[29][30], In 1125, the preacher Ibn Tumart settled in Tin Mal in the mountains to the south of Marrakesh, founding the Almohad movement. . The location of Marrakesh on the north side of the Atlas, rather than the south, prevents it from being described as a desert city, and it remains the northern focus of the Saharan lines of communication, and its history, its types of dwellers, and its commerce and arts, are all related to the great south Atlas spaces that reach further into the Sahara desert. The PAM, largely consisting of friends of King Mohammed VI, came in second place with 9,794 votes. Famed designer Yves Saint Laurent bought and restored the property, which features a stele erected in his memory,[138] and the Museum of Islamic Art, which is housed in a dark blue building. Marrakesh is a city steeped in ancient artistry that continues to thrive, kept alive by the modern craftspeople of the souqs and the contemporary art and design scene of the Ville Nouvelle. [247], Olives and colourful bejewelled slippers for sale. Salary estimates based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in Marrakech, Morocco. - national market stock pictures, royalty . Between 1961 and 1990 the city averaged 281.3 millimetres (11.1in) of precipitation annually. The same word "mur" appears in Mauretania, the North African kingdom from antiquity, although the link remains controversial as this name possibly originates from mavros, the ancient Greek word for black. to hiking. [109], The Jemaa el-Fnaa is one of the best-known squares in Africa and is the center of city activity and trade. Marrakech became the capital of the Almoravid dominion. Subsequently, with the fluctuating fortunes of the city, Jemaa el-Fnaa saw periods of decline and renewal. The Crie Berbre, to the northeast of this market, is noted for its dark Berber carpets and rugs. [239] The airport is at an elevation of 471 metres (1,545ft) at 313625N 0080211W / 31.60694N 8.03639W / 31.60694; -8.03639. Highway A7 connects also Marrakesh to Agadir, 233km (145mi) to the south-west. Address : Rue Cadi Ayad, N42, appt 4 Imm Jnane Atlas Guliz. One of the school's best known teachers was Mohammed al-Ifrani (16701745). [241] The existing T1 and T2 terminals offer a space of 42,000m2 (450,000sqft) and have a capacity of 4.5million passengers per year. Both the Mouassine and Bab Doukkala mosques appear to have been originally designed to anchor the development of new neighbourhoods after the relocation of the Jewish district from this area to the new mellah near the Kasbah. [55], T'hami El Glaoui, known as "Lord of the Atlas", became Pasha of Marrakesh, a post he held virtually throughout the 44-year duration of the Protectorate (19121956). Kefta (mince meat), liver in crpinette, merguez and tripe stew are commonly sold at the stalls of Jemaa el-Fnaa. "[110] It has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985. Bursting with colour and intrigue, delve into spice-filled souks, stroll along atmospheric alleys or relax and unwind in a steamy hammam - Morocco offers a taste of the exotic. This centuries-old trading hub has intoxicating energy Credit: Starcevic. [202][203] Since 2019, its collection of Orientalist paintings are now housed at its sister museum, the Orientalist Museum in the medina. Housekeeping Supervi. Marrakech is a city of many faces. Location : Santiago City, Chile. Carpets and textiles are weaved, sewn or embroidered, sometimes used for upholstering. 100%. Marrakech Visit website. The chamber next to it, originally a prayer room equipped with a mihrab, was later repurposed as a mausoleum for members of the Alaouite dynasty. [230], The college, which was affiliated with the neighbouring Ben Youssef Mosque, was founded during the Marinid dynasty in the 14th century by Sultan Abu al-Hassan. The city is situated west of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. [166] The Jewish cemetery here is the largest of its kind in Morocco. [96][97] Industrial production in the city is centred in the neighbourhood of Sidi Ghanem Al Massar, containing large factories, workshops, storage depots and showrooms. Check ALSA Bus Number 19 Marrakech airport schedule and route! per adult (price varies by group size) Half-Day Guided City Tour in Marrakech Hidden Medina. [216] Tajines can be prepared with chicken, lamb, beef or fish, adding fruit, olives and preserved lemon, vegetables and spices, including cumin, peppers, saffron, turmeric, and ras el hanout. Gardens. Travel to Morocco and visit the best of the country's sights on this 15-day all-encompassing adventure from Casablanca to Marrakech. It is one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco and is the capital of the