El Badi Palace was built in 1578 by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansoor of the Saadian dynasty.
The palace was built to showcase the considerable wealth of the Saadian dynasty and was a prime example of Islamic architecture and exquisite craftsmanship.
Using both Moroccan and European influences, the palace was beautifully decorated with intricate mosaic tiles, marble arches, and ornate carvings.
The palace was home to the sultans harem and included over 500 women.
Now, only the ruins remain.
After Sultan Ahmad al-Mansoor died in 1603, the palace fell into neglect and was subsequently stripped away with the materials being used for other buildings in Morocco.
The palace is certainly worth a visit if you want to learn about the history of Marrakech and the ruling elite centuries ago.
The exhibition space contains the Almoravid Minbar, which is a finely decorated pulpit that once stood in the Koutoubia Mosque.
It also hosts temporary art and cultural exhibitions.
The underground chambers contain information and photographs about the palaces history.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The palace was badly damaged during the earthquake in 2023, and renovations have taken place to repair the cracks in the walls.
El Badi Palace is situated in the Kasbah district of Marrakech and a popular tourist attraction.
The courtyards are impressive, and the nesting storks on the towers give it a magical feel.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
You get a sense of the grandeur of the Saadian dynasty, and there’s a feeling of peace and tranquillity within the walls of the once opulent palace.
El Badi Palace is open every day from 9.00am to 5.00pm and costs 100 dirhams to enter.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
For more information, contact me via the email address below;
It is the first Moroccan tea house in marrakech, serving 12 teas from the 12 areas of Morrocco.
Set inside a former riad, it is a beautiful place to come and sample the 12 delicious teas on offer, along with modern oriental cakes.
They serve breakfast and lunch.
The food is nicely presented with table service, tasty and varied.
There is a selection of light snacks available on the menu also.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The name 1112 signifies the date 1700 in the gregorian calendar and is etched into the wooden ceiling of the riad.
The riad was beautifully restored by a morroccan family who have been renowned for their expertise in the restoration of such properties since the 1990s.
The architecture is beautiful. Wooden ceilings, intricate tile work, and exotic plants make it a delightful environment for sitting and reflecting on the past history of the importance of tea in Morrocco.
There are interesting facts about the introduction of tea into Morocco and a shop selling nicely packaged tea if you’re looking for a gift to take home with you.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
1112 has a nice rooftop.
After exploring the museum, it is worthwhile taking a look around this exquisite riad and savouring the whole experience.
Berber rugs are handmade by the indigenous Amazigh people of Morocco.
They are made from the wool of sheep in the high Atlas Mountains.
Each type of rug tends to vary in thickness depending on which tribe has made it, so that they are suitable for the environment where they are used.
For example, Kilim Berber rugs have no pile and are relatively fine in texture.
They are handcrafted using techniques passed down through generations using natural materials renowned for their durability and luxurious feel.
Hand-knotting is a long and laborious process.
To create a single rug takes about one to two months, with four weavers working on a rug at a time.
Here are the steps taken to make a beautiful Berber rug.
1. Shearing the Sheep
Shearing the sheep is the first step in making a Berber rug. This is done by hand, using a special shearing knife. The sheep are first restrained, and then the knife is used to remove the wool from their body in one long strip. The wool is then sorted and cleaned.
It is usually the job of the men to shear the sheep, taking care not to injure them or spread infection.
The women are responsible for washing the sheared wool.
2. Carding Carding is the process of aligning the wool fibers so the weavers can spin them into yarn. To card the wool, the fibres are first combed in one direction, and then the wool is brushed in the opposite direction. This helps to loosen the fibers and align them in the same direction. Once the fibers are aligned, the weavers can then spin them into yarn. Carding is an essential step in making a Berber rug, as it helps to ensure that the rug is strong and durable. The process of carding also helps to give the rug its unique texture.
The women are often responsible for this process.
3. Spinning into Yarn
To spin the wool into yarn, Amazigh women use a drop spindle.
This simple tool consists of a shaft with a weight at the bottom. The wool is attached to the shaft, and then the shaft is twirled between the woman’s hands. As the shaft is twirled, the wool is wrapped around it, creating the yarn.
4. Weaving the Berber Rug
The weavers use a technique called continuous knotting to create intricate patterns.
This method of knotting allows the weaver to create a rug that is incredibly durable and will last many years. The process begins with the weaver tying knots in the woollen yarn.
The yarn is then dyed using natural dyes from plants, spices, and fruits, which give the rugs their characteristic colours.
Once the yarn is dyed, the weaver begins weaving it into the rug using a loom.
