Rabat, Morocco (February 2024)

Rabat is the capital city of Morocco. Its metropolitan population, including its twin city Sale, is almost 2 million. It is a clean and modern city with both historical sites and contemporary architecture in coexistence. 

This time our travel group was another version of the Magnificent Seven, having joined the Gate 1 Travel tour. We got along very well and we all enjoyed our tour. 

We visited the Hassan Tower whose construction was initiated by Mohammed V, the current king's grandfather, but was never finished because of his sudden death. 

While we joined an escorted tour, I found an opportunity to meet our ministry colleagues, whenever possible. I met up with Hanbyol Park who has been living in Morocco for 18 years. He is now teaching at an English-speaking college in Rabat. Previously, he ran a few businesses in the past. We had a great time of fellowship.

We passed by two of the city landmarks. One was the Mohammed VI Tower and Theater. Both were not opened when we visited, but they are scheduled for a grand opening in 2024. They symbolize Morocco's desire and ambition to develop into a modern nation. 

We were passing over a river that separates the twin cities: Rabat and Sale.

One of the highlights of our visit to Rabat was the visit to the Oudayas, the Adornment Museum. There were a lot of garments and jewelry useful for the brides.

In the compound was La Marina where you could see a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. On the way were a lot of merchants where you could find souvenirs. Many house doors had the so-called Fatima's Hand. Fatima was a daughter of Mohammed and her hand is considered to bring joy and happiness to the family.

Fatima's Hand

We visited Hassan Tower built in the 12th century by Mohammed V. He wanted to build the largest mosque, but due to his sudden death, the construction was not complete. Also, we stopped over at his mausoleum located next to the tower. He is still revered as the liberator of Morocco.

Udaiah Kasbah is a UNESCO site, but it was under renovation. We could see the structure only from the outside. There was a view to the Mohammed VI Tower.

The Moroccan King rules out of Rabat. We paid a visit to his Royal Palace, of course, without entering the real palace. There was a mosque named after the Queen's hometown Fez, namely People of Fez Mosque.

The Islamic mosques have at least three or more bronze balls at the top of the roof. I learned that they symbolize three religions that stemmed from Abraham: i.e. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Our stay in Rabat was short, but we were getting ready for one of the highlights of the Moroccan trip: Fez. - Jeffrey