Rabat

Rabat

Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is located at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River in the northwest, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. In the 12th century, Abd al-Mu'min, the founder of the Almohad dynasty, built a military fortress on the left bank of the river’s estuary on a cape to prepare for naval expeditions. The fortress was named Ribat al-Fath, later shortened to Ribat. In Arabic, "Ribat" means "camp," and "Fath" means "expedition" or "conquest." Thus, Ribat al-Fath signifies "the place of expedition." The 1290s marked the peak of this dynasty’s power. Sultan Yaqub al-Mansur ordered the establishment of a city here, which was subsequently expanded multiple times, gradually transforming the military fortress into an urban center. The current name “Rabat” evolved from “Ribat.” The city had a population of 659,000 (in 2000).

Rabat has only been the capital of Morocco for 60 years. In 1912, after French colonizers occupied the ancient capital of Fes, they moved the capital to Rabat to facilitate colonial rule and sever the Moroccan people’s connection to their national history and cultural heritage. Upon Morocco’s independence in 1956, Rabat was officially established as the capital. Rabat consists of two closely connected sister cities: the new city of Rabat and the old city of Salah. Entering the new city, Western-style buildings and exquisitely designed Arab-style residences are nestled among trees and flowers. Tree-lined streets and abundant gardens are everywhere. The royal palace, government offices, and the country’s leading universities are located here. The old city of Salah is enclosed by red walls, housing many ancient Arab structures and mosques, with a bustling market scene. The backstreets and alleys are home to workshops crafting traditional handicrafts, and the residents’ way of life and production still retain a strong medieval character. The city is rich in historical sites. The Hassan Mosque was once the largest mosque in North Africa, built in the 12th century, measuring 183 meters long and 139 meters wide, with 16 gates around it. It is said to have been destroyed in a major earthquake in the 15th century. From the remaining cluster of uneven stone pillars, the grandeur of the original architecture can still be discerned. The Hassan Tower (minaret), standing at the front of the mosque, remains intact. This rose-colored stone tower covers an area of 16 square meters, stands 44 meters high, and with its spire totals 69 meters, making it a prominent landmark in Rabat. The ruins of the military fortress on the cape, known as the Kasbah of the Udayas, no longer have their walls or main hall, but the gate and watchtowers remain standing. In the middle of the kasbah is a garden filled with exotic plants. Nearby Ghasba was once a military encampment. Southeast of the new city lie the ruins of Sala, believed to be an imperial mausoleum built during the Almohad period, surrounded by fortifications. The ruins still preserve a gatehouse, tombstones, a mosque, a fishpond, and gardens. The Royal Palace of Rabat was built in 1785, covering an area of 2 square kilometers. It is a typical example of Arab palace architecture, featuring a gate adorned with brass reliefs and a green-tiled roof. The palace houses various styles of buildings, including the Riad Palace used by King Hassan II for receiving guests, which is particularly magnificent, as well as the mausoleum of King Mohammed V, Hassan II’s father. Rabat is also home to the University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD, and the Museum of Antiquities, established in 1917. On the Atlantic coast to the south of the city, there are soft sandy beaches, making it a popular summer destination.

Rabat, Morocco