Marrakesh-Safi region.The city is situated west of the . [208], Wood crafts are generally made of cedar, including the riad doors and palace ceilings. Tennis H2H Niels Desein vs Lamine Ouahab. [99] Much of this trade can be found in the medina and adjacent squares. [206] It is a sister museum to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Paris. [169] It is considered the most eminent hotel of the city[170][171] and has been described as the "grand dame of Marrakesh hotels." Professional B2B solutions Meetings & Events Press Room Management & Franchise Affiliate Program Sofitel Partners. Check out the cost of living in specific cities, states, or countries. [56] Glaoui, already known for his amorous adventures and lavish lifestyle, became a symbol of Morocco's colonial order. Marrakesh is known by a variety of nicknames, including the "Red City", the "Ochre City" and "the Daughter of the Desert", and has been the focus of poetic analogies such as one comparing the city to "a drum that beats an African identity into the complex soul of Morocco. Recommended. Mamounia Hotel is a five-star hotel in the Art Deco-Moroccan fusion style, built in 1925 by Henri Prost and A. With 130,000 hectares of greenery and over 180,000 palm trees in its Palmeraie, Marrakesh is an oasis of rich plant variety. [115], Historically this square was used for public executions by rulers who sought to maintain their power by frightening the public. For those who want to escape the bustle of the city, the Palmeraie is the part of Marrekech for you. Jemaa el-Fnaa is the busiest square in Africa. 0%. [134][35] They are centered around a large water reservoir surrounded by orchards and olive groves. [citation needed], The arts and crafts of Marrakesh have had a wide and enduring impact on Moroccan handicrafts to the present day. [61] On 15 April 1994, the Marrakesh Agreement was signed here to establish the World Trade Organisation,[63] and in March 1997 Marrakesh served as the site of the World Water Council's first World Water Forum, which was attended by over 500 international participants. A third terminal is being built. These include the regional Court of Appeal, the Commercial Court, the Administrative Court, the Court of First Instance, the Court of Appeal of Commerce, and the Administrative Court of Appeal. The central internal courtyard, with It was created in 1558 by the Saadians at the site where the sultan's stables were. [183], The former home and villa of Jacques Majorelle, a blue-coloured building within the Majorelle Gardens, was converted into the Berber Museum (Muse Pierre Berg des Arts Berbres) in 2011, after previously serving as a museum of Islamic art. 7 From Marrakech: 3-Day Sahara Tour to the Erg Chebbi Dunes. 1. [43] The city then fell into a state of decline, which soon led to the loss of its status as capital to rival city Fez. Based in the remote and picturesque village of Tijhza, were we stay in a simple but pleasant riad and enjoy optional walks each day. Young apprentices are taught a range of crafts in the workshop at the back of this complex. [38] Thanks to its economic, political, and cultural importance, Marrakesh hosted many writers, artists, and intellectuals, many of them from Al-Andalus, including the famous philosopher Averroes of Cordoba.[39][40]. Tour with guide or only Driver. May is a good time to visit Marrakech but if the fierce heat of summer has arrived early, then head for the hills. Orange wood is used for making ladles known as harira (lentil soup ladles). The lowest price is displayed according to the latest searches performed until 03/04/2023 5:56 a.m.. Tours give an insight into a fascinating part of Marrakech's (and Morocco's) history. [69], The city is located in the Tensift River valley,[70] with the Tensift River passing along the northern edge of the city. Loading 5 out of 5 stars. (01962 733051) which offers a 10-day trip to Romania, including four . The city has three golf courses just outside the city limits and played almost through the year. [246] Marrakesh became the stronghold of the Almohad tribal sheikhs and the ahl ad-dar (descendants of Ibn Tumart), who sought to claw power back from the ruling Almohad family. The square attracted dwellers from the surrounding desert and mountains to trade here, and stalls were raised in the square from early in its history. [71] The "silvery valley of the Ourika river curving north towards Marrakesh", and the "red heights of Jebel Yagour still capped with snow" to the south are sights in this area. In the past, Marrakesh was an important city for trading with the tribes in the desert and all the way south across the Sahara . By PUMBRIDGE. [221], The Moroccan tea culture is practiced in Marrakesh; green tea with mint is served with sugar from a curved teapot spout into small glasses. 