Rabat from 1964 to 1976
(copyright Jean-Michel Cagnon 2016)
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1964 - Hassan tower, the emblem of Rabat. Dating 12th century, unfinished, it was to be the minaret of a huge mosque of which it only remains columns and walls. The imposant site has been restored.
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1968 - The mausoleum Mohamed V, in honour of the king who has fought for Morocco independance. The mausoleum, under construction on this photo, is surrounded by the columns of Hassan tower.
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1968 - Kasbah of Oudaïas, as old as Hassan tower, accomodates a residential area, craftsmen shops, an art gallery, an Andulasian park and a Moorish café. The place in Rabat I prefer.
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1967 - A sight of European district, Allal ben Abdallah avenue. Notice the difference of style of the 2 buildings, modern on the left, Lyautey's time on the right. Also notice the American car, very common in the capital.
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1967 - An entry of Méchouar district, which accomodates the Royal Palace, El Fas mosque, the highest administrations and the houses of the staff serving the king. This entry is relatively contemporary, dating from the forties.
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January 1968 - Méchouar district, the square in front of the Royal Palace invaded by the mob during Aïd el Seghir feast (end of Ramadan).
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1965 - Chellah fortress, built on a hill which dominates Bou Regreg river. 13th to 15th century. Formerly a University Seat, it at present accomodates large parks and graves of Merinide sultans.
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1968 - Panorama, from the Moorish café of Oudaïas, over Rabat and Bou Regreg river. At the back Hassan tower. In the foreground the swimming-pool of CNR (Club Nautique de Rabat).
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1968 - Sight, from the Moorish café, over Salé and its beaches that remind me my past childhood. The continuous sanding of the channel prevented Rabat and Salé from becoming modern ports.
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1976 - The Andalusian park in Oudaïas. In the donjon stands the Muslim Art Gallery. Inside those peaceful places, it's difficult to think that Rabat and Salé were resorts of feared pirates formerly.
