Friday, September 26, 2014

Morocco capital


Morocco capital


Rabat "fortress" is the capital of Morocco on the Atlantic coast and the capital of the Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer-. It is located On the edge of the Atlantic and on the left shore or south of the mouth of Bouregreg, opposite the city of Salé, both cities are therefore referred to as "twin cities."

             Morocco capital
















The city was founded in 1150 by the Almohads, who erected a citadel , the current name comes from Ribat "Camp Victory" or "fortress".

Rabat is the great political and administrative center of the country, where the royal palaces, embassies and government agencies .With its suburbs, it forms the second largest city in the country after Casablanca.

Since 2012, a group of sites in Rabat are inscribed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
The city has also received the second place in the ranking CNN Best Tourist Destination 2013 RABAT, the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco seduced the 21 member jury of UNESCO through respectful planning of the historical heritage of the city and the value of the proposed sites for this classification from the necropolis of Chellah, Kasbah Oudayas, ramparts, through the historic gardens, Andalusian medina to the architecture of the 20th century.

Morocco capital
Morocco capital














Reputed to be a green town, Rabat, was chosen as the "first city" by the American Association Earth Day Network, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, strengthens its role in enhancing its urban green spaces and peri.

With the upcoming reopening of the botanical garden trials, Rabat, to be declared the first green city in Morocco further widens the gap with the other cities of the Kingdom in terms of respect for the environment and development of green spaces. Rabat which is dotted by no less than 260 ha of urban and suburban green spaces and green belt covering 1,063 ha.

the capital of the Kingdom possesses a rich architectural heritage which has many monuments like the doors of the enclosure of the Casbah Oudaïa, the minaret of the Hassan mosque (XII century), which is 55 m, one of the few vestiges this unfinished building and close to the city; Chellah necropolis. The city has several museums (archeology, crafts). It is the seat of the University Mohammed V (1957) and several cultural and educational institutions.




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Morocco capital

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Saturday, September 20, 2014

Morocco currency


The national currency is the Moroccan dirham. not to get lost in endless mental calculations is to add a zero. Example: $ 1 = 8.6 dirhams. In large cities, there are many exchange offices and banks where exchange your dollars or Euros € 1 = 10 Dirhams.

Morocco currency

This currency is not convertible and you're supposed to leave Morocco without dirham pocket (you can change your dirhams at the airport if you have treasured the ticket or ticket exchange for withdrawal per card).


 Morocco currency
Morocco currency

    Morocco currency





Morocco currency
Morocco currency















In large cities, there are many exchange offices and banks where exchange your dollars and euros etc.

Credit cards, as they are to widely accepted especially in big cities where you can easily find  ATMs, convenient to avoid the queues in banks.

Remember that the dirham is a non-convertible currency and therefore can not be exchanged outside Morocco. Always require a receipt and thoroughly check the sum. In our experience, changing dollars into dirhams remains the option most advantageous with respect to cash withdrawal or payment by credit card. Also remember to ask for the money, necessary to adjust tips and little daily expenses.

Life in Morocco remains, although it has risen well in some places.

hotels

We show you the price for two people sharing a double room. For the most touristy as Marrakech and Essaouira cities, these ranges can be reviewed easily 20 to 30% increase. The riad in Marrakech and Fez were classified differently.

- Very cheap: less than Dh 100 ($ 10).
- Budget: 100 to 200 Dh (10.11 to $ 23).
- Average Price: 200 to 400 Dh (20, 23-46 $).
- Chic: 400 MAD MAD 800 (44.46 to $ 92).

restaurants

Prices are for a complete meal for one person without drinks.
- Very cheap : less than 50 Dh ($ 5).
- Inexpensive : 50 to 80 DH  (5 to $ 9).
- Average prices: 80 to 150 Dh (9 to $ 17).
- Chic:  150 to 250 DH  (17 to $ 29).


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Morocco currency



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Friday, September 19, 2014

Morocco language

- Morocco language

Morocco has two official languages : Arabic and Amazigh. Each language is spoken in different dialects, while classical Arabic is the language of administration and also became an official Amazigh language in Morocco.

French is the second administrative language and the second language of communication. You can sign official contracts either French or Arabic. In the north, it also speaks Spanish. In Agadir, German is understood by much of the population. while English is gaining ground in Morocco in business and international trade. 

Arabic the mother tongue of nearly two-thirds of the population. It is also the language of the dominant religion, Islam. Should be distinguished Arabic official, the administration and the Arabic dialect (the true native language: Darija) spoken by all Moroccans. Arabic is spoken in different dialects in the regions of Morocco. what makes outscored Morocco a country rich in linguistuque culture.le symbol of a multicultural Morocco, open to all civilizations Morocco, in all cultures and all languages!