'Seven Men') are seven historical Muslim figures buried in Marrakesh, Morocco.Each of them was a famous Muslim judge, scholar or Sufi saint venerated for their piety or other mystical attributes.Their tombs form the basis of a centuries-old annual pilgrimage, a ziyara, during . [180][181], Dar Si Said Museum, also known as the Museum of Moroccan Arts is to the north of the Bahia Palace. [230], This education complex specialized in Quranic law and was linked to similar institutions in Fez, Taza, Sal, and Meknes. Riad dcor is widely used in carpets and textiles, ceramics, woodwork, metal work and zelij. Marrakesh has the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco, with some 18 souks selling wares ranging from traditional Berber carpets to modern consumer electronics. [143] Numerous riads and historic residences exist through the old city, with the oldest documented examples dating back to the Saadian period (16th-17th centuries), while many others date from the 19th and 20th centuries. [220], The desserts of Marrakesh include chebakia (sesame spice cookies usually prepared and served during Ramadan), tartlets of filo dough with dried fruit, or cheesecake with dates. Al-Mansur's mausoleum chamber is especially rich in decoration, with a roof of carved and painted cedar wood supported on twelve columns of carrara marble, and with walls decorated with geometric patterns in zellij tilework and vegetal motifs in carved stucco. 55. There is no better place to stay than the Medina if you are visiting the city for the first time. [246] Mohammed VI has also announced plans for the construction of a 450million dirham military hospital in Marrakesh. [6] Marrakesh was founded by Abu Bakr ibn Umar, chieftain and second cousin of the Almoravid king Yusuf ibn Tashfin (c. [132] Bab ad-Debbagh, to the east, has one of the most complex layouts of any gate, with an interior passage that turns multiple times. This interesting space has been partially renovated and is the temporary home of the Moroccan Museum of Photography. [243], A severe strain has been placed upon the healthcare facilities of the city in the last decade as the city population has grown dramatically. [156][158][159], One of the most famous funerary monuments in the city is the Saadian Tombs, which were built in the 16th century as a royal necropolis for the Saadian Dynasty. [88] In the 1990s very few foreigners lived in the city, and real estate developments have dramatically increased in the last 15 years; by 2005 over 3,000 foreigners had purchased properties in the city, lured by its culture and the relatively cheap house prices. [154][160], The city also holds the tombs of many Sufi figures. 2 May 2018. [235] Also, here takes place Grand Prix Hassan II tennis tournament (on clay) part of ATP World Tour series. Average temperatures range from 12C (54F) in the winter to 2630C (7986F) in the summer. [6] His son and successor, Ali Ibn Yusuf, built the Ben Youssef Mosque, the city's main mosque, between 1120 and 1132. This construction provided the occupants with privacy and lowered the temperature within the building. [80][81] According to Climate Action Tracker, the current warming trajectory appears consistent with 2.7C (4.9F), which closely matches RCP 4.5. [238], The Marrakesh-Menara Airport (RAK) is 3km (1.9mi) southwest of the city centre. [210][212] The International Film Festival of Marrakech, which aspires to be the North African version of the Cannes Film Festival, was established in 2001. The road from Marrakesh to Settat, a 146km (91mi) stretch, was inaugurated by King Mohammed VI in April 2007, completing the 558km (347mi) highway to Tangiers. According to the most recent update there are no scheduled direct flights for this itinerary, but you can book convenient low-cost connections. [214], Surrounded by lemon, orange, and olive groves, the city's culinary characteristics are rich and heavily spiced but not hot, using various preparations of Ras el hanout (which means "Head of the shop"), a blend of dozens of spices which include ash berries, chilli, cinnamon, grains of paradise, monk's pepper, nutmeg, and turmeric. [208] Ceramics are in monochrome Berber-style only, a limited tradition depicting bold forms and decorations. Entry for 'Marrakesh'. Historically the souks of Marrakesh were divided into retail areas for particular goods such as leather, carpets, metalwork and pottery. It is considered a major example of Almohad architecture and of Moroccan mosque architecture generally. 