History of Marrakech

Marrakech was founded in 1062 by the Almoravid sultan Youssef bin Tachfin, and during his time, he sought to extend the city using much of the wealth plundered during the Almoravid conquest of Spain.

His death in 1106 left a void which was to be filled by his son and heir, Ali.
During his time as sultan, Marrakech flourished.
Ali commissioned the construction of the Khettera (underground irrigation canals) as well as palaces and baths.
Also during his reign, artisans from Muslim Spain were busy erecting the first of the elegant, Andalusian-style buildings that were to grace the city.

After numerous wars which sadly left much of Marrakech razed to the ground, Ahmed al-Mansour (known as 'the golden one' on account of his vast wealth) came to power and became one of the more outstanding Saadian sultans.

The highlights of his reign came through his conquest of 'Timbuktu', and the construction of the magnificent El-Badi Palace.