The giant red mountains and vast mausoleums of a lost time have little to do with modern civilization, and ask nothing to be appreciated at its true value, as one of the greatest wonders ever wrought by Nature and Man.
Although much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for this amazing place. We must see to believe.
Often described as the eighth wonder of the ancient world, Petra is undoubtedly the most precious treasure of Jordan and its most important tourist attraction. It is a huge city completely excavated in the rock by the Nabataeans, an Arab tribe hard worker who settled in the area over 2,000 years ago and became an important city for passing routes linking the silk, the spices and other connecting China, India and southern Arabia to Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome.


The entrance to the city is through the Siq, a narrow canyon, a mile long, surrounded by cliffs that rise up to 80 meters. The simple act of walking through the Siq is an unforgettable experience. The colors and rock formations are dazzling. When you reach the end of the Siq catch your first glimpse the facade called Al-Khazneh (Treasury).
It is an awesome experience. A massive façade, 30m wide and 43 m high, carved into the rock face of pale pink and dwarfing everything around it. It was built in the first century as the tomb of an important Nabataean king and a sample of engineering genius of these ancient people.


The Treasury is the first of the many wonders found in Petra. You need at least four or five days to know the city thoroughly. As you enter the valley of Petra, you will be overwhelmed by the natural beauty of this place and its impressive architecture. There are hundreds of elaborate rock-cut tombs with intricate carvings, unlike the houses that were destroyed by the earthquake, were constructed to last for all eternity and 500 have survived, empty but bewitching as you go through their dark openings . There is also a large theater built by the Nabataeans in Roman style, with capacity for 3,000 people. There are obelisks, temples, sacrificial altars and colonnaded streets, high above, overlooking the valley is the impressive Ad-Deir Monastery, an increase of 800 rock cut steps leading up El.En inside the site also You can find two excellent museums, the Petra Archaeological Museum and the Petra Nabataean Museum. Both have a great background from excavations in the Petra region and provide an overview of the colorful past of Petra.
A thirteenth-century shrine, built by the Mamluk Sultan Al Nasir Mohammad to commemorate the death of Aaron, brother of Moses, can be seen today at the summit of Mount Aaron in the Sharah area.
Within the compound, several artisans from the town of Wadi Musa and the nearby Bedouin settlement set up their small stalls selling local crafts such as pottery and Bedouin jewelry, plus bottles of colored sand in the area.


Not allowed access to the area to motorized vehicles. If you do not wish to walk, hire a horse or a horse drawn carriage to tour the Siq, 1 mile long. For the elderly or handicapped, the Visitors Centre, located near the entrance to the Siq, granted a special permit (at an additional cost) for transfer to the inside Petra to visit the main attractions. Once inside the enclosure, you can rent a donkey or, if you look a little adventure, a camel. The two options include the support of a carer and travel routes of the site.


Petra was founded around the sixth century BC, Nabataean Arabs, a nomadic tribe who settled in the area and laid the beginnings of a business empire that reached Syria.


Despite successive attempts by the Seleucid king Antigonus, the Roman emperor Pompey and Herod the Great to take to their respective empires, Petra, the Nabatean city remained in power until around the year 100 AD when the Romans took it . Remained inhabited during the Byzantine period, when the Roman Empire established its interest in the East, to Constantinople, but later dropped its importance. The Crusaders built a fort here in the twelfth century, but soon withdrew, leaving Petra under the control of the local population until the nineteenth century, when the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered in 1812.
Jordan Tourist Office

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Amazigh Ouarzazate in the war-Zazat tifinagh ⵡ ⴰ ⵔ ⵣ ⴰ ⵣ ⴰ ⵝ, "quietly" in Arabic ورزازات is a city in southern Morocco known as the gateway to the desert, and the main city of the province the same name. Located at the meeting of the valleys of the wadi and Ouarzazate Oued Dades (from the High Atlas) that make up the Wadi Draa and below its confluence, is the hub of a vast region of southern Morocco. Ouarzazate evokes both the southern foothills of the High Atlas and the nearby desert.

His countless casbahs (hereinafter against the casbah Taourirt) in the mud, mountains and arid plains, valleys and lush oasis of palm trees and the peoples of the earth or of red ocher are the charm of this region and give its application appeal.

The symbol of the city is the kasbah Taourirt that belonged to the Glaoui Pasha, was built in the mid eighteenth century. Is represented in the new notes of 50 dirhams.

Founded in 1928 by French colonial power, has long been a garrison town. In the military field was the basis of aviation against the famous tribe of Ait Attas who fought fiercely against the troops of Enrique de Bournazel, (red jacket man, killed in Morocco in 1933) until 1934 where the rebel leader Assou Oubasslam went to France to prevent the slaughter of the evacuees in the mountains.

Today the town of Ouarzazate is booming tourism and film. It is also one of Morocco's most prized by the film. And have skyrocketed in part or in whole: One hundred thousand dollars in the sun, Lawrence of Arabia, Kundun, Gladiator, Alexander, Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, The Mummy, Kingdom of Heaven, Babel, Banzai, Prince of Persia : The Sands of Time, etc.

Ouarzazate has an international airport and is accessible by road from Marrakech (4 hours by bus, taxi 3:30)

Climate:
Ouarzazate has an arid climate with annual rainfall of only 112 mm. Rainfall is erratic and low or zero in the summer. Winter temperatures are cold at night and in summer the heat is hot in the day. The vegetation is very scarce and agriculture is only possible through the use of waters of the Draa Valley to irrigate farmland.

