Rabat

　　      The Moroccan capital, Rabat (Rabat), 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 overseas expeditions. This fortress was named Ribat al-Fath, later shortened to Ribat. In Arabic, "Ribat" means "camp," and "Fath" means "expedition" or "conquest," so Ribat al-Fath signifies "place of expedition." The 1290s marked the peak of this dynasty, during which 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 settlement. The current name "Rabat" evolved from "Ribat." It has a population of 659,000 (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 culture. Morocco gained independence in 1956, and 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 Salé. Entering the new city, Western-style buildings and exquisitely designed Arab-style residences are nestled among trees and flowers. The streets are shaded by greenery, and there are numerous gardens in the medians. The royal palace, government offices, and the country’s top universities are all located here. The old city of Salé is enclosed by red walls and features many ancient Arab buildings and mosques. The city is bustling, with backstreets and alleys home to handicraft workshops. The lifestyle and production methods of its residents 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 in length and 139 meters in width, with 16 gates around it. It is said to have been destroyed in a major earthquake in the 15th century. From the remaining 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 tall, and with its spire reaches a total height of 69 meters, making it a prominent landmark of Rabat. The ruins of the military fortress on the cape, known as the Kasbah of the Udayas, no longer have its walls or main hall, but the city gate and watchtowers remain standing. In the middle of the fortress is a garden filled with exotic plants. Nearby, Ghasba was once a military encampment. To the southeast of the new city lie the ruins of Sala, believed to be imperial tombs built during the Almohad period, surrounded by a fortress. The ruins still preserve structures such as gatehouses, tombstones, mosques, pools for releasing live fish, and gardens.        The Royal Palace of Rabat was built in 1785, covering an area of 2 square kilometers. It is a typical Arab palace building, with a gate adorned with brass carvings and a roof covered in green glass tiles. The palace houses various styles of buildings, among which the Riyad Palace, used by King Hassan II to receive guests, is particularly magnificent. It also includes the mausoleum of King Mohammed V, Hassan II’s father. Rabat is home to the University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD, and the Museum of Antiquities, established in 1917. The Atlantic coast to the south of the city features soft sandy beaches, making it a popular summer tourist destination.

　　 Rabat, Morocco