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| Marrakesh-Safi Region | |
|---|---|
| Name | Marrakesh-Safi Region |
| Native name | جهة مراكش آسفي |
| Settlement type | Region |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Morocco |
| Seat | Marrakesh |
| Area total km2 | 39280 |
| Population total | 4217556 |
| Population as of | 2014 |
Marrakesh-Safi Region is an administrative region in central-western Morocco centered on the city of Marrakesh and extending to the Atlantic coast around Safi. The region encompasses major urban centers such as Marrakesh, Safi, and Essaouira and includes diverse landscapes from the High Atlas near Toubkal to Atlantic beaches near Oualidia. It is a focal point for Moroccan tourism, agriculture, and cultural heritage linked to historic cities, UNESCO sites, and artisanal traditions.
The region spans parts of the High Atlas Mountains near Toubkal National Park, coastal plains around Safi and Essaouira, and interior plateaus adjacent to Al Haouz Province, Chichaoua Province, and Rehamna Province. Rivers such as the Oued Tensift and tributaries draining from Jbel Toubkal shape valleys used for irrigation and link to the Atlantic Ocean at coastal estuaries. Climatic zones range from Mediterranean influences in Essaouira and Oualidia to semi-arid conditions in Haouz and alpine conditions on Jbel Mgoun. Protected areas include Toubkal National Park and coastal wetlands recognized by conservation groups like Ramsar Convention signatories.
The region's history features prehistoric occupation evidenced by rock art in the Atlas foothills and later Berber kingdoms associated with Amazigh polities and the medieval Almoravid dynasty, which established Marrakesh as a capital under leaders linked to events involving Yusuf ibn Tashfin and campaigns near Al-Andalus. Successive dynasties including the Almohad Caliphate and the Saadi dynasty left monumental architecture such as the Koutoubia Mosque and Saadian Tombs. In the modern period, the region saw involvement in colonial-era conflicts connected to the French Protectorate in Morocco and urban developments during the reigns of Mohammed V and Hassan II. Twentieth-century cultural movements included figures participating in pan-Arab and pan-African networks alongside conferences like those linked with the Organisation of African Unity.
Administratively the region comprises provinces and prefectures including Marrakesh Prefecture, Safi Province, Essaouira Province, Al Haouz Province, and Chichaoua Province, each governed under frameworks established after reforms associated with the reign of Mohammed VI and decentralization laws debated in the Moroccan Parliament. Regional councils coordinate with national ministries such as the Ministry of Interior (Morocco) and development agencies including Agence de Développement Social partners to implement infrastructure and social programs. Municipalities administer urban services in Marrakesh, Safi, and Essaouira while traditional municipal councils interface with elected representatives drawn from major parties like Istiqlal Party, Justice and Development Party, and Authenticity and Modernity Party.
Population centers include Marrakesh with diverse neighborhoods such as the Medina of Marrakesh and modern districts near Gueliz, while coastal towns like Essaouira host fishing communities and craft sectors linked to Portuguese Empire era fortifications. Ethnolinguistic groups include speakers of Darija and varieties of Tashelhit and Tamazight Berber, with migration flows to urban centers and labor movements connected to agricultural seasons in the Haouz plain and industrial employment in Safi's maritime sector. Religious heritage centers include historic mosques and zawiyas linked to scholars influenced by networks around Al-Qarawiyyin and historic Sufi orders.
The regional economy blends tourism anchored by sites like the Medina of Marrakesh UNESCO listing and festivals linked to institutions such as the Marrakech International Film Festival, agriculture in orchards and olive groves tied to Argan oil production networks and cooperatives often working with NGOs and fair-trade partners; fishing and phosphate-linked processing in Safi connect to maritime trade routes through the Port of Safi and industrial firms. Craft industries including carpet-making, ceramics from Safi ceramics, and woodwork in Essaouira feed export markets and cultural tourism tied to events such as the Gnaoua World Music Festival. Development projects have involved international lenders including the World Bank and regional investment initiatives promoted by the Agence Nationale pour le Développement Local.
Cultural heritage centers on the historic Medina of Marrakesh with monuments like the Ben Youssef Madrasa and gardens such as the Majorelle Garden associated with figures like Yves Saint Laurent. Coastal architecture in Essaouira reflects influences from the Portuguese Empire and hosts music scenes tied to Gnaoua traditions and artists featured at festivals that attract performers from West Africa and Europe. Intangible heritage includes Amazigh crafts, oral poetry linked to Berber poets, and culinary traditions featuring tagine and couscous served at riads and markets like the Jemaa el-Fnaa. Museums and institutions such as the Dar Si Said Museum and cultural centers support preservation and exhibitions.
Transport networks center on road corridors linking Marrakesh-Menara Airport to the national highway network including the A7 motorway and rail connections at Marrakesh railway station linking to Casablanca and other hubs. Ports such as the Port of Safi and marinas in Essaouira facilitate fishing fleets and commercial shipping, while regional airports at Essaouira-Mogador Airport and Safi Airport support tourism and domestic travel. Infrastructure projects have involved electrification programs coordinated with the Office National de l'Electricité et de l'Eau Potable and water management efforts addressing irrigation in valleys near Oued Tensift and coastal aquifers.
Category:Regions of Morocco