Moroccans of the world. The number of RME 4.5 million people in 2013
This community is established in 100 countries on five continents, the majority in Europe, 80% of its members are divided into: France, Israel, Spain, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

Morocco language   "Amazigh language"

Amazigh (Berber language) is spoken by about 40% of the population, it is divided into several dialects, including:
- The Rif, or zenatiya or tarifit, spoken in the Rif.
- Tamazight (or Braber) spoken in the Middle Atlas, part of the High Atlas and many valleys. It has an alphabet (Tifinagh).
- The tachelhit practiced by Chleuhs High Atlas, Sub and coast of southern Morocco.

Moroccans of the world

Statistics 2012
France 1 314 0002
Spain 792 1583
Italy 524 7754
Netherlands 460 1955
Belgium 407 6476
United States 150 0007
Germany 120 0008
Canada 110 0009
United Arab Emirates  85000
Qatar 75000
UK 70 000
Libya 60 00012
Saudi Arabia 43 216
Sweden 20 000
Turkey 20000
Norway 15000
Denmark 15 000
Swiss 13500
Ukraine 3 000
Brazil 2 500

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Morocco language

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Marrakech currency


Marrakech currency


- currency of morocco is the dirham (DH), divided into 100 cents.

Money

The exchange rate is roughly as follows:


1 dollar = 8.5 dh
1 euro = 10 dh

Air 200, 100, 50, and 20 dirhams (DH) are available as well as currencies 10DH, 5DH, 1DH, DH 0.5, and other denominations.


- Credit Cards

The main institutions of Marrakech accept international credit cards. in major hotels, shops, restaurants, and even in soucs major cities.


As for vending machines, there are everywhere and they take Visa MasterCard that as well.



marrakech currency

   marrakech currency

marrakech currency

 




marrakech currency
  Marrakech currency

marrakech currency
Marrekech curency



- The exchange

Remember that the dirham is possible to import or export. The exchange with foreign currencies is legal only within the country.

Regarding the changes, it is important not to change the street, where you have a very good chance of being ripped off. Go to the banks, it is the best solution. Major Guests can also help you out.
These kiosks submit a récépicé which will be essential to convert dirhams at the end of your stay.


-  Traveller’s cheques


Traveler's checks are accepted at all Moroccan banks and in many hotels. You must bring a copy of their proof of purchase. a commission of about "$ 1" check to convert them into cash.



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Marrakech currency

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Monday, September 8, 2014

Morocco climate

The climate varies by season and region. There are two main seasons in Morocco: hot, dry season from May to September, more cold and wet from October to April. These climatic and geographical contrasts offer flora and fauna rich and diversified.


Morocco climate

Morocco climate











the Rif Mountains have a Mediterranean climate. The North-western Morocco, particularly the Rif mountains, exposed to Atlantic depressions in winter and rainfall is moderately high. The southern Atlantic coast to Agadir receives more than 200 mm of rain in winter, but further south, the climate becomes progressively drier and the Sahara desert extends to the coast. Rainfall increases to over 400 mm in the north of Casablanca.



The climate in Morocco can be divided into seven sub-areas 

Morocco climate

- The Mediterranean coast and the Rif 

The climate is typically Mediterranean along the coast with a mild winter 
  (10-12 ° C) and moderately watered, a hot dry summer (24-26 ° C) 














The Rif Mountains is relatively lush, green, pine trees grow near the coast, and are covered with massive oaks, cedar or fir. This region is also known for its cultivation of cannabis. 

- Pre-Saharan valleys and Anti-Atlas 

This area is composed of the Sahara Middle Atlas and High Atlas and Anti-Atlas is that the derivation of the Moroccan Atlas. 

given altitude. The climate is desert with mountain influences. 
Average temperatures are very different and are 6 to 11 ° C in winter and 27-32 ° C. The minimum and maximum average temperatures are respectively during the coldest winter months of 1 ° C and 17 ° C and 21 ° C and 40 ° C during the hottest month in summer to Ouarzazate.

- Middle and High Atlas












The Middle Atlas and the High Atlas Mountains form a mountain range oriented southwest - northeast.northeast.

The highlight is the Toubkal (4165m) North Africa's highest peak.
The mountain climate is in the central part of the chain, but it undergoes Oceanic and Mediterranean influences.

The snowfalls are very abundant during the winter and can extend until May. During the summer the area is frequently hit by rainstorms. As for temperatures, they are very harsh winter with permanent frost (down to -18 ° C), while in the summer they are quite pleasant 20 ° C on average.

The scenery is beautiful and varied in this region. It has a rich biodiversity. many rivers and
stunning waterfalls.

- The interior plateau











this area could be divided into two, a semi-arid in the south and another in the north wetter climate nearest Plains nord.allant Fez northeast Marrakech in the south-west. Average temperatures during winter range from September to November ° C in summer and rise to 26-28 ° C.



- From Doukkala to the Souss Basin













It includes plain Doukkala, the coast of Essaouira and Souss Basin. Temperatures vary between winter and summer from 14 to 16 ° C in January and 19-22 ° C in July. However, this region may occasionally suffer Saharan air lifts which can drive up temperatures above 40 ° C.