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Seas of golden dunes, lunar landscapes, strange rock formations and miles of rocky plains, so the western desert, an extension of the Sahara, neither uniform nor easily accessible. With five oasis, like an ocean islands (Siwa, Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla, Kharga), are connected by a 1,000 km long track in the form of "Z" on the map.
Siwa
80 km long, dotted with limestone formations of mineral water and two salt lakes, Siwa culture lives on dates and olives, which gives it a small garden of Eden. In the center of Chali, the main town of the island, was erected strange ghostly ruins, the former town destroyed in the nineteenth century by the rains diluvianas.Algunas sand tracks run to the temple of the oracle of Ammon, who was consulted Alexander the Great in person. Located on a promontory, has weathered badly over time. I moved the twisted ruins, who knows if you will not find a jinn, very numerous in the region if you believe in the issiwanes. If not, content yourself with admiring the sea of palm trees stretching their pies.No longer go swimming round some of these sources, the water glows softly. Some date from the Roman occupation, while others have been built recently to irrigate the gardens.

Bahariya

The four villages of this oasis are scattered in a hollow surrounded by dunes covered with black volcanic rocks. Until the Middle Ages, Bahariya was an ideal stopover for caravans coming from the Maghreb en route to the Meca.Pero time of prosperity is far and oasis will gradually depopulated. However, access has been facilitated by the road that connects it to the capital.

Farafra
It is the smallest and least popular of the five oases. If you like quiet, if you need solitude after the overcrowded Nile valley, do not hesitate. Reaching Farafra is no easy task (two or three blogs a week by bus from Cairo). Farafra is spread over a plateau of white sand dotted with some green spots, hiding some earthen houses. From Qasr el-Farafra, the most important town, the sandy tracks to plow through the palm grove, where they play sol.No rays miss the trip to the White Desert, about 40 miles from the oasis. After the sand and black rocks, appear strange limestone formations in the form of pyramids, mushrooms and icebergs, which extend out of sight. Magic show at the sunrise or sunset.

Dakhla
Here, land is so fertile that it is easy to forget the desert. Dakhla is a series of palm groves, orchards and vegetable crops. From Mut, the most important of the ten villages of the oasis, some beautiful walks (motor, the distances are quite large) lead to interesting places like the abandoned village of el-Qasr, the Balat necropolis, the temple of Deir el-Haggar or Musawaka.En Pharaonic remains the last, will soon be open to the public the Roman necropolis, after long years of restoration
Kharga
Kharga is well worth a diversion to their old locations, as the temple of Hibis unique architectural evidence of the Persian occupation of Egypt and the Christian necropolis Bagawat (open from 8 to 17 pm Admission fee.) Perched on the hillside, lists several hundred tombs dating from the fifth century Some have been preserved in its walls painted scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
Egyptian Tourist Authority

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It is one of the largest oasis in the south, and privileged access to go to Aqaba, Jordan. The city is divided into three parts: the port, the tourist area to the north, the Bedouin city of Tarabin, hiding in his palm the ruins of a fortress city mameluca.La, prima facie, shows no interest: what can be enjoyed in the Bedouin village emerged from the sand, with low houses, its streets deserted and gardens starving?

The sea and the beaches deserted, of course, a few steps away. And its fish restaurants where you can enjoy the outdoor-and small-priced lobsters freshly caught ... Not to mention the show is always great in the mountains of Saudi Arabia, across the gulf. Nap under the palm trees, diving around the coral where the fish are fun and some (small) sharks, feasts in the village ... Between Nuweiba and Taba lies a magnificent coastline of coves and long beaches. Sometimes the mountain seems to retreat from the sea. And elsewhere, in search of waves and combines the hardness of the rock with the smoothness of the turquoise sea.
Egyptian Tourist Authority

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With its marina and its monuments magniiques, Monastir is one of the traditional stages of the discovery of the country.
You can walk around the marina which is in Port El Kantaoui, but smaller. The nasty port offers many activities, including:
Relax on the terrace of a cafe
Make a trip to one of the many ships
Discover the undersea diving enthusiasts, or even for beginners (Diving Center information)
Monastir is also the birthplace of President Bourguiba, the place of burial, Mausole Bourguiba is a magnificent building it! Other interesting monuments to see are:
The built in 796 Ribat fortress overlooking the city's Great Mosque, built in the ninth century, was extended by Zirid the eleventh century. Bourguiba Mosque, religious building, a luxurious decoration peculiar to Tunis, but you can not see!
As in most cities in Tunisia, you can wander through the souks of the medina and buy many souvenirs, but do not forget to bargain! Finally, you can still swim and sunbathe, this coastal city of 35 550 inhabitants, offers beautiful beaches, although full in high season.

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Meknes, Arabic: مكناس Makni, Morocco: M'knâs, Hebrew מקנס, מקנאס) is a city in Morocco, which takes its name from the Berber tribe founded the city name Meknassi. It is the administrative capital of the region of Meknès-Tafilalet, in central Albania. The city is located 120 km east of Rabat and 60 km west of Fez. This is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco. It was the capital of Morocco during the reign of Moulay Mrini Ayoub.


Appointed Meknes:


The city of Meknes is the name of the tribe Meknassi Amazigh. The members of this tribe are called Imknassen plural, singular Ameknas. Ameknas Tamazight or means of combat warrior. Amazigh Ameknas also request no.


Geography and demography:


Meknes is located at an altitude of 500 m, in the overall relationship between the Middle Atlas to the south and the pre-Rifaina hills north. The city is bisected by Boufekrane River, which separates the medina (old city) of the new city (the "Hamri). The population of the city of Meknes is currently estimated at 950 000 inhabitants (including suburbs), the eastern suburb of Meknes (Toulalan) and Western suburbs (Ouislane) has a population of 100 000 inhabitants. People who work mainly in the fact Meknes daily with Hamri, which houses almost all jurisdictions in the region Meknès-Tafilalet with new urban transport company Citybus began his service on November 18, 2005, taking over closing Meknes two years, transit systems following the bankruptcy of Ratum. They are also served by taxis that circulate large the urban area of Meknes, in contrast to other Moroccan cities where the extra-urban taxis (from Casablanca). The rural area is linked to the transmission network of the city has granted Citybus within a radius of 40 km around Meknes. The combined transport and taxis are also Meknes link rural areas to rural areas. 4, Meknes is the imperial city of Morocco. The Medina of Meknes is classified since 1996 UNESCO World Heritage site and known since then various restoration activities of the sites (walls, gates, streets, public places ...). Now it's worth the largest Arab cities and the Mediterranean for its cultural diversity. Lehdim The famous place of 2 operations in 2007 for restoration and renewal, and other ongoing renovation.


