When we venture into the ancient streets of Morocco and among the architectural constructions of the territory, we cannot help 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 Arabic word madīna , which literally means " city ." It is difficult to pinpoint the exact moment of this ancient city's creation, precisely because it dates back to the era of Assyrian rule. In ancient times, this city was called Yathrib, later known as Yatrippa, and was later transformed when Muhammad moved there and founded a new community of believers, the Muslims. After this event, its name changed to " the most enlightened city ," or " al-Madīna al-munawwara ," later losing part of the name and becoming simply " Madina ."
This city is so important that throughout the world it is considered the second city of Islam after the well-known Mecca , thus becoming an undisputed destination for all followers of the Islamic faith. For this reason, in this area one can always see numerous faithful at prayer, listen to religious songs and observe the customs and traditions of these people.
In Italian, however, "Medina" does not only refer to a specific city but to all the historic centers of Morocco characterized by traditional buildings, rich in history and culture.
All cities in Morocco with Medina
As we have already specified, by Medina we mean the historic center where you can fully experience the history and culture of these people.
There are many cities that have a Medina that is absolutely not to be missed, among these we find:
- Marrakech , one of Morocco's most famous cities, offers countless places to visit in its historic center, including Djemaa El Fna Square , the undisputed heart of the city. It offers countless colorful stalls selling all kinds of fabrics, a variety of teas, hot and cold spiced foods, and many traditional items. The city also boasts many ancient architectural structures that add a distinctly oriental charm to your visit.
- Casablanca , the country's undisputed economic and financial center , offers visitors a beautiful historic center where they can visit Place Ahmed Al Bidaoui, the busiest square in the entire Medina, where they can find all kinds of shops and clothing stores selling traditional and Western clothing. 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 countless novels and films, offers a small and compact medina, which can be accessed by crossing the Grand Socco square and then finding yourself in a fortified area known as the Kasbah . It is within this area that you can visit the Dar el-Makhzen palace, the former residence of several governors and sultans;
- Fez , Morocco's ancient imperial city , boasts one of the largest and most beautiful medinas in the world . The entrance to the medina is magnificent in itself, thanks to an immense gate known as the "Blue Gate." Once past the majestic entrance, visitors can explore countless stalls, shops, and boutiques selling all kinds of items, immersing them in an engaging dance of sounds, scents, tastes, colors, and flavors. Fez's most beautiful Koranic school, the Medersa Bou Inania, is definitely worth a visit. Continuing, the Karaouine Mosque is a must-see, a perfect example of the city's architecture, offering visitors all its oriental-inspired beauty.
- Essaouira , one of Morocco's most beautiful and well-known cities, boasts the country's most beautiful medina , so unique and picturesque that it deserves to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site . In the many alleys and lanes, you can experience the daily life of these people, filled with spices, colors, sounds, and the atmosphere typical of this magnificent culture. You can browse countless stalls, workshops, and stores of many different kinds, each offering all the typical items of the country's culture. Among the ancient stone streets, you can visit countless examples of architecture: the ruins of Mogador, the ramparts, the city gates, the Kasbah mosque, the Ben Yossef mosque, the prison, royal palaces, and private homes that embody all the characteristic beauty of the local architecture.
Morocco is a country full of history and culture that is transmitted and told through a beautiful tour of the many medinas of the cities and where one cannot help but be enraptured by the great beauty and majesty of the architecture.
