ancient times they were crucial as a mode of transport and this tradition continues today in more rural areas of Morocco. The guardian of the Riad Dar Habiba tells me that throughout Morocco these majestic beasts are universally respected. A camels […]