Features

Morocco’s Tanjier - An Intriguing History

Tangier (also known as Tangiers) is one of Morocco’s larger cities with a an official population of approximately 670,000 although the recent growth of unorganized suburbs has pushed it to close to 1 million. Tangier is situated nearly opposite to Gibraltar, and as such has been a strategic location for trade, war and the movement of peoples for thousands of years. The city was founded in the 5th century BC by the Phoenicians, renowned for their trading prowess who also founded Carthage in modern Tunisia, a bitter rival of ancient Rome.

A Perfect Combination of Old and New

Rabat is not only the capital of Morocco, but is also rated as “the best” Moroccan city by many travelers. Far smaller than Casablanca, and not as culturally diverse as Merrakesh, Rabat is none-the-less a hit with Europeans and other visitors the world over; thanks to the city’s seamless mix of old and new.

Remnants of Zagora & Tamegroute (pt 2/2)

Near Zagora, only about 10 miles (18 km), is the town of Tamegroute. If you are driving, then follow the signs, and if you are taking a grand taxi, you’ll have no trouble getting there. The name itself means “border town” and it was, once, when Algeria’s borders stretched all the way up to the foot of Zagora. The area is famous because it was once the home, and is now the sanctuary of, Sidi Mohammed Ben Naceur.

Remnants of Zagora & Tamegroute (pt 1/2)

On the way through Ouarzazate, the 100-mile (170 km) road to Zagora is primarily a straight and flat divide giving way to pre-Sahara scenery and sensations. The land, although sparse, sparks the imagination of what once took place here: camel caravans, traders, religious leaders, and some of the earliest explorers who came through the hub of Zagora on their way to Timbuktu. A popular sign that attracts no less than a hundred photos per day marks the distance from Zagora to Timbuktu by camel – 51 days.