Points Covered:
 

• Its History
• Location
• Climate
• Local Customs
• Local Dishes
• Places to Visit
• Travel Tips
   

Rabat is the current capital of Morocco and is the seventh-largest city in the country with a population of approximately 500,000 people. Remarkable for its unique landscape that speaks of its rich cultural heritage and customs, this city is one of the most visited cities in Africa. In this article, we shall examine the city of Rabat, its cultures, traditions, history, and significance to the development of modern Morocco.

History of Rabat 

The origin of Rabat can be traced back to the Phoenician period about 3000 years ago. The fertile land of the plains of Rabat was the major factor that made the Phoenicians and the Romans to set up a trading post along the Bou Regreg River in Sala. These happened in the 10th century, and long after the fall of the roman empire, this new settlement was still active. It then developed to become an independent community known as the Amazigh kingdom. The name of the city is coined from the Ribat that was built by the Zenata tribe on the current location where the city now has its Kasbah.

 
Around the 12th century, the Almohad arrived at the shores of Rabat and rebuilt the Ribat into a Kasbah which served as a strategic location for their military campaigns in Spain. Under the Almohad, the city experienced great prosperity and economic strength but these soon declined drastically after the fall of the Almohad dynasty. In the 17th century, Rabat became a stronghold for Barbary Pirates who dealt in the salve trade but later around 1912, the French established a protectorate over Morocco and made Rabat its capital. In 1955 Morocco gained its independence and Rabat as since been its capital.

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Location 

Rabat is located at the shores of the Bou Regreg river and the Atlantic Ocean. It covers a total area of about 117km2 opposite Sale. It is one of the four imperial cities of morocco located in the northwestern part of Morocco.

Climate

The climate of Rabat is quite a remarkable one. It features a mild and temperate climate that shifts from cool winter days to warm days in the summer months. The nights are always cool or fairly cold during winter while during the day, the temperature can rise to about 8⁰C. 

Local Customs 

Apart from the amazing structures and monuments found in Rabat, its also famous for the beautiful and unique cultures and traditions it holds in high esteem. its culture and traditions have been a very important part of its history. If you visit the famous Medina, you can see for yourself works of ancient artists made with fabric, leather, gold, and sliver. The famous unique Rabat carpet made from the best materials into a masterpiece of artistic beauty can also be found in shops and stalls all around Rabat.

Also, Rabat is a place of music and dance. The city celebrates a lot of numerous music festivals to showcase its musical brilliance. Every year, free concerts are held all over the city with unique sounds and beautiful music played by famous international and local artists. 

Dishes 

The cultural brilliance of the city of Rabat contributes greatly to the delicious delicacies that this beautiful city is known for. There are a lot of different spicy local dishes that is prepared and served in restaurants and homes all over this wonderful city, so if you find yourself anywhere in the city of Rabat, here are some amazing dishes you can try.

•    Zaaluk 
This is a spicy salad that is prepared mainly in this city, made from mashed eggplants and Tomatoes mixed with a lot of spices, it is served as an appetizer or alongside with a heavier meal such as the Tagine.

•    Lmrozia 
The Lmrozia is a local Moroccan dish that is commonly served in Rabat. Made from over 40 different types of spices and herbs, it is usually prepared during special occasions and religious festivals. It is also served in restaurants all over the city.

•    Rfissa 
Considered as a woman’s dish, this local dish is not commonly prepared in the city. The meal is very tasty and is something you don’t want to miss. 

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Best Places to Visit in Rabat 

There are a lot of beautiful and fascinating places in Rabat that tourists visit every day of the year. These tourist attractions showcase the history and cultural heritage of this city. A lot of museums, monuments, artworks, gardens and more are spread all over this city for tourists to see and appreciate. 

•    The Hassan Tower 
Built by King Yacoub al-Mansour of the Almohad dynasty, the unfinished Hassan tower was his vision of an ideal mosque. This beautiful building showcases the ancient sophisticated building styles of the city of Rabat and is considered as one of the major and most important tourist attractions of the city.

•    Medina 
This is the most famous attraction of Rabat, containing hundreds of building from the 17th century, the medina is one of the most important tourist spots in Africa. It has even been named as a world heritage center by UNESCO

•    The Oudaias Kasbah 
The oudaias Kasbah is one of the city’s largest tourist spot. It contains a lot of building built as far as the 11th century among which is the famous Kasbah Mosque. There are a lot of interesting places for you to visit in this wonderful city, the places listed above are just a few examples of wonderful places you shouldn’t miss if you every find yourself in this wonderful city.

Travel advice

 
Even though the Rabat is a relatively safe city, you should be security conscious when you arrive in Rabat. Take necessary security precautions when you move around the city, avoid interaction with suspicious people, and also try as much as possible to go only to places you feel are safe enough. Another important thing you should know is that the majority of the Moroccan populations are Muslims, so respect the religion of Islam by dressing moderately & conservatively when you move around in the city. 
 

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