Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen was first founded in 1492 by Spanish exiles and it is the main town in the province of Chefchaouen. The town is situated in the northwest of Morocco near the Rif Mountains and is inland from Tetouan and Tangier.

Chefchaouen is a small fortress town that has become a popular destination for tourists. Visitors come here to explore the town’s historical aspects and because it is near to the Spanish border and Tangier. The town is easily recognizable by its unique blue-rinsed buildings and houses. This tradition was started by Chefchaouen‘s former Jewish population and has been carried on down to this day.

HISTORY OF CHAFCHOUN : When you come into Chefchaouen, take a good look at its placement between two tall mountains peaks. This is where Chefchaouen takes the root of its name. “Chef”, a derivation of the Arabic word “to look” and “Chaouen,” meaning “antlers” or “horns.” Between the two protective horns of the looming Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen has long been a strategic mountain town. It has a storied history that began shortly after the Portuguese conquest of Morocco in 1471 AD. A local tribal leader, known as Abu Youma, needed a protected, secret location from where he could launch attacks against the Portuguese. Abu Youma died in one of the battles and his cousin, Ali Ben Rachid, took over custodianship of the nascent city.

Right at the end of the 15th century, Ali Ben Rachid began moving his family and friends from Granada (in modern day Spain) into Chaouen. By the middle of the 16th century, an established route was established for those seeking refuge from the Spanish Inquisition. This new immigration greatly increased the size of the city. The refugees brought with them their knowledge of art and architecture, as they did in larger cities such as Fez and Marrakech. All of this had an influence on the look of the city. However, it wasn’t until the Sultan commanded the creation of the mellah (Jewish neighborhood) in 1760 AD that the special light blue, now associated with the old city of Chefchaouen, came to be used.

              Things to see  :

  Spanish mosque ( targa) :– For another short hike out of the medina, visit nearby nearby Targa. Located on the hill just south of the medina, this old castle and mosque dates from the 1200s. The Spanish rebuilt the minaret. Though the entire mosque has been restored, it is not yet open for worshippers. However, visitors are welcome to climb the minaret and enjoy the views over Chefchaouen and the valley below. The surrounding patio is a great spot for a picnic.

Hammam — Sitting just off the main square, Place Uta el-Hammam, two hammams of interest for those looking for a real Moroccan experience in cleanliness. The public hammam, used by many of the local men and women, is located just across the square from the large mosque, Jama’a Kabir, next to the Pension Castellana. The times allowed for men and women differ and changes regularly. Historically, Chefchaouen, like many other Moroccan cities, had hammams for men and women. Today, many hammams share a space and have separate times for the two genders to bathe