Meknes

El-Hedim Square

Main door of the royal city of Bab Mansour.

Meknes is one of the four royal cities of Morocco with Rabat, Fez and Marrakesh. It was founded in the 11^th century during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl (1672–1727). During that time, the city was the capital of Morocco.

At the heart of old Meknes lies an imposing royal compound protected by tall walls. The medina is also surrounded by a rampart and its central point is the El-Hedim Square.

On the El-Hedim Square, numerous herbalists are dotting the place and they sell products whose origin is quite surprising. I have seen things as weird as ostrich eggs, a dried antelope or ostrich leg, dried antelope heads, a dried lizard, a live one and plenty of cream and oils made from unusual ingredients.

Street hawker of « health » products on the El‑Hedim Square. They are real ostrich eggs.

Dar Jamaï Palace

Dar Jamaï was built in 1299 of the hegira; namely 1882 in our Gregorian calendar. It was the royal residence of Mohamed Ben Larbi Jamaï, grand vizier of Sultan Moulay Hassan I (1873-1894).

Bou Inania Madrasa

Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl

Behind this enormous door is the mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl who has been the sultan of Morocco in the 17^th century. He lies beside one of his wives and his two sons.

Originally, the site was a mosque built in 1703 by Ahmed Eddahbi.

A ceiling.

Walking around the medina and the royal compound