North Africa’s Door To The Ocean Morocco

Located at the north-western tip of Africa, Morocco is among the states called Atlas Countries due to its location in the east of the Atlantic Ocean. Morocco, whose capital is Rabat, means “El-Magrib”, that is, “place in the west” in Berber. The country’s name in Turkish, Fas, comes from the fact that the “fez” produced during the Ottoman Empire came from Morocco.

The westernmost country in the Islamic geography, Mo- rocco harbours the harmony of Berber, Arab, and European cultures. The country is also frequently included in the travel routes of the Turkish people due to its proximity to Turkey and visa-free travel opportunity. In this article, we compiled the locations recorded in travel guides for visits to Morocco and gave details for prominent beauties of the country.

RABAT

The capital of Morocco, Rabat is a city really worth seeing. In the south of the city, there is an ancient city from medi- eval times known as Chellah. Hassan Tower, the minaret of the mosque, which was started to be built in 1195 and was never completed, is also located in the city of Rabat. The tombs of King Hasan II of Morocco and his two sons are in the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, which was built in 1971 across the red-sandstone Hassan Tower.

And Kasbah is another must-see place when visiting Rabat. Especially the blue-painted houses and the Andalusian Gardens hidden in the streets of the Kasbah are highly appreciated for their architecture.

CASABLANCA

Inspiring movies with its beauty, the city of Casablanca is on the border of the Atlantic Ocean. The great ocean view and the architecture of the city bring a completely different identity to it. Its Corniche Area and Mohammed V Square are considered to be the liveliest locations in Casablanca.

Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Morocco and also one of the largest mosques in the entire world. The Mosque draws attention with its 210-metre-high, the world’s tallest minaret. Designed by a French architect, Hasan II Mosque can host 25 thousand people inside and 80 thousand people in the courtyard for prayers. You should also visit other important structures in Casablanca such as Boulaouane Kasbah Fortress, Casablanca Cathedral, and the Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman.

MARRAKECH

Marrakech, one of the most visited tourist regions in the world, is described as the “red city” by locals. Attracting tourists from all over the world every year, the city is di- vided into two as the old city Medina and the new city Gueliz. The largest mosque in Marrakech, the Kutubiyya Mosque is one of the most important symbols of the city.

One of the most colourful spots in the city, Jemaa el Fnaa Square is almost like a fairground with its stalls set up by the local people. Many diverse events that represent African culture are held in the square. In addition to these, magnificent structures such as Ben Youssef Madrasa and Bahia Palace are among other places that should be visited in Marrakech.

Cem Eker