Photos

This is Meknes - one of the imperial cities of Morocco. The Gate in the background is Bab Mansour - among the most impressive elements of the imperial city, named after the architect, El-Mansour, a Christian renegade who converted to Islam. It was completed 5 years after Moulay Ismail's death, in 1732. The design of the gate plays with Almohad patterns. It has zellij mosaics of excellent quality. The marble columns were taken from the Roman ruins of Volubilis. The story tells that when completed, Moulay Ismail inspected the gate, asking El-Mansur if he could do better. El-Mansur felt complied to answer yes, making the sultan so furious he had him executed. Still, according to historical records, the gate was finished after Moulay Ismail's death. The gate itself is now used as an arts and crafts gallery; entry is by a side gate. (Wiki)

Out on the square in front of the gate the place resambles a litle bit Jmaa el Fna - here are the dancers, the storytellers, the musicians. Only here is more pleasant, more relaxed, no sign of the tourist fuss like in Marakech.

A place, where dance is a dance, and story is a story...

So, put on you red shoes and dance the blues...

PS: There is a Workshop with closer look of the dancers. I hope you'll fond it interesting.