Guide to Morocco Dynastic History
Morocco
Between Past and Present
To wander through Morocco is to journey across centuries, where every stone whispers history and every city breathes culture.
Throughout the ages, Morocco has been more than just a land; it has been a vibrant canvas blending authenticity and modernity, where successive dynasties each left their unique mark on history, architecture, and culture.
DYNASTIE IDRISSIDE
(789-974)
The Idrisid dynasty founded Morocco’s first monarchy, choosing Fez as capital. They supported the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, built by Fatima al-Fihri in 859 AD under Idris II—a timeless masterpiece blending architectural brilliance and religious heritage, symbolizing Morocco’s enduring cultural legacy. Explore Volubilis ruins and Fez medina today!
DYNASTIE ALMORAVIDE
(1060-1147)
The Almoravid dynasty founded the city of Marrakesh and made it the capital of their empire. They built city walls, mosques and palaces that shaped the city’s identity, while developing advanced irrigation systems that supported urban growth and strengthened economic life, turning Marrakesh into a must‑see imperial city today.
DYNASTIE ALMORAVIDE
(1060-1147)
The Almoravid dynasty founded the city of Marrakesh and made it the capital of their empire. They built city walls, mosques and palaces that shaped the city’s identity, while developing advanced irrigation systems that supported urban growth and strengthened economic life, turning Marrakesh into a must‑see imperial city today.
DYNASTIE ALMOHADE
(1145-1248)
The Almohad dynasty made Marrakesh the heart of its empire, reshaping the city with bold, harmonious architecture. They first built and then refined the design of the Koutoubia Mosque, whose elegant sandstone minaret later inspired Seville’s Giralda, and launched grand projects such as the Hassan Tower in Rabat,enduring symbols of the Almohads’ powerful architectural and spiritual legacy in Morocco
DYNASTIE MERINIDE
(1244-1465)
The Marinid dynasty restored Fez as Morocco’s capital and turned it into a major center of learning by founding richly decorated madrasas such as the Salé Madrasa and the Al‑Attarine and Bou Inania madrasas in Fez. In Rabat, the Chellah necropolis built as a royal cemetery over ancient Roman ruins, still showcases the dynasty’s refined use of carved stucco, wood and colorful zellij tiles, reflecting the high point of Marinid architecture and culture
DYNASTIE MERINIDE
(1244-1465)
The Marinid dynasty restored Fez as Morocco’s capital and turned it into a major center of learning by founding richly decorated madrasas such as the Salé Madrasa and the Al‑Attarine and Bou Inania madrasas in Fez. In Rabat, the Chellah necropolis built as a royal cemetery over ancient Roman ruins, still showcases the dynasty’s refined use of carved stucco, wood and colorful zellij tiles, reflecting the high point of Marinid architecture and culture
Dynastie Saadienne
(1554-1659)
The Saadians moved their capital from Fez to Marrakesh after consolidating their power, fighting the Portuguese and regaining key Atlantic cities such as Agadir. Allied with Spain to counter the Ottoman threat and enriched by the gold of Western Sudan, Morocco under their rule entered a brilliant age of cultural and economic prosperity. They left an outstanding architectural legacy: the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the El Badi Palace in Marrakesh, along with important contributions to the Al‑Qarawiyyin Mosque in and the defensive borjs of Fez
DYNASTIE ALAOUITE
(1666-présent)
The Alaouite dynasty, originating from the oasis region of Tafilalt, overthrew the Saadians and gradually unified Morocco under its rule. After ruling from Fez, the Alaouites made Meknes a spectacular imperial capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail, building monumental gates and fortifications such as Bab Mansour and the city’s vast walls, before Rabat became the modern capital in 1912. Today, the dynasty still reigns and continues to embody the political and religious continuity of the kingdom, with modern landmarks such as the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca highlighting its enduring legacy.
DYNASTIE ALAOUITE
(1666-présent)
The Alaouite dynasty, originating from the oasis region of Tafilalt, overthrew the Saadians and gradually unified Morocco under its rule. After ruling from Fez, the Alaouites made Meknes a spectacular imperial capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail, building monumental gates and fortifications such as Bab Mansour and the city’s vast walls, before Rabat became the modern capital in 1912. Today, the dynasty still reigns and continues to embody the political and religious continuity of the kingdom, with modern landmarks such as the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca highlighting its enduring legacy