According to abbreviationfinder, Rabat is the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer region. The city is situated on the coast that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean on the southern bank of the mouth of the Bou Regreg river, which separates it from the neighboring town of Salé a bedroom town of Rabat. Despite being the capital, it is smaller and has less population than Casablanca, a city located further south but also on the Atlantic coast. In 2004, according to the population census, the number of residents was 1,622,860.
History
The place has been occupied since ancient times. Archaeological excavations carried out in the place have revealed Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman remains.
Abdelmoumen, who ruled the already created city of Salé, had a fortress city built in the 12th century with the intention of hosting the army to regroup before leaving for Spain. This city would be the future Rabat.
With the death of Abdelmoumen, the city was founded by his son Yacoub El Manssur.
After the victory of the Christian kingdoms in the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, a certain decline began in the Almohad dynasty. The next dynasty will be that of the Merinides in the 15th century.
In the struggles to seize power, Rabat and Salé were practically destroyed, with Rabat being the most affected.
Between 1609 and 1614, Felipe III, King of Spain, expelled more than 500,000 Muslim Moors who were welcomed in Rabat. In Morocco they were called Andalusians. This revitalized the city considerably.
Before Moroccan independence in 1956, Rabat was the capital of the French protectorate of Morocco since it was invaded by France in 1912.
Geography
Rabat is located in the northwest of Morocco next to the city of Salé and divided from it by the Bou Regreg river. For many years they were known as the “Republic of the Two Shores”. Despite being the capital, it is smaller and has less population than Casablanca, a city located further south but also on the Atlantic coast.
Location
The city is located on the coast facing the Atlantic Ocean on the southern bank of the mouth of the Bou Regreg River. On the other bank of the river we find Salé a dormitory town of Rabat.
Climate
Rabat has one of the most pleasant climates in all of Morocco, within the general heat that it usually does. The heat usually stops when the sun goes down since the environment is quite dry. The temperatures are very pleasant at night. In general, the thermometer does not usually exceed 23 degrees, but neither does it go below 12.
Nature
Although created by man, we find in the gardens of Rabat-Salé, a very exotic place. They are planted with flora from all over the world and crisscrossed by a maze of paths and walkways.
Population
In 2004, according to the population census, the number of residents was 1,622,860, making it the second most populous city in the country after Casablanca. Life expectancy for men is about 67 years and for women almost 72. See population of Morocco.
Economic development
Unfortunately, silt and sand problems have diminished the city’s role as a port. However, both Rabat and Salé still maintain a relatively important textile industry, in addition to food manufacturing and construction industries.
In the agricultural sector, the cultivation of barley, wheat, citrus fruits, vegetables, olives and the production of wine stand out.
The production of spices is also important in the city.
Sightseeing
Places of interest
A must if you travel to Rabat are the Royal Palace and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, as well as the Medina and its souk, protected to the south by the Andalusian Wall. The Alcazaba de los Oudaias with a monumental gate can also be visited on the tourist route.
The gardens of the city are also very visited. Both those of Rabat-Salé, with native species from all over the world or those of Buknadel, about 12 km from Rabat with some 1,500 exotic species.
When the king is in the city and goes to pray at the Mosque there is a great procession which many tourists join.
The Nations Beach, north of Rabat is also a place worth visiting
Culture
Religion
The Muslim religion welcomes almost 99% of the residents of Rabat, although there are also some Christians and Jews, but they are scarcely present.
Heritage
- Great Mosque of Rabat.
- Pirates Tower.
- Hassan Tower, 44 meters high and characteristic of the city.
- Mausoleum of Mohammed V, an attractive building in a traditional Moroccan style.
- The Chellah Necropolis.
- In the northern part of the Andalusian Garden there is a 17th century palace that currently houses the Musée des Oudaia or Museum of Moroccan Arts
Crafts
In Rabat, the works that are made with white iron and leather are highly valued. The embroidery is worked a lot and the rugs that usually have floral motifs even more.
In addition to this, jewelry can be found in any bazaar or flea market in the city, as well as spices and all kinds.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy of the area is very varied. The most famous dish is couscous, a stew cooked to steam vegetables, meat of chicken, beef or lamb, beans, cinnamon and a product more depending on the area and there are many different couscous according to the region and the person who cook. It is usually the typical lunch on Fridays.
Another important dish is the tajine, roasted meat in a clay pot seasoned with vegetables and marinated with saffron or cinnamon. The meat can be lamb, beef or fish.
Skewers are the other typical dish of its gastronomy.
Among the desserts are cakes honey, feggas with almonds, grapes raisins, all kinds of croissants or Kaab ghzal (horned gazelle).
The main drink is tea to mind.
Holidays and traditions
The festivals of traditional Arabic, popular or classical music are very traditional and followed. In the months of June and July the International Festival of Rabat is celebrated.
Another important celebration is Independence Day, which is commemorated on November 18.
Transport
Public transport
The city center of Rabat is very compact, therefore the points of interest are very close to the school. There are also buses and various types of taxis that are quite inexpensive.
Air Transport
Rabat is communicated by air through the Rabat-Salé airport, located about 7 kilometers from the city center. To get there, only the taxi service is used. In addition, the Casablanca airport is located about 100 kilometers away, which has a greater number of international destinations, and a fast connection by train.
- Transfers from the airport
By bus: From Casablanca airport: There is a direct bus to Rabat. By train: From Casablanca airport: There are trains to Rabat every hour. Train rides are comfortable and cheap; the trip lasts an hour and a half. By taxi: From Rabat airport: Rabat-Salé airport is 7 kilometers from Rabat, the only connection to the city is by taxi.
Nearby cities and towns
Kenitra, Casablanca, Meknes, Salé, Volubilis.
Illustrious people
The writer Juan Antonio Monroy or the French Prime Minister Dominique Villepin were born in Rabat.
Sports
In the city is the Moroccan national stadium, Moulay Abdellah, built in 1983.
The city has teams of the following sports: football, handball and basketball
The riding is a discipline practiced by the royal family Alawite, the FRMSE (Moroccan Royal Federation for Equestrian Sports) is chaired by HRH Princess Lalla Amina.
At the Royal Equestrian Club of Dar Es Salam in Rabat, the horse week encouraged by the particular Moroccan championships is held annually.
The city of Rabat also has three pigeon racing associations.
