Background: In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, successive Moorish dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad AL-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily eroded; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Morocco virtually annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature in 1997. Parliamentary elections were held for the second time in September 2002 and municipal elections were held in September 2003.
June 28th 2008Africa » Morocco » Meknčs-Tafilalet » Merzouga Who would have thought that it'd be hot in Africa's Sahara Desert in the summer?? Somewhere, somehow, Peter and I neglected that minor detail when we set off with our little, rented Renault. Holding t ... 25 photos[full story]
December 5th 2007Africa » Morocco » Meknčs-Tafilalet » Merzouga Woke up early in the morning for the sunrise. Was disappointed with the view of the sun rise guess I was expecting something different again, all what I saw was the sun rising from a dune and then saw ... [full story]
December 4th 2007Africa » Morocco » Meknčs-Tafilalet » Merzouga I woke up around 8am and took a shower. Had mint tea and had a chat with the owners son. I said what I can afford is Dhm550. He said the lowest is 650 and then after bargaining it became 600 and then ... [full story]
December 3rd 2007Africa » Morocco » Meknčs-Tafilalet » Merzouga The guy at the reception told me that there is a tour for 2 nights 3 days where they did the two gorges near Tenehir and the Marzhouga desert which was costing Dhm1050 or Dhm850 without a camel ride. ... [full story]
February 19th 2008Africa » Morocco » Meknčs-Tafilalet » Merzouga It was a fun experience sleeping in a tent in the desert and the optimists in us say that not too many people will have slept through rain in the desert; however we were both glad that we were only th ... 13 photos[full story]
February 18th 2008Africa » Morocco » Meknčs-Tafilalet » Merzouga We woke this morning and waited with another English guy for the hotel owner to take us to a minibus which would take us to the desert. The minibus was massively overloaded with things on top and insi ... 31 photos[full story]
January 8th 2008Africa » Morocco » Meknčs-Tafilalet » Merzouga I like to think I got to the Sahara! Well, I'm not a long way from it. Erg Chebbi has plenty to offer and is much more than just an intro to the desert experience: beautiful fine golden sand, the high ... 31 photos[full story]
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