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Tetouan
The cultural capital of the region of Norhtern Morocco, Tetouan (Tetuan, sometimes Tettawen or Tettawan) is the only open port of the country looking out onto the Mediterranean Sea.
Located far north of the breathtaking Rif Mountains, the city of Tetuan is located in Martil Valley, which is the middle of a lush and fertile stripe of fruit groves with orange, almond, pomegranate and cypress trees.
The medina or old town of Tétouan is one of the famed World Heritage Sites of the UNESCO, with its very traditional old world feel.
Walking in the city center, one notices the white colored low houses on the fairly wide and straight streets. These are homes of artistocratic Arabs who long ago were expelled from the Andalusian region. Within the houses the ceilings are often exquisitely carved and painted in hispano-moresque designs, such as are found in the Alhambra of Granada, and the tile-work for which Tetuan is known may be seen on floors, pillars and dados.
Everywhere in the city there are people performing their craftsmanship, like weavers, jewellers, leather workers. Street sellers often try to sell carpets to tourists as well. Although Arabic is the official language but it is not used as a national language but rather visitors will expect to hear the Moroccan Darija-Arabic and Berber-Tamazight languages used by the locals in their daily life. Spanish and French are also spoken more by the city’s business elite.
Guests are invited to notice the artistry of traditional industries such as that of tilework, inlaying with silver wire, and the manufacture of thick-soled yellow slippers, much-esteemed flintlocks, and artistic towels used as cape and skirt by Arabic girls in rural areas that are passed down from generation to generation.
Aside from the artisan’s objects in the marketplace, just outside the medina is the royal palace in Tétouan, as well as the beautiful mosques. For those wanting a view of the mountains, take a trip to the old Kasbah on the top of the hill overlooking the town.
