Morocco’s Religious Past, Part II

The Jewish people living along the coast of Morocco played an important role in helping the Portuguese establish trade routes with North Africa. However, they also helped the Moors from Andalucia in their quest to re-capture Safi along the coast.

Morocco’s Religious Past, Part I

Since ancient times, many religious groups have lived in Morocco. Jews found their way into North Africa and went as far as Mauritania while other religious groups settled in different areas and became businessmen, jewelers, and farmers. Although these groups were separated, most remained self-governing. The Jewish population flourished under the Roman and Vandal rule, but began encountering problems when the Catholic Church issued edicts against them once the Vandals fell around 534.

The Mellah of Marrakech

For those concentrating on a historical approach to Morocco, there is no better place to learn about the country’s interesting past than in Marrakech. While many monuments and sites are worthy of note, Marrakech, much like Fez, can boast its Jewish and Islamic pasts that bring flavor and appeal to a country that will be receiving nearly ten million visitors per year.