*WS 158 – The old historic city and modern capital of Rabat, Morocco*
Rabat is the capital of Morocco with 1.2 million people. It was founded quite “recently” in the 12th century, started as a sea port. Rabat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as an outstanding example of a shared heritage of a modern capital and an historic city. We were here in 2014.
On the historic city part we visited the most representative element: the Kasbah Udayas which was the old citadel. It overlooked the old medina. The most impressive structure remaining is the massive monumental gate known as Bab Qudaia. The 2nd and 3rd photos show the façade of the inner gate, with beautiful carved decoration around the horseshoe arch entrance, with interlacing geometric patterns and inscribed Koranic verses.
On the modern capital part we visited the Mausoleum of Mohammed V located on a big square in the city centre. The mausoleum was completed in 1971. King Mohammed V (reign: 1957-1961) and King Hassan II (reign: 1961-1999) were buried here. The 6th photo shows the gilded lamp of the mausoleum. The interior is well decorated with carved motifs, carpets and chandeliers. The person at the far end of the mausoleum hall in the last photo is the Koran reader.
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