{"id":56682,"date":"2025-12-29T19:43:30","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T19:43:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/from-marrakech-to-ben-guerir-exploring-morocco-s-cities-of-history-and\/"},"modified":"2025-12-29T19:44:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T19:44:16","slug":"from-marrakech-to-ben-guerir-exploring-morocco-s-cities-of-history-and","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/from-marrakech-to-ben-guerir-exploring-morocco-s-cities-of-history-and\/","title":{"rendered":"From Marrakech to Ben Guerir: Exploring Morocco\u2019s cities of history and innovation (Photos)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>I arrived in Morocco in early December 2025. Located in north-western Africa and often associated with desert landscapes, the country surprised me with its cold weather. Contrary to my long-held assumption that Arab countries are uniformly hot like much of Africa, Morocco experiences biting cold during certain months, largely due to its diverse climatic conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Another immediate impression was the level of security. Upon arrival at the airport, security checks were exceptionally thorough, comparable to those conducted before boarding a flight, despite having just landed.<\/p>\n<p>Travellers from most European countries do not require visas to enter Morocco. Rwandan citizens, however, are required to obtain visas, although the process is relatively fast and efficient.<\/p>\n<p>From my observations, Morocco is a country whose civilisation predates colonial influence by centuries. This is evident in its architecture, historic homes and everyday social practices. Rather than imitating European models, Moroccans display a strong attachment to their own culture, which remains visible across many aspects of daily life.<\/p>\n<p>Travelling between the four cities by road offered a revealing glimpse into the country\u2019s landscapes. Traditional homesteads of farmers and pastoralists sit alongside vast, modern farmlands cultivated with machinery. The colour of the soil changes from one region to another, often reddish, sometimes taking on a khaki-like hue, reflecting Morocco\u2019s varied geography.<\/p>\n<p>The cities are linked by wide, well-maintained motorways known locally as autoroutes. These modern roads were among the most striking features of the journey and play a crucial role in facilitating trade and economic activity in a region historically shaped by commerce and long-distance travel.<\/p>\n<p>Morocco generally follows a culture that discourages alcohol consumption, although alcohol is available in designated outlets, most of which close early. Visitors who wish to purchase it must plan ahead or rely on hotels, where it is more readily available. For non-drinkers, the country offers an abundance of well-prepared tea and coffee, both of which are central to Moroccan hospitality.<\/p>\n<p>{{Marrakech: The southern gateway<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>The first city I arrived in, flying from Cannes in southern France, was Marrakech, often described as the southern gateway to Morocco.<\/p>\n<p>Founded around the 11th century by Berber dynasties, Marrakech quickly emerged as a political, commercial and cultural centre in the Maghreb. It earned the nickname \u201cthe Red City\u201d due to the distinctive colour of its walls and buildings.<\/p>\n<p>Over the centuries, Marrakech served as the capital of several dynasties and as a key junction for caravan routes linking sub-Saharan Africa to the Mediterranean basin. Its historic Medina, meaning \u201cthe City\u201d, remains a vibrant hub of markets, craftsmanship and religious heritage, bearing strong testimony to the city\u2019s enduring cultural significance.<\/p>\n<p>{{Casablanca: Morocco\u2019s economic engine<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Casablanca, whose name traces back to the ancient port of Anfa, has a history shaped by conflict, reconstruction and transformation. Influenced by Portuguese and later French rule, the city evolved steadily over the centuries. By the 20th century, it had become Morocco\u2019s principal economic and industrial centre.<\/p>\n<p>Its Atlantic coastline and modern urban districts underline its role as a commercial gateway connecting Morocco to global markets. Today, Casablanca stands as the backbone of the national economy, driven by its port, industrial sector, cultural industries and manufacturing base.<\/p>\n<p>{{Rabat: The political capital<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>Rabat is home to the royal palace of King Mohammed VI and the country\u2019s key state institutions. It serves as Morocco\u2019s administrative and political capital and also hosts the Embassy of Rwanda, which represents Rwanda\u2019s interests in Morocco as well as in Mauritania and Tunisia.<\/p>\n<p>Historically, Rabat developed from a military fortress along the Atlantic coast and experienced major growth during the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century, remnants of which still stand today. In the 20th century, it became the centre of modern Moroccan governance.<\/p>\n<p>Today, Rabat combines historical heritage, government institutions and recreational spaces. Among the cities visited, it stood out for its greenery and calm atmosphere. In 2012, the city was inscribed on UNESCO\u2019s World Heritage List in recognition of its outstanding historical value.<\/p>\n<p>{{Ben Guerir: A city of knowledge and innovation<br \/>\n}}<\/p>\n<p>I also visited Ben Guerir, a relatively young city that represents Morocco\u2019s investment in education, research and industrial development. Unlike Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat, whose identities are shaped by centuries of history, Ben Guerir is a product of modern planning.<\/p>\n<p>Located in the El-Rhamna region, the city expanded rapidly in the 20th century due to phosphate mining activities led by the Office Ch\u00e9rifien des Phosphates (OCP), followed by large-scale development projects.<\/p>\n<p>Since the early 2000s, Ben Guerir has emerged as a centre of higher learning with the establishment of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). Founded in 2013 on the initiative of OCP and supported by international partnerships, the university focuses on applied research in agronomy, engineering, energy and advanced technology, closely aligned with national and regional industrial needs.<\/p>\n<p>The presence of UM6P, along with its postgraduate programmes and research laboratories, has elevated Ben Guerir\u2019s profile as a hub for innovation, sustainable development and economic transformation.<\/p>\n<p>Together, Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat and Ben Guerir form a complementary portrait of Morocco. Marrakech reflects royal heritage and craftsmanship; Casablanca embodies economic power; Rabat represents governance and institutional history; while Ben Guerir illustrates the country\u2019s forward-looking investment in education and industry.<\/p>\n<p>Collectively, these cities reveal a nation of remarkable depth and diversity, one where ancient traditions and modern aspirations coexist and reinforce one another.<\/p>\n<p>{{The beauty of the city of Marrakech in photos.}}<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99831 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.52_54-f59d0.jpg\" alt=\"This road leads to Casablanca.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99830 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.52_53-70451.jpg\" alt=\"The terrain is very different from Rwanda, with much of the land being desert.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99829 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.52_53_1_-0716a.jpg\" alt=\"Although Morocco is in North Africa, its winters can be surprisingly cold.