# The Red City (DD-198)

> Marrakech is a city in western Morocco, founded around 1070 by the Almoravids. It's nicknamed the Red City for the red-ochre color of its walls and buildings. Its medina, the walled old city, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and is known for its souks selling spices, textiles and crafts. Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, fills each evening with food stalls, musicians and storytellers, and UNESCO lists its cultural space as intangible heritage. The footage shows the Koutoubia minaret, souks and the square, with the presenter.

- Department: Locations (also History)
- First published: 2024-01-23
- Last updated: 2024-01-23
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-red-city/
- Original Reel title: The Red City 🇲🇦
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **1985**: Marrakech's medina becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=the-red-city

## Quick facts

- **DD-198-F01**: Marrakech was founded around 1070. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Founded c. 1070))_
- **DD-198-F02**: It's named for its red-ochre walls. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Red City))_

## Write-up

Marrakech is called the Red City for its red-ochre walls. Its main square fills with performers every evening.

1. **Founded c. 1070**: Marrakech was founded around 1070.
2. **Red City**: It's named for its red-ochre walls.
3. **UNESCO 1985**: The medina was listed in 1985.
4. **Souks**: Its souks sell spices and crafts.
5. **Jemaa el-Fnaa**: The square fills with performers.

## Related case files

- [Siwa Salt Oasis (DD-675)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/siwa-salt-oasis/): I linked more from North Africa
- [The City of 10,000 Shrines (DD-195)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-city-of-10000-shrines/): I linked another historic city
- [Catalan Gothic (DD-197)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/catalan-gothic/): I linked another old city center

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: The Red City: Marrakech Is Called the Red City for Its Red-Ochre Walls

- Duration: 26.9 s · Published: 2024-01-23
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C2d9M-ztCUe.mp4

### Transcript

Marrakech known as the Red City for its distinctive terracotta colored buildings is a mesmerizing blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy. DID YOU KNOW? At its heart lies the UNESCO-listed Medina a bustling maze of narrow alleyways filled with markets offering a kaleidoscope of spices, textiles, and handmade crafts. The main square transforms into a lively spectacle in the evenings with storytellers, musicians, and food creating an unforgettable atmosphere. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Which country is Marrakech in?**  
A: Western Morocco. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Founded c. 1070) · Wikipedia: Marrakesh)_

**Q: Why is it the Red City?**  
A: Its buildings. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Red City) · Wikipedia: Marrakesh)_

**Q: When was the medina listed by UNESCO?**  
A: World Heritage. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (UNESCO 1985) · Wikipedia: Marrakesh)_

**Q: What is a souk?**  
A: Spices and crafts. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Souks) · Wikipedia: Marrakesh)_

**Q: What fills Jemaa el-Fnaa at night?**  
A: Storytellers and musicians. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Jemaa el-Fnaa) · Wikipedia: Jemaa el-Fnaa)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Marrakesh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marrakesh)
- [Wikipedia: Jemaa el-Fnaa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jemaa_el-Fnaa)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "The Red City." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-198, last updated Jan 23, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-red-city/