People:


Meknes is a city whose population is predominantly young, and so the art (including music) is an important place. The official language is Arabic, but most of the population of Meknes, villages and nearby towns are of Berber origin (mostly from the Atlas, with a significant minority of Rifaina), in particular agriculture, agriculture and trade. Sectors of tourism, crafts and trade are the core of the local economy and know the past few months really took off and modernization of the various attractions of the medina of Meknes is for many the city hosts the annual International Exhibition Agriculture [1] on the historic site near Swan Swan Basin Sahrij HRI provides a very low annual income to the economy of the Ismailis of capital and contributes to the improvement of the medina, the city expects a major new project urban renewal Wislana centered in the valley between the two parts of the city, but its proximity to Fez makes for most tourists who cross the city, and this is the role of Regional Centre of Meknes to visit the real value of assets and tourism.


Climate:


The city of Meknes is a sub continental Mediterranean influences affected soil during summer and winter seasons. However, the geographical diversity of the region that each of its particular climatic natural areas nuanced. The thermal regime of Meknes is marked by the removal of the ribs, where a wide range of extreme heat to reach 25.4 ° C. The temperature of the warmest month between 18 ° C and 36 ° C and a coldest month ranges from 2 ° C and 7 ° C. In general, temperatures range from the following: From January to April: The monthly increase in temperature is gradual and steady. These are 1 to 2 ° C / month. From April to August, a monthly increase of about 3-5 ° C. The monthly average maximum temperature is reached in August, or 35.6 ° C. From August to December, a decline of about 2-5 ° C per month. The distribution of rainfall during the year is characterized by heavy rainfall in autumn, a very slight decline in the winter, peaking in the early spring. Summer is usually dry. The period of more widespread rain in May to October, with 9-14 days of rain per month. The average annual rainfall is estimated 84 days. The average rainfall in the suburbs of Meknes reached 576 mm / year. Source: Monograph of the Department of Political Affairs Meknes.


History:


Meknes history seems to create a rural town not fortified in the eighth century. The installation in the ninth century of a Berber tribe, the Meknassi, which established a camp north of Boufekrane valley, the city gives its name. The Almoravids make a military site in the eleventh century. Almohades destroyed the city, guilty of resistance to building more and more charming with strong fortifications and mosques. When the Mérinides emparèrent casbahs built mosques and madrassas in the early fourteenth century. Under Wattassides, was a thriving city. In the eighteenth century, Meknes became the administrative capital of Morocco, under the rule of the Alawite Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made the glory of the city with money from the resale of Christians captured sailors on Wednesday and remained in the huge prison that can still be visited today in the medina of Meknes. Constructed buildings, gardens, monumental doors, walls, huge walls of a length exceeding 40 kilometers, and many beautiful mosques and minarets. For this reason, the city of Meknes is called: "The city of a hundred minarets. During the French presence in Morocco (1912-1956), Meknes using other nicknames such as" the Versailles of Morocco ", or" Little Paris " emphasizing the beauty of the city.


Monuments and places of interest:


Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, built by Ahmed Eddahbi, open to non-Muslims. Houses the tomb of Moulay Ismail


Nejjarin Mosque: Mosque of the tenth century Located in the heart of the medina


The Great Mosque: Founded in the eleventh century by the Almoravids. It has 11 gates and 143 arcade


Roua Jamai Mosque: built in 1790 by Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah


The mausoleum of Sheikh Kamel, built by Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, houses the tomb of El Hadi Benaissa, founder of the brotherhood "Aissaoui"


Dar Jamai Museum, the place that reflects the Moroccan upper class. In the late nineteenth century. Headquartered in the Museum of Moroccan arts and ethnographic since 1926.


Medersa Bouananya: Institute of Theology, founded by Sultan Abu Hassan Marini (1331-1351). Includes a patio and a floor of 26 rooms containing Tolba (students)


Medersa Filali: historic building and religious education center. Built in 1789 by Moulay Ismail.


Rifaina Ceramics Museum.

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295 km. west of Alexandria and 510 km. northwest of Cairo, accessible by train or bus (faster) from both cities. The airport is 5 km. west.
Last town before the border with Libya, its history overlaps with several celebrities. Alexander would have stopped there during his trip to the oasis of Siwa, and Cleopatra would have bathed in its waters. German Marshal Rommel, meanwhile, had set up his headquarters here, where he led the decisive battle of El Alamein in 1942.

Beaches:
Marsa Matruh extends to the edge of a large lagoon protected by a ledge, it is possible to travel in local transport, the caretta, a cart pulled by a donkey. Here you can benefit from the clear waters off the beaches of the Hotel Beau Site (located on the Corniche), where the toilet meets Western standards regarding the use of bikini.
If the most beautiful beaches found on the outskirts of the city, it is advisable to stay in the upgraded areas. Since the coast was mined during World War II, caution is needed. Among the most notable, is the Agiba (28 km. To the west), with its natural caves.
At the edge of the desert, a place known as "Cleopatra bath" is a magnificent bay of clear water surrounded by rocks, like a large square pool where, according to legend, Queen Cleopatra came to bathe.

Souk Libya (Libya Market)
Not long ago, smugglers in the city introduced products from Libya without paying customs duties. Today, this market is tolerated by the authorities. There you can find products originating in Libya, the Maghreb and Europe as well as various regional products: wool, olives, barley, sheep, dates, watermelons, etc.

Fortress and temple at the time of Ramses II:
The ruins that remain today evoke a time when this was erected the walls of Pharaonic temple of Ramses II. Built at the end of his campaign against the Libyans in 1200 BC, was used as a stronghold to defend the border with Libya.

