Marrakech is today a very touristic and attractive city due to its practices, its decor, its riads but also its luxury villas. However, this city also has a history of more than 9 centuries, approaching the millennium of seniority. Its culture and history are filled with different dynasties, battles, foundations and cultural wealth.

1 : THE CREATION OF MARRAKECH (1062 – 1147) :

Marrakech was created in 1062 by Youssef Ben Tachfin. Originally a weak camp made up of branches, new solid constructions were built near a kasbah and a mosque. Gradually, the city saw itself develop with the help of Ben Tachfin who created good bases of wells, underground conduits and water inlets, thus allowing the city to live. The latter was nicknamed the father of Morocco, due to his desire to develop the city. Coming from the Almoravid dynasty, this leader seized Fez, going as far as the city of Lisbon and expanding his empire.

Marrakech then becomes the southern capital of the Maghreb, taking on more and more importance in the region. It was in 1130 that the son of the leader succeeded him. It further develops the city in terms of water supply, increased culture and construction, strengthening the capital. However, it was in 1147 that the Almohad dynasty attacked Marrakech. Led first by Ibn Toumert and then by his son Abd al-Mumin bin Ali, these religious fanatics killed much of the city's population and then took full control of the city.

2: THE RECOVERY OF THE CITY BY THE ALMOHADES:

Ben Ali, also called "the builder" and representing the new emir of the Almohad dynasty, developed Marrakech by building various cult places such as the Koutoubia in 1157 or the Menara garden. His son, Abou Yacoub Youssef resumed his actions by developing the city in a stronger way: creation of the Kasbah mosque, new palaces and religious buildings, but also walls to protect the city and public gardens making it more attractive. . In addition, it puts an important emphasis on trade by developing it further, which makes the city more captivating for newcomers, but also more dynamic for the inhabitants already settled.

3: A PERIOD OF ECLIPSE :

Abou Yacoub Youssef died in 1199. It was then his son, Mohammed en-Nacir who took over the city. Being a Christian, he decides to settle in Fez and put Marrakech aside, to his greatest despair. The city is therefore put on hold for long decades, putting Marrakech in a deep sleep for more than 250 years.

4: A SHORT RECOVERY DURING THE REIGN OF THE SAADIANS:

After 250 years of slumber, the Saadian Ahmed Aredj takes over Marrakech and renames it the capital of Morocco. It is a short rebirth for "the red city" which begins the conquest of trade with total control of the Niger River and Morocco. It is thus thanks to the gold trade of Sudan that he enriches himself. However, it was on his death that Marrakech was again abandoned.

5: RESURRECTION THROUGH TOURISM:

In the 20th century, under the French colonies, Marrakech completely lost its status as capital in 1912 to grant this rank to the city of Rabat. However, Marrakech retains its habitats as well as all its heritage. The aspect of the old capital strongly inspires the construction of the new city of Gueliz, showing the importance and influence of Marrakech despite its loss of status. Today, there are more than a million inhabitants. Marrakech is considered the 4th city of Morocco and we can see a meteoric rise in tourism. Indeed, she lives mainly from this sector which generates a lot of economy for the country. Tourists generally come to visit the palaces, the famous gardens as well as the magnificent villas, atypical riads and exotic circuits.