The Bahia Palace or 'Palais de la Bahia' is a must-see for any one visiting Marrakech. Located in the old medina or old part of the city, also known as the Qasba of Marrakech, it is easy to walk to from all the main tourist locations in the city (which are all located in the old medina). It consists of the palace itself and a set of beautiful gardens.
History of Marrakech's Must-Visit Palace
Built in the late 19th century (between 1894 and 1900) by Si Moussa, the intention behind its construction was to create the greatest palace of its time. Si Moussa was the son of the grand vizier of the sultan (Alawid ruler Muhammad IV) and built this palace for his personal use. The idea was that this palace would be named after one of Si Moussa's wives.The word Bahia means 'brilliance' and captures both Islamic and Moroccon styles in its architecture and design.
Architecture of Bahia Palace in Marrakech
Architect Muhammad al-Mekki of Marrakech designed the palace. It consists of a 160 different rooms and a 2 acre garden. It has rooms opening onto courtyards. The harem includes a vast court with a beautiful central basin. It is surrounded by rooms that were built for the concubines. The walls and pillars are inlaid with calligraphic carvings while the doors, and windows reflect a style very Moroccon in the type of wood and design used. Carved stucco, carved and painted woodwork, and glazed ceramic tiles have been used abundantly. Set within extensive gardens, the plan also includes a mosque.
The construction of Bahia Palace later was taken over by a black slave Abu Ahmed who rose to power towards the end of the 19th century. He brought craftsmen from Fez (another Moroccan city) to complete the job which took approximately 15 years to complete. Apart from gorgeous gardens, courtyards and patios, the Palace has very beautifully decorated ceilings, mosaic fireplaces and beautifully tiled floors in the inner courtyards. The architectural and design elements used visually connect the palace to themes and techniques adapted from the Nasrid palace architecture of Spain and elaborated in Moroccan architecture.
The Story Behind Palais de la Bahia
It is also believed that the palace was made by Si Moussa to keep his official concubines in. The rooms in the inner courtyards were meant to be occupied by them and the story goes to say that the size of the room indicated how much the concubine occupying it was favored. The more favored concubines were entitled to the bigger rooms. The inner courtyards were tiled beautifully and had decorated water basins in the middle, apparently an area for the concubines to wash and rest.
Although, in some reviews it may mention that the design and architecture may appear as vulgar and overly done, it is a monument of its time, and hence worth visiting if in Morocco and will definitely be enjoyed by the majority of its visitors. A guide can be hired who will explain the history in full glory and also has special access to certain rooms which visitors otherwise may not discover. The Palace served even as the residence of the French resident general, Lyautey at a time.
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