From a hill overlooking the city
we have an expansive view of Meknes.
On the hill a young shepard boy tends his flock.
The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is a monument to the respect the people
have for the saltan. He is buried here with 25 sons and his wife.
We remove our shoes before entering the mausoleum.
You can only stand in admiration for the
workmenship in the Zellij tilework. moasaics of glazed tiles.
Are you ready for this; I couldn't make it up. Moulay Ismail
was sultan at the time of Louis XIV was King of of France. In order to cement the
relationship between Morocco and France Moulay Islmal wanted to marry one of Louis XIV's
daughters. The king of France would have no part of it and instead, as a subtitution,
sent two large grandfather clocks. The clocks were so revered that they can be seen
on either side of the Tomb of Moulay Ismail.
A carriage awaits passenger in the Place el-Hedime (Square
of Ruins) outside the kasbah and medina.
Tasting the fruit of the cactus in the Place el-Hedime
Bab Mansour el-Aleuj (Gate of the Victorious Renegade)
stands like a triumphal arch before the imperial city. It is perceived
to be the finest gate in Meknes, and perhaps all Morocco.
A comparison of cultures and ages;
not every woman wears a vail and long dress.
Women gossiping in the park, Meknes
Men gossiping in the restaurant as they drink mint tea
We walk past a wool shop on our way our of the city.
let me know.
Belli at the Grand Titons, June 2015