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99828 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.52_08-6e451.jpg\" alt=\"It is a country of vast landscapes, with well-maintained roads that make traveling by car smooth and hassle-free.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99827 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.48_21-4e0ff.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99825 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.51_47-c74fb.jpg\" alt=\"A variety of economic activities thrive across the country.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99826 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.48_21_1_-e7d97.jpg\" alt=\"Moroccan architecture is characteristic of that seen across Arab countries.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99823 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.48_20-9160f.jpg\" alt=\"As soon as you arrive, the genuine essence of Moroccan culture is evident.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99822 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.48_19-49f21.jpg\" alt=\"Marrakech is a city where architecture tells the story of Morocco\u2019s history and development.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99821 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.48_20_1_-26333.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99824 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.48_20_2_-f00a3.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>{{As you travel through Casablanca, the landscape changes from one area to another.}}<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99912 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.46_59-57b6e.jpg\" alt=\"The country has an advanced system for transporting people and goods.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99911 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22_47.00-1a8ee.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99910 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_01-ac578.jpg\" alt=\"Morocco is a kingdom, and King Mohammed VI paid a state visit to Rwanda in 2016.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99909 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_02-79861.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99908 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22_47.03-2138b.jpg\" alt=\"Cleanliness is visible throughout the city, with considerable effort invested to ensure it.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99907 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_05-186bc.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99906 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_06-8b91c.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99905 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22_47.07-a2e4f.jpg\" alt=\"Moroccan cities are notably developed, with infrastructure like street lighting well maintained.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99904 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_08-8726a.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99903 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_09-65ce5.jpg\" alt=\"Morocco has a population of over 37 million, predominantly Muslim.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99902 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_10-baef0.jpg\" alt=\"Morocco was ruled under French and Spanish protectorates from 1912 until it regained independence in 1956, ending foreign control and restoring full sovereignty.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99901 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_12-0514e.jpg\" alt=\"In Morocco, a litre of petrol is priced at 1,500 Rwandan francs.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99900 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_13-e1e06.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99899 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_14-ad320.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99898 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_16-5592f.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99896 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_17-34717.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99897 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_18-b2964.jpg\" alt=\"The people of Morocco are known for their warmth and hospitality.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99895 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_21-1fa60.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99894 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_20-4d241.jpg\" alt=\"Morocco is home to numerous industries, including textile manufacturing and the production of various automotive components.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99893 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_22-a35f9.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99892 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_23-90dd4.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99891 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_25-abc6b.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99890 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_26-4512f.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99889 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_28-1c738.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99888 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_29-7950a.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99887 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_31-85d41.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99886 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_33-d5578.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99885 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_35-b9b4c.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99884 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.47_34-237f9.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99883 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_57_1_-ba1c6.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99882 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_57-8c896.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99881 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_56-11b9a.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99880 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_56_1_-107c3.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99879 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_56_2_-502a2.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99878 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_55-54818.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99877 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_55_3_-fc163.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99876 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_55_1_-9eaa7.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99875 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_55_2_-55a28.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99874 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_54-3440a.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99873 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_54_4_-61883.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99872 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_54_1_-685ec.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99871 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_54_3_-338da.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99870 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_53_3_-bb55a.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99869 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_53-d62ee.