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790 km. south of Cairo.
Since the opening of international airport in 2001, this small fishing village has become the new destination appreciated by lovers of diving in the Red Sea. Between sea and desert, the resorts offer great comfort and activities up to this majestic setting.
The people :
Marsa Alam is located at the intersection of the road from Edfu, to the west, and the path that runs along the Red Sea coast. The village itself is a small fishing port where the bus station, some shops and restaurants.
Resorts :
For many years visitors have been housed in camps inspired by the Bedouin lifestyle, while benefiting from all the comforts and complete respect for the environment (eco-lodges). Today, luxury resorts spread over more than 80 km., From Port Galeb north to the National Park Gemal the south.
Marina Galeb :

The opening of the marina in December 2005 marks the birth of a new tourist destination in a country where they are not exactly rare. With capacity for up to 1000 boats, Port Galeb is destined to become the gateway of the fans and the first port of sailing from the Middle East. Its proximity to the airport has decided to numerous hotel chains to open stores that rival each other in Oriental splendor.
Diving:
The dive sites accessible from Marsa Alam are among the most attractive of the Red Sea for experienced divers. Its main attractions are the conservation status of coral masses and the presence of a large pelagic fauna. Among the best known are Elphinestone Daedalus Reef and Reef. For less experienced divers, coastal coral reefs provide water for hours of contemplation.
Egyptian Tourist Authority

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Marrakech (Arabic: Mûrrakûsh, مراكش) known as the Pearl of the South or the City of South Gate and red ocher or city is a city in Morocco, at the foot of the Atlas mountains. Distance: The distance between Casablanca and Marrakech, 240 km east of the city was founded in 1062 by Youssef Ibn Tachfine, the first king of the dynasty of the Almoravids. In the past, Morocco is known as the east of Marrakech, this designation is still going on in Iran, Morocco name comes from the deformation of the Spanish pronunciation of Marrakech, Morocco.



Presentation of the city :

Marrakech has about 1 million inhabitants (Census 2004) spread over an area of 6.2 square kilometers. The population density was 350 people per hectare. This is the 4th largest city in Morocco after Casablanca, Rabat and Fez. The city is divided into two distinct parts: the historic old town or Medina (10 km site) and the new city whose main areas are: Guéliz and Hivernage. Gueliz is now the mall. It was founded by the French during the Protectorate. The service area Hivernage many resorts. In recent years, the city grows, particularly in the western suburbs with the emergence of new residential areas in the region of Targa or extension of Avenue Mohammed VI

History :

Marrakech was founded in 454 AH, corresponding to the year 1062 of the Christian era, Youssef Ibn Tachfine first ruler of the dynasty Almoravid. The name comes from Marrakech Berber "Love", meaning "country" and "Akouch" which means "god" the land of God and the Holy Land. Very quickly, in Marrakech, under the leadership of the Almoravids, austere and pious men, many mosques and madrasas (Islamic schools of theology) were built, and a commercial center for the Maghreb and black Africa. Marrakech grew rapidly and became a cultural and religious influence, the walls are built to protect the city. It becomes the core, the capital of the Almoravids. The city was later fortified by the son of Tachfine Ibn Youssef, Ali Ben Youssef, construction of walls for several kilometers, the city's architecture was influenced by Fes, the capital founded by Idris I, in Muslim Spain. These two cities are the culture, architecture Morocco, but also the Arab / Muslims who are inspired by Al Andalus, which had poured into the Arab world. In 1147, the Almoravids, the proponents of the orthodoxy of Islam conquered the city walls, the last Almoravids dead, almost all of the monuments destroyed. Almohad built many palaces and religious buildings, including the famous Koutoubia mosque built on the ruins of a palace Almoravid. To feed the palm trees and large gardens, an irrigation system has been improved. Marrakech, cultural attracted many writers and artists, in particular in Andalusia. In 1269, Marrakech was conquered by nomads at the expense of the last Mérinides Almohades. When the advent of Merinids dynasty, Marrakech then fell into a slumber, and as a result of reduction in the loss of its status as capital for the benefit of his great rival, the Fez. In the early sixteenth century, Marrakech became the capital of the kingdom, quickly reached its peak, in particular through the Saadian Sultan Mohammed El Mahdi. Due to the fortune amassed by the Sultans, Marrakech is embellished monuments in ruins after restored and sumptuous palaces built. The palace built by the Saadian the Badi is a replica of the Alhambra, built with the most valuable materials from Italy, Sudan, India and even China. A protocol based on the sumptuous Topkapi in Istanbul has been applied. Despite his opposition to the Turks, Saadian are attracted by the Ottoman civilization. A trace of this influence is in the name of the district Dabachi Derb, derived from the term "ogdabachi" and appoint a senior officer in the Ottoman military hierarchy. Marrakech again lose its status as capital. In the late seventeenth century, the current successor to the Alawite dynasty Saadi. The throne is successively moved to Meknes and Fez, new imperial city. At the beginning of XX century, Marrakech has several years of civil war. In 1912, the introduction of the French protectorate in Morocco to put an end to this anarchy. In 1956, the return from exile of King Mohamed V was held in Marrakech and the rest of the country.


Weather:

Marrakech has a tendency to the arid climate is characterized by strong seasonal temperature variation during the day due to its distance from the Atlantic coast. The city and surrounding plains suffer from a lack of rain in summer. Winter temperatures are mild, or even in the cold. In contrast summer temperatures are warm. Most people go out late at night to enjoy the temperatures more bearable for the night and the city has a lively nightlife

