The country of Morocco from Arabic (al-Maghrib) is translated as "west", or, in other words, Maghreb al-Aqsa, which means "far west". There is another official name: al-Mamlaka al-Maghribiya, which means "Kingdom of Morocco".
More information about this stunning African country with unique natural landscapes and its cities can be found in this article.
The state of Morocco is magnificent and amazingly beautiful! The cities in it are exotically attractive, each of them represents a unique culture and a curious history of the country's centuries-old development.
Before we start the story about this African country and its cities, let's remember some information about it. Since May 1963, it has been part of the OAU (Organization of African Unity), which since 2002 has been renamed the AU (African Union). Since November 1984, the State of Morocco withdrew from this organization.
Morocco
Its cities are in 16 administrativeareas into which the entire territory of the state is divided.
The country is located on the African continent in its northwestern part and belongs to the area called North Africa. Its capital is the city of Rabat (population over 1 million 720 thousand people), located off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. This is the northern part of the Moroccan kingdom.
The state, due to fairly even favorable climatic conditions, especially in coastal zones, direct access to the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and due to internal stability and the absence of any conflicts, is one of the most comfortable, favorable places for tourism and recreation throughout the continent. And the government of this state is investing a lot of money to create conditions conducive to the further development of this particular direction in Morocco.
Major cities
Casablanca is the economic capital of the state of Morocco (population over 3 million 630 thousand people)
Fes - the imperial city, the spiritual capital (population over 1 million)
Tangier - the 2nd economic capital, the center of the Tangier-Tetouan region, (more than 730 thousand people)
Marrakesh is a tourist capital, an imperial city (population over 850,000)
Meknes is a kind of little Paris, an agricultural capital (more than 570 thousand people)
Agadir is the second capital for tourism
- Tetouan is the summer capital.
Although the official capital isthe city of Rabat, the largest city in the country - Casablanca. Morocco, in addition to magnificent landscapes, has many historical sights in its cities. I would especially like to mention the Hassan II mosque in Casablanca, which has the largest minaret in the world, as well as the Russian necropolis at the Ben-Msik (Christian) cemetery, created in 2007. The most famous Russian figures who lived abroad are buried in the latter.
Attractions
A special place in the Moroccan kingdom is given to the ancient and rich history of the state. Here you can see the abundance and huge variety of architectural and historical monuments of different eras. Casablanca occupies a special place in this regard.
Morocco is a state that has changed several capitals in its history. They are of particular interest to tourists. For example, in today's capital there are many museums, the mausoleum of Mohammed V, the famous Andalusian gardens, the Kasbah of Udaya (ancient fortress).
In the city of Marrakech, there are famous palaces and mosques of amazing beauty.
One of the most beautiful ancient cities in the world is Fez, which has more than 800 stunningly beautiful mosques, a mausoleum and the former residence of the king.
The Kingdom of Morocco, with a favorable climate, magnificent resorts and a well-developed economy, occupies one of the leading positions on the continent of Africa.
City of Beni Mellal
This is one of the former capitals of Morocco in the Middle Ages. The city was the trading center of South Africa, on the site of which 6 major roads converged,leading from Europe itself and from the center of the Sahara desert. This contributed to the prosperity of the entire region.
Geographically, Beni Mellal is located in the lowland of the "Middle Atlas" ridge, which allows the city to hide from the strong hot winds coming from the desert. And the climate here is quite humid.
The city is famous for its numerous orange and banana orchards, which bring huge profits to the state.
There are wonderful natural and architectural sights here, for example, Hadi Pasha's palace-fortress on a sheer cliff hanging over the city. It houses an interesting museum displaying numerous household items and weapons from past centuries.
City of beaches
The port city of the Moroccan state is El Jadida. It attracts numerous beach lovers.
In the 15th century, part of the territories of Morocco came under the protectorate of Portugal, including El Jadida. In order to protect this land from the local population, the Portuguese built a fortress, which they controlled until 1769. Mohammed Abdallah (Moroccan sultan) began to rule this fortress in the 18th century. During the reign of the city by the French colonists, it was called Mazagan. The modern name of El Jadida returned in 1956.
The main attraction of the city is the same Portuguese fortress of Mazagan, which offers amazing views of the coast. The fortress itself consists of four bastions that have survived from those times:
• on the eastern part - a bastionAngela;
• on the north - the bastion of St. Sebastian;
• Bastion of St. Antoine in the west;
• in the south - the bastion of the Holy Spirit.
The cistern, which was once used as a city reservoir, has also been preserved in the city. Also here you can see the Grand Mosque and the Church of the Annunciation.
Conclusion
In terms of geography, the most "European" state of all African countries is Morocco. Cities, each with its own history and splendor, fabulous nature, close proximity to Spain (15 kilometers on the water of the Strait of Gibr altar), fantastic sandy ocean and sea coasts, beautiful mountain landscapes and a favorable climate - all this is inherent in this amazing exotic corner of the Earth.
To experience all these charms, you should go and relax in Morocco.
