Foundation of the city
Marrakech's medina was founded in 1070 by the Almoravid dynasty. At that time, the site was solely a nomadic encampment, and it was Youssef Ben Tachfin who transformed it into a fortified place before his son designed the entire urban plan. During his reign, he also endowed the city with public utility buildings such as fountains, prayer rooms, and mosques, influenced by the architectural style of Andalusia, which his father had conquered a few years earlier. He also erected 9 km of ramparts around the city to protect it.
Period of prosperity
In 1147, the Almohads took control of the city and made it the capital of their empire. The city walls were then extended to accommodate the growth of the city, notably with the construction of the Kasbah quarter, which involved the participation of 4,000 artisans! It was also during this dynasty that the Koutoubia was built, as the city took on a political, military, commercial, and intellectual role. It became an essential crossroads between Europe, the Maghreb, and the Sahara.
Gradual decline of the city
Thereafter, Marrakech experienced several cycles where ruling dynasties sometimes neglected and sometimes enhanced it. When the Merinids seized the city and broadly Morocco in 1269, they preferred Fez, which they made flourish for three centuries at the expense of Marrakech, which was then sacked. It wasn't until the Saadians came to power that the medina saw a revival. Other buildings like the Badii Palace, the dynastic necropolis, and the Mouassine Mosque were constructed. By the end of the 17th century, the Alaouite dynasty succeeded the Saadians, and power again moved primarily back to Fez, aside from a few monarchs who favored the ocher city and established new buildings and quarters. After the 18th century under the reign of Moulay Abdellah, the medina changed little. Instead, a more modern Marrakech emerged with the arrival of the French Protectorate and the construction of a new city.
Did you know?
The medina is currently undergoing a rehabilitation program. Funded with a budget of 485 million dirhams from the Ministries of the Interior, Housing, and Tourism as well as the urban commune of Marrakech and the Mechouar commune, this project aims to breathe new life into the historical heritage of the medina and its economic fabric. It includes 18 restoration projects ranging from facade renovations to paving with stone slabs, along with improved lighting.
An architectural charter has also been approved. Consequently, individuals and merchants must now comply with a specification to ensure better harmony and preservation of the entire medina.