Marrakesh–Safi
مراكش آسفي (Arabic) | |
|---|---|
 Seal | |
  Marrakesh–Safi Location in Morocco | |
| Coordinates: 31°37′N 8°0′W / 31.617°N 8.000°W | |
| Country | Morocco |
| Capital | Marrakech |
| Government | |
| • Wali | Karim Kassi-Lehlou |
| • President | Samir Goudar |
| Population (2014 census) | |
| • Total | 4,520,569 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WET) |
Marrakesh–Safi or Marrakech–Asfi (Arabic: مراكش آسفي, romanized: murrākuš āsafi) is one of the twelve regions of Morocco.[1] Its population in 2014 was 4,520,569.[2] The capital is Marrakesh.[3]
History[edit]
Marrakech-Safi Region[edit]
Marrakech–Safi was formed in September 2015 by merging the old region of Marrakech–Tensift–El Haouz with the provinces of Asfi and Youssoufia in Doukkala-Abda region.[3]
Historical Significance[edit]
The region's history is rich and varied, stretching back to prehistoric times. Archaeological findings, including cave paintings in the Atlas Mountains, attest to early human habitation and the area's historical significance. These ancient artworks provide invaluable insights into the early cultures of North Africa.[4]
In the medieval period, Marrakech, founded in 1070 by the Almoravid dynasty, emerged as a major cultural and religious center, influencing the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa. The city's architectural and scholarly contributions continue to be celebrated, reflecting its rich Islamic heritage.[5]
Safi, one of the region's principal cities, has a storied past that dates back to ancient times. It was occupied by Carthaginians, Romans, Goths and finally Muslims in the 11th century. By the 13th century, it had become an important Ribat (fortified monastery), noted by historian Ibn Khaldun.[6]
Recent Events[edit]
In September 2023 the region was struck by a large magnitude 6.9 earthquake that reportedly left over 2,900 people dead and injured more than 5,600 others.[7]
Government[edit]
Samir Goudar, a leader from the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), was elected as the president of the Marrakech-Safi region on September 18, 2021. A member of the political bureau and spokesperson, Mr. Goudar had previously chaired the party congress held in February 2020 in El Jadida. Serving as a member of the regional bureau during the previous term, he secured over 90% support for his candidacy for the presidency from the members. Ultimately, he was elected unanimously by the 75 members present at the vote.[8]
Subdivisions[edit]
The region is made up of the following provinces and prefectures:[2]
- Prefecture of Marrakech
- Al Haouz Province
- Chichaoua Province
- El Kelâa des Sraghna Province
- Essaouira Province
- Rehamna Province
- Safi Province
- Youssoufia Province
References[edit]
- ^ Jounaux.ma Archived 2015-06-05 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b "Population légale d'après les résultats du RGPH 2014 sur le Bulletin officiel N° 6354" (pdf). Haut-Commissariat au Plan (in Arabic). Retrieved 2015-07-11.
- ^ a b "Décret fixant le nom des régions" (PDF). Portail National des Collectivités Territoriales (in French). 20 February 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 11 December 2015.
- ^ "Rock Art of Morocco". Bradshaw Foundation. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ "Almoravid Koubba". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ "Safi". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ "Morocco earthquake: More than 2,000 dead as tremors felt in several regions". BBC News. 2023-09-08. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
- Michaelson, Ruth (2023-09-10). "Morocco earthquake: at least 2,000 dead and thousands more injured". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
- Edmondson, Catie; Alami, Aida; Breeden, Aurelien; Méheut, Constant (2023-09-09). "Powerful Earthquake Shakes Morocco, Killing More Than 2,000". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
- ^ "Le Bureau". Région Marrakech Safi. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
| from 2015 |  | |
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| 1997–2015 |
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| 1971–1997 | ||
Regions falling partly (*) or entirely (**) within the disputed territory of Western Sahara | ||