Tétouan, known as the White Dove, is a city of Berber origin in Northern Morocco.
Its name means water springs in Berber, owing to the abundance of springs throughout the city. It is located at the foothills of Mount Dersa, which belongs to the Hauz mountain range, about 70 kilometres from Tangier and 40 from Ceuta.
Tétouan was of particular importance in the Islamic period, from the 8th century onwards, since it served as the main point of contact between Morocco and Andalusia. After the Reconquest, the town was rebuilt by Andalusian refugees who had been expelled by the Spanish. This is well illustrated by its art and architecture, which reveal clear Andalusian influence.
Although one of the smallest of the Moroccan medinas, Tétouan is unquestionably the most complete and it has been largely untouched by subsequent outside influences.
The Medina of Tétouan developed on the steep slopes of the Jebel Dersa. In the Islamic period it had particular importance from the 8th century onwards since it served as the point of connection between Morocco and Andalusia.
The Medina of Tétouan is surrounded by a historic wall of approximately 5 km in length and accessed by means of seven gates. The urban layout is characterised by main streets linking the gates to one another and giving access to open spaces, squares and smaller squares, and public buildings such as funduqs, mosques, zawayas and to the artisan and commercial districts, and on the other hand to smaller lanes leading to passages and semi-private residential areas.
A true synthesis of Moroccan and Andalusian cultures, the historic town of Tétouan
presents urban and architectural features that have influenced the
architectural and artistic development during the period of the Spanish
Protectorate.
More information: Visit Morocco
The town of Tétouan is famous for its school of arts and crafts (Dar Sanaa) and its National Institute of Fine Arts which testify to an ancestral tradition and an opening onto the world today.
Is a maze of streets, alleys, squares, corners, doors and windows full of life which attract tourists. Feeling part of it all is easy -just take a stroll through its streets, drink tea at one of its cafes or talk to the locals. Let yourself be taken in by the medina and get lost in it.
There are three areas within the medina: Andalusian, Jewish and Berber.
It is almost completely surrounded by walls and its highest spot is dominated by its alcazaba, which once served as the Spanish barracks.
The heart of the Medina is Souk el Houts, dominated by the alcazaba of al-Mandari, and an interesting place where many women sell typical aprons from the city.
Another place you should visit is the Feddan Square, a beautiful square where you'll find the Royal Palace. Next to the palace are the zaouias of Sidi Abdellah el Hach and Sidi Ali Ben Aisa. This square has cafes, shops and provides access to the Jewish quarter.
The Jewish quarter is well worth a visit for its splendid houses and the ancient Queen Victoria Theatre.
A bazaar or souk, is a permanently enclosed marketplace or street where goods and services are exchanged or sold.
The term bazaar originates from the Persian word bāzār. The term bazaar is sometimes also used to refer to the network of merchants, bankers and craftsmen who work in that area. Although the word bazaar is of Persian origin, its use has spread and now has been accepted into the vernacular in countries around the world.
The term souk is used in Western Asian, North African and some Horn African cities.
More information: O Hay Away
It's incredibly beautiful.
And also it is captivating place because for a writer,
you feel that you make impact.
I mean, when I write something in the press,
the day after in the fish market,
people will be discussing it.
Fatema Mernissi
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