10 cool things to do in Marrakech. The blacktopped runway is 4.5km (2.8mi) long and 45m (148ft) wide. Rabat - Marrakech is the world's tenth most romantic city, according to travel blog UCity Guides. The French colonial army encountered strong resistance from Ahmed al-Hiba, a son of Sheikh Ma al-'Aynayn, who arrived from the Sahara accompanied by his nomadic Reguibat tribal warriors. A hot semi-arid climate (Kppen climate classification BSh) predominates at Marrakesh. [245] In February 2001, the Moroccan government signed a loan agreement worth eight million U.S. dollars with The OPEC Fund for International Development to help improve medical services in and around Marrakesh, which led to expansions of the Ibn Tofail and Ibn Nafess hospitals. The city was founded in 1070 by Emir Abu Bakr ibn Umar as the imperial capital of the Almoravid Empire. In accordance with Islam, the carvings contain no representation of humans or animals, consisting entirely of inscriptions and geometric patterns. Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania, as well as its cultural, industrial, and financial centre. I'm glad I took a coat before leaving home because it turned out it was freezing in Marrakesh. Meals and Drinks. Don't Trust Any Weather Forecasts. Marrakech Maps : Medina and Guliz, with Hospitals, Train Station and Bus Station as well as the city's main Gardens and Gates along the Wall that surrounds the Medina . Religious nomads called the Almoravids wandered to the Tensift . [240] It has two formal passenger terminals; these are more or less combined into one large terminal. evening djemaa el fna square with koutoubia mosque, marrakech, morocco - national market stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images damnoen saduak floating market or amphawa. Not to mention the shopping scene, discover artisan shops in Medina to have a real sense of local shopping. Street 57203 Marcus Skyway * Locality Port Bucktown * Country Romania, RO (ROU) Subregion Eastern Europe Region Europe Continent Europe Lat/Lon 44.443735031301365, 26.134050524887446 The Avenue Mohammed VI, formerly Avenue de France, is a major city thoroughfare. [156] It was part of a larger architectural complex which included a library, hammam (public bathhouse), and a madrasa (school). The hotel has hosted numerous internationally renowned people including Winston Churchill, Prince Charles and Mick Jagger. Founded in 1070-1072 by the Almoravids (1056-1147), capital of the Almohads (1147-1269), Marrakesh was, for a long time, a major political, economic and cultural centre of the western Muslim world, reigning in North Africa and Andalusia. It is located in the southeast of the country, at 4425'57"N 2606'14"E, on the banks of the . When sufism was at the height of its popularity during the late 17th-century reign of Moulay Ismail, the festival of these saints was founded by Abu Ali al-Hassan al-Yusi at the request of the sultan. Morocco holidays offer a stunning blend of history, culture, landscapes and year-round sun. [51][130] It is one of the city's main gates and features a man-made spring. 6 From Marrakech: Ouzoud Waterfalls Guided Tour & Boat Ride. [120] Souk Ableuh contains stalls which specialize in lemons, chilis, capers, pickles, green, red, and black olives, and mint, a common ingredient of Moroccan cuisine and tea. Discover Sofitel World of Sofitel Sofitel Legend Best price guarantee Accor Group Careers Thalassa sea & spa Newsletter Destination. A pastilla is a filo-wrapped pie stuffed with minced chicken or pigeon that has been prepared with almonds, cinnamon, spices and sugar. [92] The resort is expected to make a significant contribution to the local and national economy, creating many jobs and attracting thousands of visitors annually; as of April 2012 it was about 45% complete. He is also considered one of the most prominent leaders of the country, promoting an Islamic system in the whole country, Muslim Spain and the Maghreb. Le Jardin Secret - Medina - Marrakech: Great oasis from the hustle and bustle.. - See 3,139 traveler reviews, 2,673 candid photos, and great deals for Marrakech, Morocco, at Tripadvisor. The average process inspector & tester electrical salary in Marrakech, Morocco is 97,971 .. or an equivalent hourly rate of 47 [125], Of the city's gates, one of the best-known is Bab Agnaou, built in the late 12th century by the Almohad caliph Ya'qub al-Mansur as the main public entrance to the new Kasbah. [218], Shrimp, chicken and lemon-filled briouats are another traditional specialty of Marrakesh. The name of the city and the country diverged after the Treaty of Fez divided Morocco into a French protectorate in Morocco and Spanish protectorate in Morocco, and the old interchangeable usage lasted widely until about the interregnum of Mohammed