Download or read book The Imperial Cities of Morocco written by Muḥammad Maṭālsī and published by Vilo International. This book was released on 2000 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Fez, Marrakesh, Meknes and Rabat are the creation of the six great dynasties that have ruled over Morocco ever since the eighth century. Situated at the heart of an empire which, at its height, extended over the whole of Andalusia and North Africa, the four great imperial cities of Morocco were used to underwrite the power and prestige of their builder-kings. Subjected to the trials and tribulations of history and the clashings of rival dynasties and factions, they were by turns protected, enhanced, or abandoned -- and even, in some cases, partially destroyed. Today, with their elaborate layout and elegant architecture, they are the jewels in the Moroccan crown. Situated at the crossroads of Moorish Spain and the Arab East, they gave rise to a rich artistic tradition, their mosques, madrasas, palaces and gardens reflecting the exceptional architectural and decorative skills of the craftsmen who built them."--