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Medina:
The medina of Marrakech is the center and heart of the city of Marrakech. Covering a total area of 600 hectares, is one of the largest medina in Morocco and Africa's most populous North. The urban development and the specific direct result of the virginity of the total land area which was built in the eleventh century. Around a military camp, the QSAR El Hajar, and a contract, which increased in a kasbah in the twelfth century to protect the repeated attacks of the Berber tribes of the plain of Haouz, the sustainable asso Almoravid hegemony. The famous walls of the ancient city of Marrakech has seen major changes in the choice of the dynasties. Therefore, new doors were repeatedly drilled (Bab in Arabic). Today, the height of the walls varies between 8 and 10 meters and spread over a total distance exceeding 19 km. The recent fashion of riads, the traditional Moroccan around a central courtyard has generated profound sociological in the medina of Marrakech, where the price of m² achieved. Therefore, an important and growing small homes Marrakech is driven by speculation in "exile" outside the walls. On the other hand, there is a phenomenon of the densification of housing in the medina. However, it is hard to attend a museumification of the medina, much less. In fact, the success of growing tourism in Marrakech medina lasting revitalize attracted many young people in the labyrinth of the medina. Thus, it appears that more than 40,000 artisans working in various areas geographically themed medina. The Mellah in the southeast of the medina, was and remains today, to a lesser extent, the Jewish quarter of Marrakech. Far from being a ghetto, Jews included some unions more and when the history of Marrakech became the specialty of this community (Weaver's work is an example of this phenomenon). It was founded in 1558 under the reign of Moulay Abdellah, near the palace in time, as was the case in Fez, for example, the Sultan to better protect them. Les Jardins de l'Agdal from the south adjacent to the Royal Palace was established since 1156 by the official historian of the Almohad dynasty Ya'is for El Haj, the man who was originally from the prestigious Koutoubia. The term "Aguedal" also means "garden" in general by the Berbers, the description of the gardens did not win as Aguedal unique name in the late eighteenth century. Its existence, to the misuse of time is closely related to the skilful management of water resources in it. Therefore, the extraction of groundwater is guaranteed late eleventh century by a dense network of khetarras, later assisted by a more elaborate system of Aghmat viaducts, located further south in the direction of the Ourika valley. Finally , storage of rainwater was carried out by the two large reservoirs, the oldest, is the Chamber, used to train troops to swim across the Gibraltar Strait.
Gueliz
Gueliz district takes its name from Jbel Gueliz, low mass of sandstone located northwest of the old medina in the name Berber. This was the first neighborhood outside the walls, once reserved for the dead. Built around the current avenue connecting the Place Mohammed V of Foucault and the Bab Nkob Gueliz Jbel, Gueliz district where most of the banks and shops of Marrakech. The post, located until 16 November also is a building dating protectorale the same way that the old market Guéliz recently moved to give rise to complex Carré Eden (commercial, residential and hotel). Marrakech Plaza in front of the post, instead of November 16 and will soon host a number of European brands in fashion and clothing (Zara, Etam ...). Gueliz whole neighborhood have been classified by the property of I + 5 wilaya area, there is a massive and rapid destruction of almost all inherited from the villas protectorale time accompanied by intense speculation.
The Hivernage:
Located southwest Gueliz l'Hivernage district this neighborhood abritant opulent villas and many resorts such as Sofitel, Sheraton, Golden Tulip Farah mention that prestigious. Le poumon l'Hivernage district that formerly Avenue Mohammed VI Avenue France and recently extended to rejoindre southeast along this road Ourika Agdal walls. This large and imposing tree-lined hosts Théâtre Royal, Palais Congress and the big new station.
Avenue Mohamed VI:
Although freshly launched in May 2004, five kilometers Tronçon Avenue Mohammed VI Avenue Menara link to Ourika road voit rapidly develop many residential and hotel complex high standard. . C'est Also along Avenue Mohammed VI construite fut more African nightclub, Le Pacha Marrakech Marrakech institution empowered to permanently acquire its new status and place of branchée jeunesse "clubbers". C'est ici fut finally built the first multiplex to Marrakech this Megarama, ainsi aux happening two "grands" cinemas furent Marrakech and the Colosseum in Gueliz Daoudiate Cinema Rif. Marrakech City s'est entendu recent years with new neighborhoods west of Highway Essouira. As Massira 1.2 et3.hay azli and hay as SOCOM and douars environnant Cherki and Douar Douar Berrada

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Bab Aghmat
Bab Agnaou
Bab Ahmar
Bab Aylen
Bab Berrima
Bab Doukkala



Bab Ech Charia
Bab Ed Debbagh
Bab El Jédid
Bab El Khémis
Bab El Makhzen
Bab El Raha



Bab Er Rharaza
Bab Er Robb
Bab Fteuh
Bab Ighli
Bab Ksiba
Bab Nkob
Bab Shoushiga
Bab Taghzout

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The souks of Marrakech, in particular the famous places in Morocco, where they intersect, overlap and extend in the medina of Marrakech. The souks of Marrakech include a more than 40 000 Moroccan artisans. Of these companies, once governed the souks, only names, and some artisans and Maalem (teachers) to teach again in the center of the amounts of posts in various colors, trinkets cluttered, where traders all ages participate bystanders.
Main souks of Marrakech:
Souks dyers and tanners, there are a few shops where you can discover, multicolored skeins of wool, hides spread on straw sun near the tanks dyes.
Souks tallendiers: craftsmen working brass and red with notable skill.
Ahiak souk, market fabrics and garments.
Souk Attatine: brass market.
Souk Sherratin: Saddlers market
Chouari souk, market baskets of wood and a lathe.
DLAL souk, market djellaba auctions.
Souk El Kebir: leather market.
Eloustat souk, market fabrics, wool, wood decks, etc ...
Haddaddines Souq: blacksmiths market.
The Souk Sieves: market chandeliers and wrought iron lamps.
Moulay Ali Souk, various workshops
Souk Nejjarin carpenters market.
Rabia souk: carpet market.
Souk Smati: babouches market.
Zrabia souk, market leather goods, carpets and caftans.
Souk Kassabine: Spice Market
Jewellers Souk.

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Badi Palace, located in Marrakech was built in the late sixteenth century by Sultan Ahmed Mansur al-Saadi Saadian to celebrate the victory over the Portuguese army in 1578 in the battle known as the "Battle of the Three Kings." The construction of this sumptuous palace lasted from 1578 to 1603. The richest materials were used to decorate parts of the complex of 360 princely.

Today, there is a large forecourt sculpture garden, planted with orange trees and surrounded by high walls. In fact, in 1696, the Alawite Sultan Moulay Ismail was taken richer in this palace to build the imperial city of Meknes.
The design of this jewel of Islamic art was influenced by the Alhambra in Granada.

