Introduction to the Rabat Medina
To understand the Rabat Medina, I will begin by defining the term medina. The essence of Moroccan history can be felt in the old quarters of its cities. These areas, called Medinas, translate as “city.” Medinas are vibrant hubs with fresh produce, textiles, crafts, clothing, and restaurants. They offer visitors an experience that appeals to all senses. The smell of barbecued meat, the rich colors of fresh produce, and the cacophony of trade. The taste of freshly squeezed juice and rich textures are also experiences to behold. While they are a tourist’s dream, most trade in the Medinas is conducted by locals.
Rabat’s Unique Medina
Each Medina has its own character. The Rabat Medina has wider alleyways than Fez, laid out in a navigable grid. Generally, traffic in the Medina is restricted to foot traffic, though we occasionally encountered motor scooters. In Rabat, there was some vehicle traffic beyond the construction, but it was in an area without shops. Navigating the Rabat Medina was very easy. As the first Medina we visited, we had no comparison, but in retrospect, it was the smallest.
Sensory Delights
The smell of food in the Rabat Medina was powerful. The tram side of the Medina had the most traffic. There were a few classy restaurants along the main road, but we chose a small restaurant inside the Medina. It had chicken shawarma roasting on a spit, and we both opted for the shawarma sandwich. The sandwiches were served with hand-cut, crisp, and fresh French fries. The shawarma was on a tortilla, pressed like a panini. It was served with harissa sauce, adding a tasty fire to the sandwich. The bill came to around five dollars with the tip. Incredible! The restaurant was very clean and had a great rooftop view.
Exploring Local Shops
Walking around the Rabat Medina, we noticed phone stores among the shops. They seemed to offer “top-up” cards, SIM cards, and prepaid phones. Some appeared to do repairs as well. The throwback advertising in these shops was interesting. We also noticed art shops with paintings depicting local scenes. One painting that caught my eye was of the horsemanship contest known as Fantasia. Although I did not buy it in Rabat, I eventually purchased a blue version in Essaouira.
Relaxing in a Coffee Shop
After navigating the Rabat Medina, we took a break in a coffee shop. We noticed there were no women in the cafe except my wife. It seemed cafes were gathering places for men. After coffee, mint tea, and water, we ventured back out. We headed to the Bouregreg Marina for a stroll before returning to our hotel. The Medina was a fun place to explore. Ranked as the #7 place to visit in Rabat according to TripAdvisor, it is a must-see. Despite being touristy, it is also frequented by locals, giving visitors a true feel of Rabat.
Historical Insights into the Rabat Medina
The Rabat Medina is a historic quarter that dates back to the 12th century. It was established by the Almohad dynasty and later expanded by the Merenids in the 13th century. The Medina was strategically positioned near the Bouregreg River, facilitating trade and defense. Its well-preserved Andalusian architecture, narrow streets, and vibrant markets reflect a blend of Arab, Berber, and Andalusian influences. The Medina is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses the entire city of Rabat, recognized for its historical and cultural significance.
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