The area is also famous for its citrus crops, the famous tree, the argan tree.



- Saharan area 













The climate is typically desert.  This zone is located south of the Massif de l'Atlas. 
The minimum and maximum average temperatures by 3.8 ° C and 20.3 ° C during the coldest winter months. 
during the hottest months of the summer Zagora 25.1 ° C and 42.4 ° C. In the desert nights can be very cold in winter. The desert climate is sunny all year round, summer and winter.

- The North Atlantic plains














This area has a Mediterranean climate with an oceanic influence. Summer is dry and sunny. The rainy season begins in October and can last until May in the extreme north . As for the temperatures are rather homogeneous. The average temperature in January is 12 to 13 ° C. As summer temperatures around 23 ° C ,a mild winter and genial summer.




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Sunday, September 7, 2014

Bahia palace Marrakech



Bahia palace - Marrakech.

The Bahia Palace is located in the medina of Marrakech along the northern edge of the 
district Mellah or Jewish quarter. Although the exact dates of the construction of the palace are not known, the building was in use between 1859 and 1873 and was completed by 1900, the palace was built in two phases by two different men, a father and son who has served  to Alawite chérifien. the Bahia palace belonged to the great master of the kingdom, Si Ahmed ben Musa, grand vizier of Sultan Moulay el Hassan and the first Moulay Abdel Aziz. 

The Bahia Palace, literally "beautiful palace"

bahia palace marrakech

                                    Bahia palace Marrakech





















It is one of the masterpieces of Moroccan, one of the major monuments of cultural heritage of the country and one of the main tourist spots in Morocco architecture.


Bahia palace Marrakech

Bahia palace Marrakech  is a grand old house and a set of houses were gathered and turned into palace in the late nineteenth century by the Moroccan architect El Mekki on behalf of the Grand Vizier Ahmed ben Moussa Ba said Hmad (1841-1900).

Bahia palace Marrakech
Bahia palace Marrakech
















The foundations of the palace appeared in "1880" under the will of the vizier Sidi Moussa, head of the Moroccan kingdom. The latter wanted to build a luxurious residence for the pleasure of one of her companions. He then offered a palace compound of about
160 rooms! This would therefore provide an explanation for the name of the monument meaning "beautiful palace".


The typical oriental beauty of the monument is one of the most beautiful palace in Marrakech. The different parts of the palace, including small domestic gardens and fountains, spread over nearly 10 hectares. Indeed, the building has more than 150 pieces.

Bahia palace Marrakech  is open to visitors, concerts of Arab-Andalusian music and art exhibitions. The Moroccan royal family of the King of Morocco are sometimes stays in a large private party not open to the public.



ticket price : 10 dirhams.  1$

- Open daily

- hours vary by season

from 8.30 to 12H and 18H to 14H30


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Bahia palace Marrakech


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Majorelle Garden


Majorelle Garden

 in Marrakech is one of Morocco's most visited places. 
Majorelle Garden  is a haven of calm right in the heart of the city of Marrakech. An inevitable getaway when visiting Morocco and especially this imperial city. The atmosphere and the beautiful location make it an ideal place for a relaxing moment. 

he took forty years to the French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962) to create, with passion, this enchanting place, at the heart of the red city. 


Majorelle Garden

Majorelle Garden

                           Majorelle Garden

A botanical garden :

An island of calm and cool, this garden was designed by the painter Jacques Majorelle. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and fans of cacti and other rare species.
The garden hosts a variety of bird species and brings together a wide variety of plants from around the world. yuccas and cacti, and more you will stroll in the middle of lush vegetation.

The Majorelle Garden is also a small museum of Islamic art. In what was formerly the studio of the artist, you can admire the Berber pottery, jewelry, fine carpets .....

In shady paths we stroll amid trees and exotic plants whose origin is a dream, water paths murmur refreshing and ponds full of water lilies and lotus we go along; means in the air to fragrances here and there sweet rustling leaves and chirping birds from many refuge there, we stop at a bend in front of a building in the Moorish charm or style Art Deco, amazingly painted in bright primary colors dominated by the intense blue seen in the Atlas by the artist. We are relaxed and bewitched by the harmony of this painting lush and alive when the senses are gently asked to provide a magical walk.

Majorelle Garden


Majorelle garden.













Open every day of the year 

shedule  

October 1 to April 30: 8 am to 17:30 
May 1 to September 30: 8h to 18h 
Ramadan: 9h to 17h 
The garden and museum are accessible to the disabled. 

Admission prices 
Garden: 50 Dhs   5 $
Museum: 25 Dhs  2,5 $
special Conditions 
Reduced to only the garden entrance 
Moroccan and foreign university students: 30 Dhs on presentation of the card  3 $
Free admission to the garden and museum 
Children under 9 years accompanied. 
National and International Schools (Schools and High Schools): Free entry upon written request by fax or email. 

Members of the International Council of Museums: free on presentation of membership card.

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