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The Koutoubia Mosque (Arabic: كتبية [kutubiyah]) is a religious building built in the twelfth century in Marrakech (Morocco) and representative of Almohad art.
History:
The Koutoubia Mosque, the mosque or the book began in the Berber dynasty of the Almoravids in 1120, but was redesigned substantially since 1162 under the Almohad emir Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, and became one of the most characteristic of this style. Its name comes from the fact that it was in the bazaar of merchants manuscripts.
Architecture:

The mosque of the booksellers arranged in a T This tradition has existed since the construction of the mosque of Kairouan in the ninth century, and is also found in Spain. It's actually an Arab plan hypostyle ie with a large courtyard surrounded by a portico and a colonnaded prayer hall. The aisles are perpendicular to the qibla wall, the center is wider and the space along the qibla wall also magnified, forming a T, hence the name. The mihrab is treated as a deep niche, and the minaret, 69 m in height, is square in the Muslim tradition of the West.
Decoration:
Almohad dynasty, who joined the Maliki rite, is sponsoring an austere architecture, which reflects a certain asceticism. The Koutoubia Mosque is no exception: its simplicity, is evident from his account. Arcs can be used or passed polylobés, but remain naked.
The minaret is later (ending in 1196), and most decorated: there is an important work of interlaced arches (sebka). It is topped by three golden balls of copper, which symbolizes the underworld, the heavenly world and the spirit world. He served, among others, a model for the Giralda in Seville.
The exterior landscape of the minaret is different on all four sides: the epigraphic coat paint and floral, the interlocking network of relief when interspersed paintings, pottery white strip steak on turquoise, sometimes interlocking arches. It is built of sandstone from the quarries of slate Gueliz. Beautifully proportions: 12.80 for 69 of the flashlight with height (77 m from the tip of the arrow), with an exterior wall of 2.50 m. In the middle of the block of flats out of a core of six rooms overlapping. All around, a gently sloping ramp leads to the walk. The platform is surrounded by a road protected by a fence of jagged explosion. The lantern, the top 16 m, appears as a second minaret standing at first. It is surmounted by a metal rod down four golden balls of decreased size, greater than 6 m in diameter. They are made of gilded copper plates riveted together.
Furniture:
The Booksellers' Mosque retains a magnificent minbar dating from 1137, in another mosque of Cordoba. Like most people in the West, is mobile (on wheels), composed of different types of wood, but not ivory. The bill for the decor, very end, Ajour, lasted seven years. Has small bows glued to each other that marks the emmarchements and taste for polychromy is remarkable.

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The ancient Egyptians called it simply "Niout" the city. Homer gave the name "City of a hundred gates." Vivant Denon, who accompanied the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte, wrote: "The city was a ghost as unfathomable to our imagination that Napoleon's army, the sight of scattered ruins, stopped short. In a spontaneous act, we got everyone to clap. "

Luxor, the Living City :

In the boom times of Memphis, Thebes was nothing. Nothing but a small village. Was Mentuhotep (Middle Kingdom, 2061-2010 BC), Theban king and architect of the unification of Lower and Upper Egypt, who made Thebes the capital of the Empire. Thebes dethroned and the South Memphis, eaten away by internal strife. The new capital had its heyday during the New Kingdom, adopting grandiose monuments. From the reign of Tutmés III (1484-1450 BC), who ruled Thebes extended its authority to the banks of the Euphrates to the north-east, east to the borders of Libya, west and south to Sudán.La right bank where modern day Luxor, was the city of the living, entirely dedicated to Amun, obscure local deity promoted to the rank of chief god rather than Ra. The priests of Amun accumulated such omnipotence is not nothing that had eluded them about power. Amenhotep IV (1372-1354 BC) found in the flesh, when he decided to leave Amon and the pantheon of gods for the monotheistic worship of Aten. After the death of Pharaoh, and once destroyed the city of Tell el-Amarna dedicated to the new cult of Amon servers were commissioned to restore the power of God ... and therefore the suyo.Más beyond their conquests and wars enemy towns-Hittites and Libyans, among others, successive pharaohs, regarded as divine incarnations and revered as such, trying to ensure his greatness and posterity. To do so, undertook to expand and beautify the two temples erected to the glory of Amun: The complex of Karnak and Luxor Temple modest ... but always looking, sometimes with excessive zeal, to forget the prestige of its predecessors.


Luxor, Egypt's tourism capital :

The decline of the civilization of the pharaohs and their subsequent disappearance seriously impacted on Luxor. The monuments, previously reserved for high officials and priests who served the Almighty God, loved and feared, now sheltering small brick houses, ordinary. Because only the high and thick walls of temples offering effective protection against bandits época.En the first centuries of the Christian era, followers of the new faith built their churches in the shrines of the Egyptians of the Pharaonic era , as the temples of Luxor and Karnak, where the crosses are still visible engraved on the stone. Luxor did not represent any interest to the Arab armies came to spread Islam. Muslim leaders founded in Cairo, and the magnificence of Islamic civilization develops hundreds of miles north of the old capital.


When Europeans rediscovered the Pharaonic civilization, whose first trophy came in the bags from the expeditions of Napoleon in the late eighteenth century, Luxor sleep yet. The drawings and watercolors from the time show it. The temples are covered with sand, herds of domestic animals walk among the columns of which only the capitals above-ground. But the Egyptian fashion and Orientalism take over Europe. The Description of Egypt, written by scholars who accompanied Napoleon's army is a clear example of this. Exhibitions of old books, jewelry, mummies, are common. And from mid-nineteenth century, Luxor is stated as a tourist destination, although at that time, of course, restricted to a handful of wealthy visitors.

