Tin Mal - mosque open for non-Muslims
by vtveen
Tin Mal Mosque was built in the year of 1153 by Abd el-Moumen, the successor of the founder of the Almohad dynasty Ibn Toumert. Tin Mal village became the spiritual capital and artistic centre of the Almohads. After the decline of the dynasty, it became again a simple village in the High Atlas and the mosque deteriorated and became more or less a ruin. Nowadays it is largely restored by the UNESCO - there is still no roof - and a rare opportunity for non-Muslims to visit the interior of a mosque in Morocco.
Coming from Marrakech along the Tizi-n-Test road we followed after the village of Ijoukak the N’ffis Valley. Suddenly the mosque appeared, standing on a hill in the valley. It looked from a distance more like a fortress than a religious building.
It seemed like the caretaker was waiting for us, because he welcomed us immediately after leaving our car. He showed us around in the mosque with its impressive interior: beautiful arched pillars of pink stone and plaster stalactites, the original Mihrab with nice decorations, the cedar wooden doors now replaced by new ones, some original water pipes and the nests of two owls. The interior was severely damaged and just the Mihrab and the colonnade in front of it are well maintained. The rest of the pillars were rebuilt.
It was so interesting walking around, getting an impression of a Moroccan mosque and shooting pictures as well. The mosque still doesn’t have a roof and the sun was shining into the building causing mysterious shadow patterns from the horseshoe arches.
From the car park we had stunning views of the snow covered mountains of the High Atlas and the green N’ffis Valley.
Information
Tin Mal Mosque is situated about 10 km’s south of the village of Ijoukak, about 100 km’s from Marrakech along the Tizi-n-Test road (S501). It takes about two hours of driving. The mosque is open daily except Fridays and we had to pay a small entrance fee. We visited Tin Mal with a ‘grand taxi’ on our day trip to the pass.
Excellent Thai Cuisine in Marrakesh
by mlmimouna about Bistro La Saveur (Inside Caspien Hotel)
by Mary Mimouna, Marrakesh Restaurant Reviewer
For a refined and elegant Thai dining experience in Marrakesh, I recommend the Bistro Le Saveur (meaning "delicious-tasting" in French). The decor reminds me of the splendorous charm of bygone colonial days in Southeast Asia. This restaurant has become a favorite among ex-pats in Marrakesh.
While half the menu is French cuisine, we especially went to eat Thai food. For shared appetizers, we ordered the Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce (45 DH), and the Spicy Grilled Beef Salad with Thai Herbs (55 DH)--both excellent.
The Red Curry with Seafood and Thai Basil (100 DH) is the best dish in the house. The Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp and Tamarind (100 DH) were all right, but not so special.
An unobtrusive bar does not interfere with the dining room (for diners who object to the bar section, the front restaurant sections have no bar, but do have the same menu). Excellent selection of American cocktails (expensive).
IF YOU GO Open seven days a week, lunch is served from 12:00 Noon - 3:00 PM, and dinner is served from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. For those who prefer earlier lunch and dinner times than most Marrakesh restaurants offer, this place is a good option.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSABILITY One of the FEW places where the restaurant AND restrooms are somewhat wheelchair accessible in Marrakesh. There is one small half-step up into the hotel (which a wheelchair would need help negotiating), and no other stairs. Doors into restroom and stall doors are wide. Wheelchair could enter the restroom, but not actually into the stall itself (helper would be needed). WHAT WE LIKE Red Curry with Seafood and Thai Basil; Spicy Grilled Beef Salad with Thai Herbs, and the Smile Cocktail (non-alcoholic).
Plaza Djamaa el fnaa
by jpizquierdo
This is the heart of the old medina, great place to be in the afternoo, you can feel the odors of morocco, the sounds of the snake enchanters , storytelling guys, everything happens here, this is a must
Ramparts & Babs
by MM212
The walls of la Médina, the old city of Marrakech, date back from the 12th century Almoravides period and successive restorations. They were built in the typical arabo-andalusian city wall style, but in the Marrakchi reddish-pink colour. As all mediaeval ramparts, the Marrakech walls are punctuated with city gates, or bab in Arabic. Each bab has a story to go with it, and I was told the best way to see them all would be to take a carriage ride around walls, something I did not manage to do. Attached are pictures of Bab Doukkala, Bab er-Rob, and a third which is possibly Bab Ksiba, three city gates I did see.
Alleys of Marrakech
by lucyt
To many people what makes Marrakech so distinctive is its alleys.
Meandering fitfully throughout the Medina they afford a sense of calm and a respite from the heat of the African sun. Seemingly similar, they present a trial for navigation. In a bewildering range of pinks they offer something of a blank canvas - a contrast to the rich variety and opulence of the houses they conceal.
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Rooftop terrace of the Riad Laora
El Bahia Palace
Our grand taxi (with driver) nearby Tin Mal Mosque
Merchandise at Souk el Khemis
