Marrakech

Marrakech

Saddian Tombs

Fig trees outside tomb

Inside mausoleum 

Outside, tombs of servants and soldiers

Inside mausoleum 

The Saddian tombs are from the Ahmad al-Mansur era around 1600. There are approximately sixty members of the Saadi Dynasty here. Outside of the mausoleum, soldiers and servants are buried. Much of the architecture here is reminiscent of the Alhamra in Spain as much influence came from this area as refugees moved from Spain to Morocco.

El Badi Palace

Sunken gardens

Where the King would have sat

Pool and sunken gardens

Atlas mountains in distance

Citrus trees

The El Badi Palace was commissioned by the Saadian Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in 1578. The courtyard consists of pools of water and sunken gardens, so that the fruit was at the height of the people. The king often sat in his throne in the room seen across the pools of water. He would be surrounded by fountains and water. The "plumbing" of this which was under ground can be seen in the picture above. This was to symbolize his power over water in this arid climate. 

Ben Youssef Madrasa

Wall decorations

Where students sat for teaching

View from room to main courtyard

Being the largest in Marrakech, this is the largest Islamic college in Morocco. The college was founded in the 14th century and was closed in 1960. Students could be housed here if necessary. Students would sit and listen to the books of law from teachers which must be memorized. Much of this decoration was also highly influenced by Andalusian art.

Royal Palace Agdal

Carp and gardens in distance

Irrigation system in the gardens

Olive and citrus trees

Carp in the holding tank

Holding tank and gardens

The palace is home to the oldest gardens in Marrakech. The holding tank for water, which lies above ground, is fed from khettaras, a system which enables water to be brought down from the high Atlas Mountains. The holding tanks are above ground, so that the gardens may be irrigated through natural gravity. The citrus trees are located closest to the holding tanks since they require the most water, then olive trees follow. Next, the palace gets fed water, and if anything remains, it travels further to the residents of the city. Carp occupy the holding tank which makes for an exciting visit to the gardens - and reminded me of home.