the midwest: marrakech & essaouira & sidi kaouki & aghroud
part of the series “mahendra’s morocco“
© mahendra myshkin 2025
Marrakech, founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids, grew into one of the country’s great imperial capitals, known for its medina (old town center), souks (markets), and madrasas (religious schools). The area of Marrakech is one of the hottest inhabited spots in the world. In July and August the thermometer often reaches 45° C. Once I remarked to a tourist guide that I found it quite hot with 37° C, the laconic reply was, “Oh, today is a really cool day.”
On the Atlantic coast, Essaouira developed as a fortified port in the 18th century under Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah, who enlisted European architects to design its walls and harbor. Today it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains famous for fishing, Argan oil, and music festivals.
Sidi Kaouki (close to Essaouira) and Aghroud (close to Agadir) are smaller coastal villages, valued for their wide beaches, Atlantic winds, and relative quiet compared to larger tourist centers.
