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Oujda
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The capital of eastern Morocco, Oujda stands on the border with Algeria.
Its privileged geographic position makes it a center for Maghreb tourism
and a meeting point of routes between Morocco and other North African countries.
Foundation
Oujda was founded in the tenth century by Ziri Ben Attia, chief of the
Meghraoua tribe, and remained the capital of his kingdom for 80 years.
It successively housed the Almoravide and Almohade dynasties, both of whom
fortified the city. King Merinide Abou Youssef rebuilt the city in 1297,
constructing new walls and a Kasbah, mosque and palace. Moulay Ismail was
one of the sovereigns who did most to develop the city.
geography
Oujda was built on the plain of Angad, which is surrounded by one of the
most beautiful mountainous regions in Morocco: the Beni-Snassen Mountains.
Many streams run from the northern slopes to irrigate the well-kept gardens
and orchards. Crossing these imposing mountains affords a magnificent panoramic
view of Oujda.
Medina
The old medina in Oujda is separated from the new city by walls which are
evidence of the city's past, and in which there are four monumental gateways:
Bab Ouled Amran, Bab Sidi Aissa, Bab Sidi Abdelwahab and Bab Ahl Jam Al.The
Grand Mosque built in the thirteenth century I one of the city's finest
monuments.A walk through the medina is an agreeable experience and leads
to the "Kissaria",where shops vie with one another with their local handicraft
displays. Through agateway at the end of this square a courtyard flanked
by arches houses the weaversworking away enthousiastically on their traditional
looms to sounds reminiscent of African rythmsThe Place du Souk El Ma (The
Water Market), where market gardeners used to cometo draw water to irrigate
their land, is worth a visit. A stone's throw from here is Souk El Knadsa,
selling a wide range of traditional items. Oujda market is also nearby.
Along the city walls surrounding the Kasbah stretches the Lalla Meriem
Park, perfectfor a rest amid the beauty and freshness of exotic vegetation.
The Museum of Traditional Arms of the Oujda region is located in the park.
natural attractions
6 kms from the city lies the charming Sidi Yahya oasis, which used to be
a meetingpoint for different civilizations. The mausoleums of a number
of saints lie in the oasis, the most venerable being Sidi Yahya Ben Younes.
Some kilometres to the North Oujda is bordered by the sun - drenched beaches
of the Mediterranean, which are ideal for water sports and underwater fishing.
Saidia , a 20 km strip of fine sand, is a seaside resort greatly appreciated
by summer touristslooking for calm, attractive surroundings and the pleasures
of Mediterranean sun and sea. The international festival attracts hordes
of national and foreign visitors who come toadmire the traditional music
and magnificent beach.
Beach and mountains
Saidia, located on the coastal plain of Triffa, is close to a mountainous,
forested region which is famous for itsabundant game, walking, handsome
caves and pleasant picnic areas with unique views.Between the city and
the Mediterranean coast stand the Beni Snassen mountains,famous for their
caves, waterfalls, narrow vial Leos and gorges. The Zegzel gorges, where
fine orange and olive groves and orchards decorate the slopes, provide
a splendid backdrop to a very pleasant tourist route. Terraced cultivation
gives an ordered appearance to the scenery and an agreeable division of
colors. In the upper reaches of the Zegzel valley some caves house precious
secrets. The Tghasrout or "Camel" grotto has fine caves full of limestone
formations, while in the Pombo cave there are some very rare prehistoric
cave drawings. Along the return route there is a splendid view of Guerbouss,
before descending towards the plain of Angad and returning to Oujda.
Oases
400 kilometres to the South of Oujda Figuig offers many alternatives for
excursions and pleasant stopovers. Its semi-desert climate, historical
monuments, innumerable oases and rich and varied fauna are very inviting
and tempt the visitor to stay and discover the exotic charms of the region.
The best oases to visit are Bouanane, d'Ain Chain and particularly
Figuig. (more than 100 000 trees), Bouanane and drain Chain will impress
the visitor. The "Ksours" and its minaret is interesting because of the
Arab-Moslem architecture and the materials used in its construction. Another
attraction in the region is a plentiful supply of game, including hare,
partridge, snipe, gazelle and deer.