The loom is a wooden frame that the weaver uses to create the rug’s design.
The weaver ties the yarn around the looms warp threads, which are the vertical threads that run through the loom.
The weaver then weaves the weft threads, which are the horizontal threads, over and under the warp threads.
The weaver can create various patterns by changing the direction of the weft threads.
Once the rug is complete, the weaver cuts the rug from the loom and ties the ends of the rug together. The rug is then completed.
Berber rugs are beautiful and give a home a wonderful boho vibe.
It’s important when visiting Marrakech to make sure you’re purchasing a genuine Berber rug.
There are a few scams, so be aware before you get whisked away to a shop by a friendly local.
Les Nomads de Marrakech has a great reputation and can ship rugs back home for you.
A brief glimpse into the history of the red city of Marrakech.
The magnificent Koutoubia Mosque.
Marrakech has been inhabited for over 1000 years. The first settlers were Berber farmers who had lived on the land since neolithic times.
Morocco took its name from Marrakech, the Amazigh people named the country Murakush, meaning the western kingdom. Later Arab conquerors adapted the name to Morocco.
During the 11th and 12th centuries, the Almoravids were the rulers of Marrakech, founded by Abu Bakr Ibn Umar in 1070.
They constructed an underground water system to supply water to the city canals, which attracted merchants and craftsmen to Marrakech.
They began building riads for the people who were beginning to settle in Marrakech, and it became a real city.
His cousin and successor Yuseff Ibn Tashfin developed Marrakech further, turning it into the Almoravid empire.
He erected mud brick houses, which gave the city its distinctive red colour today.
It was during this period that the Masjid al siquaya mosque was built, and souks or market places sprung up, marking the beginning of urban life in Marrakech.
In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Almohads overthrew the Almoravids and took over the city.
They continued to develop Marrakech even further, painting the walls of the city red and building spectacular palaces and the famous Koutoubia Mosque.
They were intellectuals and artists, and many scholars were attracted to the city.
They introduced education and art to the people, turning the city into a political, economical, and cultural centre.
They improved on the water system by building open air canals, allowing water to flow down from the Atlas mountains.
This gave the city dwellers a better quality of life.
The city soon began to prosper under the rule of the Almohads and became a thriving place for merchants to meet and exchange goods.
In the 13th century, the Merinid Empire took control of Marrakech in 1230 ruling for two centuries.
They built the first madrasa in 1343-9 and used Marrakech as a training ground for heirs to the throne .
Marrakech was the imperial capital of Morocco, but they much preferred the city of Fez, and so consequently, Marrakech was about to go into serious decline.
Fez became the new capital, and Marrakech became the regional capital of the South instead.
Because of this move, Marrakech was left to decay, becoming impoverished and neglected. The buildings were left to crumble, and the city that was once a bustling hive of activity began to die.
From 1578-1603, the Saadian sultans led by Ahmad Al Mansur came to power, restoring the city to its former glory and establishing Marrakech as its capital city.
They built the Saadian tombs and El Badi palace, furnishing them with intricate tile work and stucco.
Saadian tombs/image Freebird Tracey El Badi Palace/images Freebird Tracey.
They launched military campaigns against European invasion, and this period of rule became the golden age of literature and art.
The Saads built Bab Doukkala 1557-1571 mosque and Mouassine mosque 1562-72.
They also built Ben Youssef Madrasa in 1570.
Madrasa Ben Youssef/images Freebird Tracey.
In 1631, rule was passed from the Saadian dynasty to the Alaouite dynasty, which is still the name of the current Morroccan royal family.
The Alaouites promoted trade with the United States and European countries. They improved date palm crops and modernised the army.
They also attempted to take control of the Berber and Bedoin tribes.
They restored the riads and buildings in Marrakech, developing it’s infrastructure.
It was in 1911 that the capital of Morocco became Rabat.
Marrakech became a French protectorate in 1912 when the sultan Abd al-Hafid signed the treaty of Fez.
Although the sultan remained the head of state, the French had a huge influence in developing strong diplomatic and economic relations in trade and tourism.
The French began modernising the city and building new districts whilst aiming to preserve the traditional character of the city.
They encouraged tourism and exporting Moroccan dates and other produce.
In 1956, Morocco gained its independence when the treaty of Fez was passed back.
Throughout history, Marrakech has been a city that has resurged, declined, and resurged once again.
It has fought against several invasions and endured plagues and famines.
In 1982, UNESCO declared Marrakech a UNESCO world heritage site, raising awareness of the cultural heritage of the city.
It is now one of the most popular destinations in the world and receives millions of tourists each year.
