Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is a mixture of the Arab-Muslim past with Western modernity. The medieval monuments of Rabat, as well as the layout of the new city, are included in the UNESCO list.
The mosques, built almost a thousand years ago, fit harmoniously into the more modern urban landscape. It appeared during the period of the French protectorate more than a hundred years ago.
In the 3rd century BC, the Phoenicians lived on the site of present-day Rabat on the banks of the Bou Regreg River. At the beginning of our era, the Romans came here. In 250, these places were occupied by the Berbers. And in the middle of the 12th century, the Almohads, who fought with the Almoravids, built the Kasbah-Udaya fortress here. Walking through the Kasbah Udaya citadel, you can admire the Bab El Kebir gate, ancient walls and square and relax in the Andalusian Garden. Near the fortress rises the 44-meter Hassan Minaret. The emir wanted to build a tower 86 meters high. Then it would become the tallest Islamic building. But when Hassan died, construction was stopped.
Next to the minaret, the mausoleum of King Mohammed V was built in the last century. The tombs of his sons are also located there.
Another attraction is the As-Sunna Mosque. It is one of the largest in Morocco.
The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee is currently taking place in New Delhi. It will examine the state of conservation of 124 sites from the UNESCO list, including Rabat.
