Mellah of Rabat, Rabat

Mellah of Rabat, Rabat

The Mellah of Rabat is a relatively “new” of all the ancient quarters in the city. It was created only in 1808, during the reign of Sultan Moulay Slimane ben Mohammed, and was formerly reserved for the Jews, who were forced to settle here in a sort of enclave, surrounded by walls, with several entry points.

Set on the cliffs overlooking the Bouregreg river, the Mellah has its own distinctive character, unsimilar to that of other local neighborhoods, with the atmosphere animated by merchants, street vendors and other activities scattered in its alleys swarming with shoppers.

The Jews built entire neighborhoods within the Mellah, baptizing the streets in their own fashion by using family names, such as Rue du Rabbi Shalom Zoaui or Rue David-Cohen. The former street is where the Rabbi Shalom Zaoui synagogue is located, near Bab Diouana and contiguous to the Andalusian wall of the Medina. It was named after Rabbi Shalom Zaoui (born circa 1839 and died circa 1918) greatly respected and revered by the community, and is established in his former house.

The synagogue is accessed through a courtyard painted bright red. It follows the Moorish architectural style distinguished by the three-lobed shapes of the windows and the lamps similar to those found in mosques.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.

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Mellah of Rabat on Map

Sight Name: Mellah of Rabat
Sight Location: Rabat, Morocco (See walking tours in Rabat)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Rabat, Morocco

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Create Your Own Walk in Rabat

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Rabat Introduction Walking Tour

Rabat Introduction Walking Tour

Resting on the shores of the Bouregreg River and Atlantic Ocean, the capital city of Morocco, Rabat, is known for its picturesque natural surroundings, much as for its man-made beauty manifested in a mix of old and new architecture (featuring Islamic and French-colonial styles), abundance of mosques and historic monuments. The Medina (Old City) of Rabat is a World Heritage Site.

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Rabat Shopping Walk

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One of Rabat's top shopping destinations is Consuls Street (rue des Consuls). Steeped in a 500-year history, this street houses...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles