Morocco Travel Information

Morocco is an Islamic country steeped in tradition. Religion plays a very important role in the everyday lives of its people. To better understand just how much, consider a customized tour of Morocco’s mosques and sacred places within each city you travel to. Most mosques are not open to non-believers, however, medersas and gardens surrounding them usually are. Here are some Morocco Holiday considerations.

You might consider starting with the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Built to commemorate King Hassan II sixtieth birthday, it took nearly 6,000 traditional craftsmen seven years to finish. It is a showcase constructed using Moroccan woods and stones inside and out. The Hassan II Mosque itself was built on reclaimed land and sets over the ocean. It’s a huge mosque with the highest minaret in the world. More than 100,000 faithful can gather at one time. One can only visit the mosque by going on a tour. Your Morocco tour operator will book your time and get your tickets. Consider it a must see on your Moroccan holiday.

Kairouine Mosque in Fez is the oldest mosque in Morocco. It has called the faithful to prayer for more than 1000 years. Founded in 857 A.D., its oldest minaret was built in 956 A.D. Unfortunately, non-believers are not allowed to enter. However, one can look through open doors and see some of its features.

You can view the courtyard of Kairouine Mosque from the roof of the Merersa el Attarin. Two magnificent pavilions built during he Saddian rule of the 16th century can be seen. Spanish craftsmen probably built the structures modeling them after the Court of Lions in Granada’s Alhambra’s palace. Another sight in the courtyard is the three fountains built in the 17th century. During hot summer months, the courtyard is the main prayer hall with its mihrab opposite the main entrance. Kairouine Mosque has two minarets, the oldest dating back to 956. A Morocco itinerary can take you here while in Fez.

Koutoubia Mosque and minaret are in Marrakech–the gateway to the Sahara and Erg Chigaga. Kouboubia’s name comes from the fact it was built on the site of an old book market. (Arabic for book seller is koutoub.) The mosque was built in the mid 1100’s during the reign of Sultan Yacoub el Mansour.

Koutoubia minaret predates the Mosque, however, it had to be rebuilt because it did not align with Mecca. A magnificent minaret, 70 meters tall, it is oldest of the three remaining Almohad minarets of the world. Four balls adorn the minaret’s topinstead of the usual three. Legend says that the wife of Sultan Yacoub el Mansour donated her gold jewelry to have the fourth ball made as penance for breaking her fast during Ramadan. Koutoubia Mosque and minaret were the models used for the mosques in Selville, Spain and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. Non Muslims can only admire this mosque from the outside.

Marrakech is also the home to Ali ben Youssef Mosque and Medersa. It was built in 12th century by a Sultan of the same name. This is actually the oldest surviving mosque of the city, although it was rebuilt in the 19th century in the Merenid style because of public pressure. The mosque itself is not open to non believers. However, the merdersa is open to the public. Merenid Sultan Abu Hassan had the merdersa built in the 14th century. In the 15th century, the Saadians rebuilt the school and created the largest theological school in the area.

Tangiers has its Grand Mosque too. Legend says that the mosque was built upon a site that had been a temple site during the Roman rule of the area. Later, a Portuguese church was erected there. As with most working mosques, this one is not open to non Muslims either.

Chefchaouen, a charming town in the Rif mountains has its Grand Mosque built in the 15th century. Moulay Ali ben Rachid founded the city and his son built the mosque. While this too is a working mosque and not open to non Muslims, you can view its striking terra cotta-tiled roof from the tower of the nearby Kasbah. Approximately 2 km from the eastern gate, you can explore mosque ruins built in ancient times. Views of Chefchaouen are spectacular from this site.

Tetouan’s medina has 50 or so mosques, the largest being the Grand Mosque. It is pretty much the same as others, not known for its originality. However, this mosque has some unique facades that can be viewed by everyone. It, too, is not open to non believers.

Meknes has its Grand Mosque and Medersa Bou Inania. The mosque was built by Bou Inan in 1358 with the exquisite interior design typical of Merenid building. The merdersa is even more lavish than the mosque. You can see classic Moroccan decorative styles with olivewood ceiling, delicate stucco midriff and zellig base. Climbing to the roof of the merdersa gives a good view of the green tiled Grand Mosque and minaret. Parts of the merdersa is closed all but those of the Islam faith.

Sale is across the estuary from Rabat. It has its Grand Mosque and Medersa that are not only among superb examples of Merenid artistry, but among some of the oldest. The mosque itself is closed to non Muslims; the medersa is open as a museum, however. Built in the form of a small courtyard surrounded by a gallery, the walls are covered with intricate decorations from the zellij base to the carved stucco and cedar woodworking. Views from the roof give you incredible views of Sale and Rabat.

This is but a few of the mosques that you will find in Morocco. Your Moroccan tour operator can take you from very modern sights to ancient ones. Just tell your Morocco guide what you want to see and he or she will have every thing planned and prepared for you.

by Carole Morris

Date a friend in Today