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99868 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_53_1_-dcfd0.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99867 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_53_2_-bebaa.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99866 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_52-4c5b2.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99865 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_52_3_-43ce5.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99864 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_52_5_-d551b.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99863 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_52_4_-4a8ef.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99862 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_51_3_-f310c.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99861 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_52_2_-f4e36.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99860 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_51-e27ca.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99859 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_51_1_-3b2fa.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99858 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_50-bf2d1.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99854 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_49_3_-c102e.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99853 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_49-03daf.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99852 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_49_2_-2ec7a.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99851 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_49_4_-62790.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99850 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_48-2b206.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99849 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_49_1_-b7516.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99848 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_48_3_-8d2b1.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99847 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_48_1_-7a339.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99846 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_47-e0399.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99845 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_47_3_-afe2e.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99844 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_47_4_-2e065.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99843 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_47_2_-e261d.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99842 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_47_1_-86132.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99841 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_46_3_-02091.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99840 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_46_2_-57765.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99839 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_45-3be1e.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99838 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_45_4_-b345c.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99837 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_45_3_-9aa8e.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99836 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_45_2_-3db31.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99835 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_44-48be4.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99834 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_45_1_-2e75d.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99833 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_44_2_-8ffab.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99832 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_22.01_43-35fd9.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>{{Ben Guerir is a rapidly developing city in Morocco that has become important for education, industry and innovation.}}<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99922 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/6-whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_23.21_09-ca97d.jpg\" alt=\"Ben Guerir is a city engaged in diverse types of trade and commerce.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99921 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/5-whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_23.21_08-36819.jpg\" alt=\"Coffee and tea are widely enjoyed throughout Morocco.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99920 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/4-whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_23.21_08_1_-275ec.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99919 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/3-whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_23_21.07-49c10.jpg\" alt=\"The architecture in these cities is distinctive and remarkable.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-99917 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2-whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_23.21_07_2_-3f5e8.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>{ {{karirima@igihe.com}} }<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>During a twelve-day journey across Morocco, a country I was visiting for the first time, I travelled through four cities that, in distinct yet interconnected ways, reflect the country\u2019s deep-rooted history, cultural identity and modern ambitions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":2000099923,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[75],"byline":[2369],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-56682","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","tag-homenews","byline-karirima-ngarambe-aimable"],"bylines":[{"id":2369,"name":"Karirima Ngarambe Aimable","slug":"karirima-ngarambe-aimable","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":null}],"contributors":[{"id":2369,"name":"Karirima Ngarambe Aimable","slug":"karirima-ngarambe-aimable","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":null}],"featured_image":{"id":2000099923,"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.48_20_1_-6f4ac.jpg","alt":"","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","width":0,"height":0,"sizes":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.48_20_1_-6f4ac.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.48_20_1_-6f4ac.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium_large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.48_20_1_-6f4ac.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.48_20_1_-6f4ac.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"full":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/whatsapp_image_2025-12-26_at_21.48_20_1_-6f4ac.jpg","width":0,"height":0}}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56682","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/131"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56682"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56682\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2000099923"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56682"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56682"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56682"},{"taxonomy":"byline","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/byline?post=56682"},{"taxonomy":"hashtag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hashtag?post=56682"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}