This Atlantic-Mediterranean sustained country in North Africa features many reminiscences of a colorful and rich past which invites tourists in. Morocco’s geographical position connected it to different realms of history – the Islamic era, British Imperialism, so to say. The country has garnered abundant elements of a variety of artistic cultures. This is Morocco for you. The home of much-famed traveler Ibn-Battuta, built by descendants of the Prophet. Below are 5 cultural destinations of Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, that a culture aficionado like you must take a trip to.
1. Hassan Tower
Pre-medieval construction during Almohad dynastic rule
The tower is a minaret that was intended to flourish into a full-fledged mosque monument. The specialty of the tower is its imperial brick designs on the outside and extensively intricate and vibrant geometric motifs on the inside (pointed dome). The magnificent perfection of the solo structure is gripping for the admirers. It is not hard to visualize how grandiose the mosque would have been if it was completed then. It carries the potential to easily overpower the existing examples of medieval Islamic architectural prowess.
2. Mausoleum of Sidi Ben Ashir
Early Medieval Construction
The mausoleum engulfs a sharp white edifice shining under the gleam of sunlight. It is as beautifully contrasting from the inside with lighting and deep engravings making it a one-of-a-kind majestic structure. The mausoleum was built by the then imperial power for the ascetic Ben Ashir who was revered for his incomparable healing might. Surrounding the wall-bound mausoleum lies the hundreds of graves of many learned men from the city. The place has significant pilgrim value for people.
3. Kasbah
Pre-Medieval Almohad Construction
The Kasbah (general usage of the term in present times signifies a settlement/district) of Marrakesh (the old name of Morocco) acted as the royal center of power, built by Caliph Yaqub al-Mansour. Primarily a medina, it was and is a complex but only the mosque and the staggering Baba Agnaou gate stand stealthy out of the original complex parts; palaces, cemetery, other mosques, etc. Things you should do here:
- Shop at the local swarming marketplace
- Camel riding
- Communal praying at mosques
- Desert touring
- Sightseeing
- Bathing in hammams
4. Abul Hassan Madersa
Early Medieval Construction by Abul Hassan
The madrasa carries the various architectural styles from the African and European Muslim worlds and hence puts forth a spectacular example of a deeply valued religious institution. The interior style is a mesmerizing combination of calligraphic art, vegetal patterns, and arabesque, reflecting the features of the Nasrid school of architecture boastfully. If you are someone who cherishes art history, this will prove to be a great learning experience.
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5. Rabat Archaeological Museum
1932-build
The museum contains a cherished valuable cultural tradition of the country from ancient to modern. There are artifacts from pre-Roman and Roman classical art traditions along with the regional stone age pieces of evidence which makes it a standard echo for Mediterranean cultural anthropology.
Bottom Line
Rabat especially holds a lot of interest for people who wish to learn about Islamic civilization and those who respect cultural diversity and belong to countries with such overwhelming antiquity. Your trip to Morocco would be an out-of-this-world phenomenon that will frequently bind you in its memories and warmth. Join in for an off-the-wall travelogue.
