Marrakech Through the Ages
Marrakech, also known as the Red City and the City of Palms, is the third largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco in terms of population density and is located in the south-central region. The city was founded in 1062 AD by Yusuf ibn Tashfin, after whom the Ben Youssef Madrasa, its most famous school, is named, to serve as the capital of the Almoravid dynasty. The name Marrakech was used to refer to Morocco in ancient times, from the time Marrakech was the capital of the Almoravids until the French Protectorate in the modern era, and this name is still used today in various languages such as Persian (Marrakech), Spanish (Marruecos), and English (Morocco).
Historical sources indicate that the first nucleus of Marrakesh was built in 1070 CE by the Almoravids, specifically by Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin, who developed it and made it the capital of his kingdom, transforming it into the political and cultural center of the Islamic West. After the Almohads consolidated their power following their entry into the city in 1147 CE, they also made it their capital. They constructed several historical landmarks that remain a source of pride for their era, such as the Koutoubia Mosque with its two minarets, the city walls, gates, and gardens, in addition to a bridge over the Tensift River that remained in use until recently. Thus, under Almohad rule, Marrakesh experienced a period of great prosperity, becoming an unparalleled cultural, economic, and political center in the Islamic West.
With the Almohads weakened, the Marinids, arriving from the east, seized the city in 1269 CE. However, they established their capital in Fez due to its proximity to their original homeland, leading to the decline of Marrakesh and its transformation into a secondary center. In 1551 CE, the city regained its status as the capital of the Saadian dynasty (1589-1659 CE). During their reign, new buildings and structures were constructed, most notably the Badi Palace, the Mouassine complex, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs, and several public fountains.
Under the Alaouite dynasty, Moulay Rachid restored the Ben Saleh al-Marini Mosque, but his successor, Moulay Ismail, focused his attention on his new capital, Meknes. Sultan Sidi Mohammed worked to restore Marrakech to its former glory by creating new neighborhoods and landmarks.
