History's Greatest Cities Marrakech
Jun 2, 2025
Join travel writer Paul Bloomfield and acclaimed author Barnaby Rogerson, an expert on North Africa, as they explore the captivating history of Marrakech. They delve into its unique identity shaped by dynasties like the Almoravids and Almohads, and the impacts of the French protectorate. Discover the architectural beauty of the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Saadian Tombs, and navigate the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa. With insider tips on local cuisine and cultural insights, this journey through Marrakech is both enlightening and enticing.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
A City Born By Design
- Marrakesh was founded from scratch as a deliberate Moroccan capital rather than evolving like Damascus or Cairo.
- Its identity is rooted in local geography and a uniquely Moroccan expression of Islam and power.
Geography Made The City
- Marrakesh's geography — Atlas Mountains, Sahara and distance from the coast — shaped its role as an inland imperial hub.
- That landscape made it a frontier base for Saharan empires projecting power north and west.
Koutoubia As The City's Emblem
- The Almohads left an enduring urban symbol: the Koutoubia mosque's minaret that dominates Marrakesh's skyline.
- Moroccan mosques are generally closed to non-Muslims, so the Koutoubia functions more as a visible emblem than an interior visit.