Ben Aarafa (19531955). In 1907, Marrakesh caliph Moulay Abd al-Hafid was proclaimed sultan by the powerful tribes of the High Atlas and by Ulama scholars who denied the legitimacy of his brother, Abd al-Aziz. [133] Bab er Robb is the other main southern exit from the city, located near Bab Agnaou. Also next to it is the Koubba Baadiyn or Almoravid Koubba, a rare architectural remnant of the Almoravid period which was excavated and restored in the 20th century. Nor could he resist pressure from France, who agreed to terminate its Moroccan Protectorate in 1956 due to the launch of the Algerian War (19541962) immediately following the end of the war in Indochina (19461954), in which Moroccans had been conscripted to fight in Vietnam on behalf of the French Army. [197][198][199] Dar Bellarj, an arts center located in a former mansion next to the Ben Youssef Mosque, also occasionally hosts art exhibits. Book Now . The Koubba, a domed kiosk structure, demonstrates a sophisticated style and is an important indication of the art and architecture of the period. The best-known palaces today are the El Badi Palace and the Bahia Palace, as well as the main Royal Palace which is still in use as one of the official residences of the King of Morocco. The Muse de Marrakech exhibits a collection of Moroccan art forms within the decadent salons of the Mnebhi Palace. [130][51] It provides access to roads leading to the mountain towns of Amizmiz and Asni. Sidi Bel Abbes, Medina, Marrakech, 40000. "[75], A 2019 paper published in PLOS One estimated that under Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5, a "moderate" scenario of climate change where global warming reaches ~2.53C (4.55.4F) by 2100, the climate of Marrakesh in the year 2050 would most closely resemble the current climate of Bir Lehlou in Western Sahara. [213] The Marrakech Bienniale was established in 2004 by Vanessa Branson as a cultural festival in various disciplines, including visual arts, cinema, video, literature, performing arts, and architecture. Architectural Buildings . [86] Improvements to the highways from Marrakesh to Casablanca, Agadir and the local airport have led to a dramatic increase in tourism in the city, which now attracts over two million tourists annually. Another version of tajine includes vegetables and chickpeas seasoned with flower petals. Many of the souks sell items like carpets and rugs, traditional Muslim attire, leather bags, and lanterns. The annual temperature would increase by 2.9C (5.2F), and the temperature of the coldest month by 1.6C (2.9F), while the temperature of the warmest month would increase by 7C (13F). In 1912 the French Protectorate in Morocco was established and T'hami El Glaoui became Pasha of Marrakesh and held this position nearly throughout the protectorate until the role was dissolved upon the independence of Morocco and the reestablishment of the monarchy in 1956. Imlil is an invigorating antidote to the bustle of the bazaars . [10] A typical pronunciation in Moroccan Arabic is marrkesh with stress on the second syllable, while vowels in the other syllables may be barely pronounced. Local boutiques are adept at making western-style clothes using Moroccan materials. [118] Haggling is still a very important part of trade in the souks. [172][171] Other hotels include Eden Andalou Hotel, Hotel Marrakech, Sofitel Marrakech, Palm Plaza Hotel & Spa, Royal Mirage Hotel, Piscina del Hotel, and Palmeraie Palace at the Palmeraie Rotana Resort. [126] This second mosque is the structure that stands today. [171] Churchill used to relax within the gardens of the hotel and paint there. Chisholm, Hugh, General Editor. Best neighborhood for sightseeing. [178] The house itself represents an example of classical Andalusian architecture, with fountains in the central courtyard, traditional seating areas, a hammam and intricate tilework and carvings. Marrakesh is 580km (360mi) southwest of Tangier, 327km (203mi) southwest of the Moroccan capital of Rabat, 239km (149mi) south of Casablanca, and 246km (153mi) northeast of Agadir. Founded almost a thousand years ago, Marrakech is one of the . [103] Numerous organizations of the region are based here, including the regional government administrative offices, the Regional Council of Tourism office, and regional public maintenance organisations such as the Governed Autonomous Water Supply and Electricity and Maroc Telecom. You would need around 9,273.55lei (19,865.02MAD) in Marrakech to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with lei in Cluj-Napoca (assuming you rent in both cities). Servicio de Publicaciones, "Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization (with final act, annexes and