Luxor possesses undeniable charm. Everywhere, whether in the halls and gardens of the palaces, or on the facade of a nineteenth century building with cantilevered balconies, a perfume obsolete fleet, the era of the English settlers and the Egyptian monarchs, the rich English ladies, the beys and pashas. At sunset, the Temple of Luxor, very close to the biggest and tourism in the souks, it seems isolated from the world of the living. Its columns, colossal statues, its arches, regain their calm, indifferent to the carts that pass by. Meanwhile, across the Nile, the town of Gurna, on the slope, was sweetly asleep under a star brighter than ever.

Mutation Town :

For almost half a century, the Egyptian authorities try to reserve the western bank of Luxor, and in particular the mountain of Gurna, exclusively for tourists. It is, say, to protect ancient sites, especially the tombs of the Valley of the Nobles, and providing decent living conditions for its inhabitants. Those in the flank of the mountain does not have access to drinking water because the pipes could ruin the tombs. That is why you'll notice the incessant comings and goings of donkeys laden with tanks of considerable size, down the mountain and climbing with difficulty the steep roads. There have already been several attempts at restructuring the site, one of which gave rise to the "New Gurna ', located between the Nile and the old Gurna and designed by Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy. Another new village located north of the Theban acropolis, on the edge of the desert. Each time you repeat the same scenario: the traditional houses are surveyed and studied, as well as living conditions, needs and demands of families. Establishing plans for a new village at some distance from the old Gurna ... and a number of families refused to move. Because the houses are too small. Or because they believe that the compensation offered by the loss of its privileged location is inadequate. A new project of this type has been set up in 2006. Try to evacuate the inhabitants of the flank of the mountain (Valley of the Nobles and near the Temple of Hatshepsut), but also to those living in the agricultural part of the Theban necropolis, for example in the villages surrounding the temple of Medinet Habu .
Luxor is always surprising, given the recent evidence of this dramatic discovery, where the colossi of Memnon, statues of a fortnight, especially a giant statue (3.62 m) of the wife of Amenhotep III, Queen Tiya . Not forgetting the mummy of Tutankhamun Valley of the Kings, the only Egyptian mummy preserved in situ, which has been exposed in a Plexiglas display case, thereby providing the public eye for the first time the face of the boy Pharaoh.
Egyptian Tourist Authority

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In the beautiful hills that surround the plateau Azilal, Wadi Quzoud casts its mighty waters at the bottom of a deep hole. Despite the number of visitors, these impressive falls remain one of the most beautiful places in the region.


Availability:


- From Beni Mellal, 124 km of roads pure P24, 508 and 1811. Take Q24 to Marrakech 19 km, then follow the left 508, 89 miles, turn right in 1811 in the 16 km.


- From Marrakech, 159 km on the road P24, 508 and 1811. Borrow read P24; Tamelelt after 4 km, follow direction Azilal S508, 22 km after take Tanannt 1811.


- At the start of the P24 that connects Marrakech Beni Mellal, we can win the waterfalls along the 46 km of roads in 1811, is fast on the track and then to discover the deep and wild gorges of the Wadi el Abid .


- Leaving the S508, which borrowed from 16 km in 1811, following a valley dominated by charming villages and tighremt. Later, after a deep wooded ravine, the road passes near the mountain offers a succession of beautiful views.


- The road leads to a vast esplanade used for parking. From there, follow the road left the famous waterfalls of Ouzoud (111 minute walk).



"The convergence of several streams, Ouzoud reeds. over 100 m in the bottom of a green ravine lined with calcareous concretions and vineyards. Escaping the fog of water spray on the rocks creates a rainbow full. The roar of the falls, the bubbling of water in the bottom of the "big pots" hole by erosion, the lush vegetation, all combine to make up a fascinating and romantic.




- A dirt track in places notch steps down stops along the waterfall, along the last: the pot in which the current flow. Upriver, flour mills were built in small rectangular houses land. Water Stone crushing power-operated grinding grain. In the shadow carob macaque monkeys enjoy this site in beige hair and eyes outlined in black.


- Keeping track of the road in 1811, soon spread along the gorge of the Wadi el Abid, in the depths of 400 to 600 meters and one can only see the bottom. Then the track descends to yaw result gorges, through the valley and continues through the rustic landscape before returning to the road Bendriss Moulay Aissa.


Demnate characteristics of the region (66 km south-west), Beni Mellal (124 km north-east), the valley of Ait Bougma.

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Larache (Arabic: العرائش) is a small city (107,371 pop.) Morocco, Tanger-Tetouan region, known as the former Lixus. Larache modernizes a rapid pace. Located in northern Morocco at about 86 km from Tangier. Is Spanish from 1610 to 1686 and during the protectorate from 1911 to 1956.


Geographic:


Larache province was established on October 14, 1985, is part of the Wilaya of Tetouan, which belongs to the region of Tangier-Tetouan Larache province is bounded on the north by the province of Tetuan and Tangier Province seekers, the South by the province of Kenitra, in the eastern province of Chefchaouen and west by the Atlantic Ocean. From a relief point of view, is in the province of Larache, a mountainous area is the western extension of the Rif chain, and Tangier-Tetouan, located mainly in rural areas of Beni-Arous, Zaarour, Tazrout and Beni Gorfet. marly hills surrounding a low, marshy plain. along the coast, a line of dunes is set R'mel trays.


Climate:


Larache province enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by the alternation of wet and cool season from October to April and a hot dry season from May to September. The annual rainfall varies between 700 and 800 mm and is concentrated almost entirely between October and April. As temperatures vary between 6 ° C during the cold and 32 ° C in the warm period. The hydrographic network includes Loukkos Oued Province and its tributaries, water R'mel, the Makhazine El Oued Dam, the dam Loukkos custody, three ponds and numerous water sources


Area:


Larache province covers an area of approximately 2 783 km ². Its population is about 431 476 inhabitants. (Census 1994), including 201 485 inhabitants. in municipalities and urban centers and 229 991 hab. in rural towns. Therefore, the urbanization rate is 46.7%. As the average density is 155 inhabitants / km ². Today, many neighborhoods have appeared on the outskirts of the city. The largest being built today, is probably the district of "Almaghrib Aljadid" (in French The new Morocco). It offers real prospects for the future of the city, as the surface is large.


