Rabat was founded in 1150 by the great Almohad sultan ‘Abd al-Mu’min, just north of the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia (Chella). The ribat of ‘Abd al-Mu’min, a sort of camp that was both religious and military, was the starting point for his expeditions to Spain. The city included a citadel (the Kasbah of Oudaia) and immense ramparts. Several sultans, thereafter, completed these installations. In the 17th century, Muslim refugees from Andalusia gave the city a boost through trade, racing, and crafts, but Rabat suffered a certain decline during the 18th and 19th centuries before becoming the capital of the Kingdom under the French protectorate. The historic city is still shining among modern Rabat with its marvelous landmarks such as The Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Souika Street, and The Hassan Tower, a distinguished historical building in the city that was built by Sultan Yaqoub Al-Mansour Al-Muwahidi and was considered as one of the largest mosques in his era.
Rabat provides an eminent and accomplished example of modern urbanism. Between tradition and modernity, the city displays an outstanding scenery of decorative, architectural, and landscape elements, which blend together perfectly to create an environment that is beautiful, peaceful, and culturally fascinating. The game of contrast between present and past offers a delicate and rare sense of serenity to the city.
