Oujda
Oujda stands on the border with
Algeria .Its privileged geographicposition makes it a center
for Maghreb tourism and a meeting point of routes between
Morocco and other North African countries. Oujda was founded
in the tenth century by Ziri Ben Attia, chief of the Meghraoua
tribe, and remained the capitalof 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.
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.
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 a gateway at the end of this square a courtyard
flanked by arches houses the weavers working away
enthousiastically on their traditional looms to sounds
reminiscent of African rythms
The Place du Souk El Ma (The Water Market),
where market gardeners used to come to 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, perfect for a rest
amid the beauty and freshness of exotic vegetation. The Museum
of Traditional Arms of the Oujda region is located in the
park.
6 kms from the city lies the charming Sidi
Yahya oasis, which used to be a meeting point 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 tourists looking for calm,
attractive surroundings and the pleasures of Mediterranean sun
and sea.
The international festival attracts hordes
of national and foreign visitors who come to admire the
traditional music and magnificent beach. Saidia, located on
the coastal plain of Triffa, is close to a mountainous,
forested region which is famous for its abundant 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.
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. |