Places to visit:


The hottest place is around the central plaza or the location of the release of Arab-Andalusian style, surrounded by numerous terraces of cafes. Here, the district of Bab El Khemis outlines one of the entries in the old Medina.


Within the old Medina:


* Souk Esseghir (Petit Souk)


* The vegetable market permanently installed


* The maze of narrow streets leading to the port, travel, homes with colored doors ...


Tourism City Lixus


* The former military hospital in the center, Andalusian architecture is often present, and in this style can be seen in July 2002, the market hall which is under renovation (200 m from the central square).


* A pine forest is 500 meters from the central plaza and extends for miles along the ocean


Other forests of pine, eucalyptus and cork near Larache.


Beach


The beach, located on the opposite bank of the river can be accessed either on foot (300 meters from the main square) with the crossing by boat or by car or bus, without going through the river (10 km). There are two beaches bounded by a spring, one with the waves (for bodyboarders!) What goes far and the other closer to the inlet, more quiet, perfect for swimming.

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Kairouan is a city of Tunisia, of 72,000 inhabitants located a few miles west of Sousse. It is a great religious center and arisanat with its beautiful carpets. Pastry chefs make the best makrouds Tunisia

Sites to visit:
Great Mosque
The mosque's barber
The Mosque of the Three Doors
Cuenca Aghlabites
Medina and many things.

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Egyptian Tourist Authority


How far is the time Hurghada was but a small fishing port and a modest yard, oblivious to the world and even the Egyptians themselves. Far ... but not much, just a few years. In ten years, has become a city of 35,000 and the most appreciated seaside resort in the country. His popularity is soaring among the Egyptians and among lovers of sun, sea and diving around the world. At least a hundred resorts, some more and others less luxurious, succeed for twenty miles along the coast. The center of the city, known as the ed-Dahar district has retained a traditional feel, with a small souk and some cheap hotels.

There are few coral reefs accessible by swimming from the coast, so it is best then give yourself a full day excursion at sea. There are many clubs that offer this service. One of the most popular destinations are the islands Giftun. These are very well preserved, as the drainage and waste is collected by specially equipped boats, and access to the islands is limited.


The great advantage of the Red Sea is that you can enjoy the beauty of the sea bottom with simple glasses, a pair of palms and a tube. Although of course, the show is even more wonderful with a bottle and a belt of lead ...

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Located a few kilometers from the capital (60 km) and Nabeul (6 km) at the entrance to Cap Bon, Hammamet (12,000 inhabitants) is known primarily as a place of peace and leisure. In Djerba, Hammamet is one of the main destinations Tunisienne, a privilege that is the presence of several tourist areas of the hotel plagued clubs around the city and along the beaches, welcoming thousands of visitors from around the world.


At the beginning of the century, Hammamet is a quiet little town surrounded by walls resistant streets full of charm, dating from the XV which reinforces a citadel (kasbah). Nothing, but expect a large fortune if it is the beautiful sandy beaches stretching for several kilometers around the Gulf, the mild climate and the gardens planted with orange, tangerine, lemon, which is known throughout the Cape well. The city was launched at the end of 20 years. West shakes when the earthquake of 29 billionaires and settle in other suns. A Romanian, Georges Sebastian Hammamet and discovered he had a villa. He invited his friends. Seduced by the charm of the place, and then acquire some small houses in the medina transform your taste, while others prefer to build sumptuous villas on the field to mimic the traditional Arab-Muslim Villa Sebastian. The Centre Georges Sebastian is requisitioned in 1943 by Rommel, who set up his headquarters. After the war, the rich Romanian not returning to their home free and donated to the government of Tunisia in 1959. It becomes a cultural center, whose open-air theater, added to the inner garden of the villa in 1964, every summer a major international festival, second only to that of Carthage. Downtown (also tourists), though pleasant, is fairly typical, but friendly and lively. The surroundings are a suburb of the sea and the shops are full of leather and carpets. Interestingly, back and forth from local fishermen. Although it is very different from that of the desert, often offering camel rides.


A little history: The Hammamet promontory was fortified for the first time in 904 by the Emir Ibrahim Aghlabids II. She shares her experience of seats, battles and bloodshed with the Norman invasion, occupation Hafsid the confrontation between the pirates and the Spanish ... Dragut seizure in 1560, presented in vain naval blockade of Andrea Doria, the garrison was the victim of a ruse of the Trojan horse type in 1602, when 300 Knights of Malta came disguised as Muslim and Arab music playback. Where they were welcomed with open arms and rushed to the city to sack. It was known in Europe, Hammamet played a modest role in the Civil War in Tunisia. Dey call Hajji Ali Laz refuge there in 1673. Having attempted a revolt against Mourad Bey II, was murdered and buried in the casbahs. When the French advanced in Hammamet in 1881, residents helped to push the first column in El-Arba'in. With these reinforcements, the French took over quickly, but, however, Hammamet won a small victory for nature typically seductive Captain Bordier, commandant of the place, so the city s'éprit resigned to retirement.


see:


Fifteenth-century Kasbah, is a former barracks of the Legion. Be reached either through the souk, or through the old gate of the Sea (Bab el-Bahar). Restored in 1977 - 1979, the court has only a few trees, three pistols and unassembled undated and the Marabout of Sidi Bou Ali. The walk along the walls that is worthwhile and offers a splendid panorama of the city and region. A small Arabic coffee is in the top of the upper wall.


-The Museum of Private Hammamet is situated in the medina. On display bridal gowns and ensembles from all regions of Tunisia


"The International Cultural Centre of Hammamet villa was built in the Romanian millionaire Georges Sebastian. The theater, located in the gardens with lush vegetation, was designed according to the old organization of space and Thursday This is the place every year in July and August the International Festival.


-Sidi Djedidi The site, near Hammamet is a Roman site, featuring a collection of mosaics.


"The medina is surrounded by a high to shore emparts Once such racoleur inevitably mini-souk, ride in the city and around the walls is fun.

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