protocol). The ALSA Bus Number 19 is leaving from Marrakech Airport to Marrakech city center and runs every 20-30 minutes from 6 am until 12 15 am. This unique tour takes you to two of the city's most exquisite gardens - the already mentioned Marjorelle, and Menara, with insane views of the Atlas Mountains. Hotel pickup and drop-off (Hotel or Guest Haus inside Marrakech-city within 10 km of the center) Choice of Departure Time in the morning or in the afternoun. [107], Since the legislative elections in November 2011, the ruling political party in Marrakesh has, for the first time, been the Justice and Development Party or PDJ which also rules at the national level. Berber music is influenced by Andalusian classical music and typified by its oud accompaniment. 1 star. Owner of coppermarrakech. The conquest was facilitated by the rallying of the Imzwarn tribes and their leaders from the powerful Glaoui family, leading to a massacre of Marrakesh citizens in the resulting turmoil. The square attracted tradesmen, snake charmers ("wild, dark, frenzied men with long disheveled hair falling over their naked shoulders"), dancing boys of the Chleuh Atlas tribe, and musicians playing pipes, tambourines and African drums. [127][146][20][147], Ben Youssef Mosque is named after the Almoravid sultan Ali ibn Yusuf, who built the original mosque in the 12th century to serve as the city's main Friday mosque. [134] The water reservoirs for both gardens were supplied with water through an old hydraulic system known as khettaras, which conveyed water from the foothills of the nearby Atlas Mountains. [46][47] The palace was intended primarily for hosting lavish receptions for ambassadors from Spain, England, and the Ottoman Empire, showcasing Saadian Morocco as a nation whose power and influence reached as far as the borders of Niger and Mali. Through the squawking chaos of the poultry market, the gory fascination of the open-air butchers' shops and the uncountable number of small and specialist traders, just wandering around the streets can pass an entire day. [59] Yves Saint Laurent, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Jean-Paul Getty all spent significant time in the city; Laurent bought a property here and renovated the Majorelle Gardens. Marchis. The city regained its preeminence under wealthy Saadian sultans Abdallah al-Ghalib and Ahmad al-Mansur, who embellished the city with sumptuous palaces such as the El Badi Palace (1578) and restored many ruined monuments. [44][45] Thanks to the wealth amassed by the Sultans, Marrakesh was embellished with sumptuous palaces while its ruined monuments were restored. The most important graves are marked by horizontal tombstones of finely carved marble, while others are merely covered in colorful zellij tiles. Cost of Living Comparison Between Cluj-Napoca and Marrakech . Marrakesh is one of the most famous and best-known cities in Morocco. The gate was called Bab al Kohl (the word kohl also meaning "black") or Bab al Qsar (palace gate) in some historical sources. An art gallery, a gift shop, a bookstore and a cafe are also located on-site. In 2012, alone, 19 new hotels were scheduled to open, a development boom often compared to Dubai. By Paula Hardy, Destination Expert 2 August 2022 11:15am. Listed on Feb 8, 2023 [168], As one of the principal tourist cities in Africa, Marrakesh has over 400 hotels. The death of Yusuf II in 1224 began a period of instability. The medina has at least eight main historic gates: Bab Doukkala, Bab el-Khemis, Bab ad-Debbagh, Bab Aylan, Bab Aghmat, Bab er-Robb, Bab el-Makhzen and Bab el-'Arissa. Avenue Mohammed VI contains what is claimed to be Africa's largest nightclub:[94] Pacha Marrakech, a trendy club that plays house and electro house music. The ancient section of the city, known as the medina, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. There are three national bus companies that operate between Marrakech and most major towns and cities in Morocco. Walk through the Djemaa . The average pressure tester salary in Marrakech, Morocco is 115,043 .. or an equivalent hourly rate of 55 [119], One of the largest souks is Souk Semmarine, which sells everything from brightly coloured bejewelled sandals and slippers and leather pouffes to jewellery and kaftans. But the fashionable neighbourhoods of Hivernage and Gueliz are . 0%. Similarly, Souk Kchacha specializes in dried fruit and nuts, including dates, figs, walnuts, cashews and apricots. The Almoravids established the first major structures in the city and shaped its layout for centuries to come. Formerly one of Morocco imperial capitals, Marrakech (also spelled Marrakesh) is an exotic city luring visitors with its Moroccan charm.