Hello dear friends in the Hive community, I hope you're all very well !
There are corners of Meknes that you never tire of rediscovering, no matter how many times you pass through. That's exactly how I felt when I walked between Borj Belkari, Bab Belkari, and on to Sahrij Swani. A simple walk, but full of charm, between the vestiges of a glorious past and the tranquil details of the present.
The air was a little chilly, the sky slightly overcast, but it wasn't raining. The grey weather gave the place an almost cinematic feel. The old walls, with their irregular shapes and weathered openings, seemed even more alive in the soft light. I began my walk where the taxi rank is today: BORJ BELKARI, located to the west of the imperial city of Meknes, the Borj Belkari is an impressive historic bastion built during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl in the 17th century. At that time, Meknes was the capital of the kingdom, and the need to defend the city was strategic. This Borj, with its thick walls and well-thought-out military architecture, was primarily used to store weapons and ammunition. It was a veritable war arsenal, solidly built to withstand attacks and protect the sultanate's military resources. Its location was not chosen at random: slightly elevated, it allowed surveillance of the surrounding area and controlled access to certain parts of the city.
Passing through Bab Belkari, this majestic gateway linking two eras, I was carried away by the calm of the place. It wasn't long before my footsteps took me to the Sahrij Swani. This great basin always impresses me. The calm water, the ramparts reflected in it, and the few passers-by who stop to contemplate or take a photo... There's a soothing harmony here.
And then there are the little details that make the walk even more enjoyable: an original sculpture in the middle of an installation, fresh flowers at the foot of a tree, a flag fluttering gently in the wind, or the contrast between the historic walls and the neatly lined palm trees. It all made me want to slow down, walk slowly and take a few photos.
This great reservoir was built in the 17th century, just like the other major infrastructures in the imperial city. At first glance, you might think it's just a decorative lake... but in reality, it had a very important role to play at the time. It was used to store rainwater to supply the palaces, gardens, hammams and even the horses of the royal cavalry. An ingenious system of canals distributed the water where it was needed.
What I like about this kind of outing is the feeling of walking through a place that is both familiar and new. Every angle gives a different view, every light changes the scenery. You're not just walking, you're travelling through time, breathing in a different rhythm and, above all, reconnecting with yourself.
Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read this post. See you soon for another walk and a new visit!
I'm Redwan from Morocco ! I've always had a passion for travelling and discovery. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than exploring new places, whether historical, archaeological or in the heart of nature. Through my blogs, you can discover the hidden gems of Morocco, whether you want to admire the fascinating architecture of a historic site, delve into the legends surrounding an archaeological site, or simply marvel at the beauty of Moroccan nature!
I took all the photos with my own Redmi Note 11 smartphone, and edited them on canva !