Marrakech combines the ancient with modernity perfectly.
Visitors can get a glimpse into the intriguing past of Marrakech as they wander around the preserved walls of the medina.
As they venture into the tree lined avenues of Mohammed V avenue, they are presented with a newer,modern side of Marrakech, a thriving hub of fancy restaurants, bars and boutiques.
Marrakech has an astonishing history, which makes it all the more fascinating. It is well worth taking a tour of the historic buildings in the medina to get a taste of the red city’s intriguing past..
Gueliz area in Marrakech/images Freebird Tracey.
For further information or advice on planning the perfect itinerary, get in touch using the contact details below..
A brief history of the indigenous people of Morocco.
An Amazigh Woman displaying her Headdress.
The Berbers, also known as the Amazigh, are an indigenous group native to North Africa, with a history stretching back thousands of years.
They have lived across a vast region encompassing modern-day Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Mali, and Niger.
The Berbers made a huge contribution to the region’s cultural and technological heritage, including the creation of the Khettara system.
This ancient water management technique involves a network of underground tunnels that channel water from mountain aquifers to arid lands, enabling agriculture in harsh environments.
The Berbers’ innovations in architecture, trade, and agriculture meant they had a self-sufficient community that was thriving long before the arrival of foreign empires.
Over the centuries, the Berbers faced numerous challenges, including invasions and exploitation by foreign powers. During the Ottoman era, slave traders targeted Berber communities, kidnapping many women and throwing their society into chaos.
The Berbers became known for their resistance to foreign domination, with some groups turning to piracy as a form of survival and defiance.
Barbary pirates became infamous for raiding European ships and coastal towns, leading to conflicts with European powers and even the young United States during the Barbary Wars. Despite these challenges, the Berber culture has endured, holding on to its distinct language, customs, and identity through resilience.
The name Berber comes from the word ‘Barbaric’ and is now considered offensive.
The indigenous people have adopted the name Amazigh, which means ‘ free people’
Amizigh is now taught in schools and is officially known as the second language in Morocco, next to Arabic.
It is possible for visitors to Marrakech to take a trip into the Atlas Mountains to observe the ancient customs and lifestyle of the Amazigh.
A stay in a Berber family lodge is an unforgettable experience and a way to really get to know the history of Morrocco.
You will get the chance to eat a home cooked meal with an Amazigh family and see how they live.
This wonderful experience can be booked online or through your riad or hotel on arrival.
The Souks sell beautiful Berber jewellery and rugs made by the Berber ladies.
The customary mint tea that is served to guests on arrival in Marrakech is practically a ritual.
The traditional way of welcoming guests. A woman pours tea at an argan cooperative
After the painstakingly long queues at the airport, you finally arrive in your riad slightly overwhelmed and dishevelled.
The owner of the riad gives you the warmest welcome with the biggest smile across his face as he guides you into the beautiful courtyard.
As you sit down on the colourful cushions, listening to the gentle sound of the trickling water in the fountain and smell the scent of the blossom on the trees, slowly you begin to unwind.
The owner reappears with an ornate teapot and colourful glasses on a tray, accompanied by a dish of fresh olives. He begins pouring the fresh mint tea, holding the teapot higher and higher as he pours.
You watch with amazement as the tea finds its way perfectly into the little glasses without a single drop spilling out.
The aroma from the fresh mint leaves is wonderful..
You begin to feel refreshed as the fragrant scent fills the air.
This is a traditional Morroccan greeting for visitors. The higher up the teapot is held, the more respect the guest is being shown.
The tea also becomes aerated, making it cooler to drink.
It takes practice to perfect pouring tea from such a height, I have tried and failed miserably.
After you have drank your tea sweetened with sugar cubes and eaten the delicious fresh olives, the panic of trying to locate the riad and queues at the airport disappear as if by magic…
A refreshing cup of mint tea
Mint tea is everywhere in Marrakech.
It’s a refreshing drink that the locals enjoy as they sit in cafes chatting with their friends.
It is known by the locals as ‘Morroccan Whisky’
The tea is made using green tea and fresh mint leaves, and it is already sweetened with sugar before serving.
If you find it a bit too sweet, try it before adding sugar cubes.
Fresh mint is displayed on market stalls all around the medina, alongside other herbs and spices, and the aromatic aroma tempts the tastebuds.
You can purchase the little tea glasses in the souks, and they make the perfect gift for taking home with you.
Make sure to wrap them well as they are quite delicate.
A traditional Morroccan welcome.
Sipping mint tea and overlooking the lively square from a rooftop is a very enjoyable experience in Marrakech.
Sounds Of The Souks 