The overwhelming Berber population of Marrakech makes for a city whose culture is strongly influence by that of Arab and Islamic cultures.
The Museum of Dar si Said on Raid Zitoun Jdid Street is a palace from the 19th century that serves as a good example of traditional Moroccan architecture. Inside, the museum displays artifacts from the private collections of former sultans and viziers. The Tiskiwine Museum, located between the Dar Si Said and El Bahia, exhibits clothing, jewelry and artisan crafts from the different regions of Morocco. The Museum of Marrakech features oriental and contemporary art along with displays of old jewels, coins and books.
There is not much in the way of organized theatre, dance or opera in the city, as performances are usually spontaneous or informal, but this does not mean that music is not a very large part of the city’s culture. The Jemaa el Fna Square is, in fact, dedicated to festivals (such as the National Festival of Popular Arts in June or early July, dedicated to North African music) and artistic performances. In the evenings, the square really comes alive with musicians playing mandolins, drums, guitars, and many other instruments. It is evident from these performances that Morocco sits at the crossroads of many historically influential civilizations; the music is usually a blend of Spanish, Arab, Berber and African styles.
Around 1000BC, the area around Marrakech served as a temporary campsite to nomads who made their living crossing the Sahara and trading with African tribes to the south. A permanent city was not founded until 1062, when Ben Youssef of the Almoravid dynasty claimed the site for his soldiers and erected the Koutobia mosque. Marrakech became an important cultural, economic and military base. It was the destination of many traders from Timbuktu who carried sub-Saharan gold, salt and slaves for European merchants. The sultan Ben Youssef used it as a starting point from which he sent out armies against Spain. During his reign, Andalusian influences drifted south across the Strait of Gibraltar, and Muslim artisans began incorporating Spanish styles into the city’s buildings.
Marrakech served as the capital of the Almoravidian Empire until its fall in 1258, when the city was abandoned and the nearby town of Fez became the capital of the new Marinid Empire. However, in 1554, the city was re-granted its capital status with the establishment of the Saadian dynasty, which lasted until 1917. At this point in history Morooco officially became a protectorate of France, though it was in effect a colony, and they ruled it until 1956, when the country regained its sovereignty. Today, Marrakech is no longer the Moroccan capital, but still serves as a major tourist attraction and cultural center. source: www.tripadvisor.com
Marrakech Weather & When to Go :
Although the weather is no doubt changeable, Marrakech is a wonderful place to visit for some winter sun (although not a sunbathing location of course). The weather over this New Year (2006 / 2007) was extremely good - ranging from about 18C to apparently 25C. Perfect weather for wandering and chilling out. However, it is worth noting that it gets quite cool in the shade and cold at night. So ensure you take a warm jacket or jumper for the evening. In February this year (2007), Marrakech had some of its hottest temperatures for over 10 years and the mercury hit 28-29 degrees for several days - even the locals were saying, "très chaude". This of course was suitable for sunbathing but this is the exception rather than the rule. The local guide Marrakech Evasions describes the daily weather in winter as requiring winter, spring and summer clothing.
As already mentioned, weather can fluctuate quite significantly and there is not often the consistent temperature and sun you might expect. For example, daytime temperatures can build rapidly to 40 degrees or more and then plummet to 20 degrees or less within a few short days as happened in May 2007 for example. Often this rapid rise in temperature is accompanied by a hot sand-laden wind from the desert called the Chergui which can be unbearable and may occur anytime during the summer months. For many, particularly North Europeans used to mild temperatures, the summer months are arguably too hot for comfort. The temperature can be 38 degrees Centigrade and higher for 8 or 9 days in a row. It might cool down for a week then will repeat this pattern (see weather websites below). For those who use Fahrenheit, this is 100 degrees or more for 8 or 9 days in a row! Whilst a swimming pool may take the edge off the temperature, it can be relentless.
