News from Marrakech!
This summer Scottsdale Sister Cities received a letter from Sister Cities International (SSI). The letter gives strong support of our efforts to establish a sister cities relationship with Marrakech. This was reaffirmed at the Arizona Sister Cities Conference on September 12, when SSI Executive Vice President J
im Doumas, spoke on the importance of the linking of sister cities between the USA and Arab communities. He reported that on 9-11-03 there were 25 such relationships. SSI is monitoring the progress of SSI efforts and are able to report that there are now 100 relationships.
There a new Mayor in Marrakesh. For the first time Marrakech has a women leading the city. She is Fatima Zahra Mansouri. One of our Board members has spoken with her during a recent visit there. She was very anxious to complete the relationship with Scottsdale that Mr. Jazouli, the ex mayor, has started. It appears that she will be willing to see this relationship established.
By Max Rumbaugh Jr (Sept. 2009)
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is a fantastic city, it is also a symbol of Morocco. The streets of the old city of Marrakech have been too narrow to allow cars, and tourists searching for the "real" Morocco have turned the medieval structures of Marrakech into good business.
The number of tourists that come to Marrakech all the year have still not managed to change its character. Actually their high number contributes in a positive way to preserve one of the greatest monuments of Morocco. And the people of Marrakech love their city even more.
The most worthwhile tourist areas in Marrakech are inside a very small area, starting in the north with, continuing through the town square of Jamaâ El Fna with its crowd of storytellers, musicians and the beautiful Koutoubia Mosque which is visible from practically anywhere in Marrakech.
Going beyond this, the Menara Gardens is considered as the most romantic place in town and don't forget to visit one of the many examples of sights left by the many Europeans and Americans who fell so much in love with Marrakech that they established their Riads and guest houses here.