The Medina of Morocco: from Marrakesh to Essaouira

When we enter the ancient streets of Morocco and among the architectural constructions of the territory we cannot but ask ourselves a fundamental question, what is the Medina and what does it represent for this territory?

What is meant by Medina: etymology, history, and beliefs

The word "Medina" derives from the word madīna which literally means "city" in Arabic. It is difficult to define the moment of creation of this very ancient city precisely because they sink into the era of Assyrian domination. In ancient times this city took the name of Yathrib, later known as Yatrippa, it was then transformed when Muhammad moved to this city and gave rise to a new community of faithful, Muslims. After this event, its name was transformed into "very illuminated city" or "al-Madīna al-munawwara", then losing part of the name and becoming only "Madina".
This city is so important that all over the world it is considered the second city of Islam after the well-known Mecca, thus also becoming the undisputed destination of all the faithful of the Islamic faith. For this reason in this area you can always see many faithful in prayer, listen to religious songs and observe the customs and traditions of these people.
In the English language, however, "Medina" does not mean only a specific city but all the historical centers of Morocco characterized by traditional buildings, a lot of history, and culture.

All cities of Morocco with Medina

As we have already specified, by Medina we mean precisely the historic center where you can fully experience all the history and culture of this people.
There are many cities that have a Medina absolutely not to be missed, among these we find:

• Marrakech, one of the best-known cities in Morocco, offers many places to visit in its historic center including the Djema El Fna Square, the undisputed center of the city that offers many colorful stalls where you can buy fabrics of all kinds, teas of different tastes, hot and cold spicy foods and many traditional items. The city also offers many old architectural constructions that enrich your visit to this city with a completely oriental charm;
• Casablanca, the undisputed economic and financial center of the country, has to offer its visitors a beautiful historic center where you can visit the square of Place Ahmed Al Bidaoui, the busiest place in the whole Medina where you can see all kinds of shops and clothing stores with typical and western garments. Also worth a visit is the Jamáa el Harma Mosque which, although not accessible except to believers, still offers an extraordinary view of its exterior;
• Tangier, a city known for being the protagonist of many novels and films, offers a small and compact Medina and you can access it by crossing the Gran Socco Square to find yourself in a fortified area that takes the name of Kasba. It is within it that it is possible to visit the Dar el-Makhzen palace, the ancient residence of some governors and sultans;
• Fez, the ancient imperial city of Morocco, has one of the largest and most beautiful Medinas in the world to offer. The entrance to the Medina of this city is already magnificent in itself, we are talking about an immense door called "the blue door". After passing the majestic entrance it is possible to visit many stalls, shops, shops that sell items of any kind, immersing the visitor in an engaging dance of sounds, scents, tastes, colors and flavors. To visit are certainly the most beautiful Koranic school in Fès, or the Medersa Bou Inania, continuing you must absolutely visit the Karaouine Mosque, a perfect example of the architecture of the place that has to offer all its beauty with an oriental flavor to its visitors;
• Essaouira, one of the most beautiful and well-known cities in Morocco, offers by far the most beautiful Medina in the country, so unique and picturesque that it deserves to become a UNESCO heritage site. In the many alleys and alleys, you can live the common life of these people, made of spices, colors, sounds and the typical atmosphere of this magnificent culture. You can visit many stalls, shops, and shops of many different kinds, each offering all the typical items of the country's culture. Among the narrow streets of ancient stone, you can visit many examples of architecture: the remains of the Mogador, the ramparts, the city gates, the mosque of the Casbah, the mosque of Ben Yossef, the prison, royal palaces, and private homes that they bring with them all the typical beauty of the local architecture.

Morocco is a country full of history and culture that is transmitted and told through a nice tour in the many Medinas of the cities and from which one cannot but be captivated by the so much beauty and majesty of the architecture.

Visit the Medina of Essaouira with the Ranch de Diabat

Discover all the activities organized by the Ranch de Diabat to admire the naturalistic, cultural and artistic beauties of Morocco.