| History & Patrimony |
| Meknes, history of the city |
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| Highly important location between the Atlantic plains and the Eastern high plateaus and between the middle Atlas and the Rif, Meknes occupies a strategic position. |
In addition to the geographical situation, the area of Meknes offers a significant economic potential: the Saïs fertile plains, water abundance, Holm oaks of the Atlas...
In the absence of archaeological evidence, it is allowed to believe, that the first humans in the area of Meknes could go back to the 4th century B.C.
During the Almohade era, the surge of populations generated a notable economic and urban development, represented by the construction of the Almoravide fortress |
“Tagrart” considered as the core of the city of Meknes, the Nejjarine mosque, the Sebbaghine mosque...
The Merinide era is marked by the interest given to the intellectual, religious and social institutions. Thus, several constructions were born: the great mosque Library, the Medersas Filalia and Bouanania, Jamaa Lalla Aouda mosque, Jamaa Az-Zarqa mosque, fountains, Maristane, bridges, Zaouias and Mausoleums.
During the Alaouite period, Meknes became the capital of the country. The sultan Moulay Ismaïl gratified it with several constructions worthy of a modern capital and at the height of his hopes: Cupola of the Ambassadors, Basin Swani (Heri), Stables of 1200 horse capacity, parks of Jnan Ben Hlima, Qara prisons.
He also surrounded it with 40 km length ramparts, bored of 20 gates strengthened with towers and bastions (Bab Lekhmis, Bab Bardaïne, Bab Al Mansour, Bordj Ben Kari etc...). The medina of Meknes developed also much inside its ramparts: palace (Ksar Al Mhencha, Dar Kbira, Ksar Al Mansour, Ksar Baïda....), mosques and Medersas, public places, fountains and gardens. |
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