Berkane, Morocco
Region: Berkane is located in the Berkane Province
Geographic Coordinates: 34.916700, -2.316700
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Seasonal patterns: Mild winters (December-February), hot summers (June-August), and pleasant springs and autumns. The region receives most of its rainfall in the winter months.
Population: 109237
Language: Arabic
Berkane is a city located in the northeast of Morocco near the border with Algeria. It is the capital of the Berkane Province and has a population of approximately 100, 000 people. The city’s main industry is agriculture, Particularly its production of citrus fruits and dates. The history of Berkane dates back to ancient times when it was an important trading post between North Africa and Europe. Throughout history, The city was ruled by various dynasties including Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, And Berbers. During the 20th century, Berkane played a significant role in Morocco’s struggle for independence from France.
One of Berkane’s main attractions is its medina or old town which features narrow streets lined with traditional Moroccan houses and shops selling local handicrafts such as pottery and textiles. Visitors can also explore several historic sites like Kasbah Museum which showcases artifacts from different periods in Berkane’s history. Another popular attraction in Berkane is Sidi Moussa Ou Ali shrine which attracts many pilgrims throughout the year. The shrine honors Sidi Moussa Ou Ali who was a famous Moroccan saint known for his spiritual teachings.
For nature lovers, There are several parks and gardens within close proximity to Berkane where visitors can enjoy hiking trails or simply relax amidst beautiful scenery. These include Parc National de Tazekka which features lush forests teeming with wildlife such as Barbary macaques and Atlas deer. In terms of cuisine, Visitors to Berkane can sample delicious Moroccan dishes such as tagine (a slow-cooked stew), Couscous (a type of semolina pasta), Or b’stilla (a sweet-savory pie made with pigeon meat). There are also several cafes serving traditional mint tea where visitors can relax after exploring this charming city.
Overall, Visiting Berkane provides tourists with an opportunity to experience Morocco’s rich cultural heritage combined with natural beauty through historic sites like the Kasbah Museum, Traditional medina, And delicious cuisine. It is definitely worth a visit for anyone traveling to this part of the country.
- Zegzel Gorge
- Sidi Yahya Mosque
- Jbel Bouhachem Natural Park
- Tafoughalt Roman Ruins
- Ain Zerka Hot Springs
- Koudiat Lemdouar Natural Reserve
- Oued Kiss Nature Reserve
- Maamora Forest
- Ait Ouabane Kasbah
- Sidi Moussa Mausoleum
- Agriculture, especially citrus fruits and olive oil
- Textile manufacturing
- Construction materials production
- Tourism
- Retail trade
- Traditional handicrafts such as pottery, weaving, and embroidery
- Small-scale mining operations for phosphates in the surrounding areas
- Battle of Isly: The Battle of Isly took place in 1844 near Berkane between Morocco and France, resulting in the French army’s victory and the signing of the Treaty of Tangier.
- Abdelkrim El Khattabi: Born in Ajdir, a village close to Berkane, Abdelkrim El Khattabi was an influential leader during Morocco’s struggle for independence from Spain and France in the early 20th century.
- Ibn Battuta: Ibn Battuta was a renowned traveler and explorer from Morocco who lived during the 14th century. He documented his experiences in his book The Travels of Ibn Battuta, which is believed to have included a visit to Berkane.
- Almohad dynasty: The Almohad dynasty dominated much of North Africa and Spain during the 12th and 13th centuries due to their military prowess and dedication to Islamic culture and education; Taza near Berkane served as one of their significant centers.
- Sidi Ali ben Hamdouche: A revered religious figure who lived in Berkane during the late 19th century, Sidi Ali ben Hamdouche was known for performing numerous miracles that included healing people with various illnesses.
- Hassan II Green March: King Hassan II organized a mass demonstration called the Green March in November 1975, where many people from Berkane participated to claim sovereignty over Western Sahara that had been under Spanish control at that time.
- Moroccan Independence Day: Every year on November 18th, Moroccans celebrate Independence Day commemorating their country’s independence after years under French protectorate.
- The Museum of Berkane showcases the history and culture of the region, including traditional clothing, tools, and artifacts.
- The Kasbah of Berkane is a historic fortress that dates back to the 17th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
- The Souk el Had is a bustling market that is a great place to experience local culture and pick up souvenirs such as spices, textiles, and handicrafts.
- The Oasis de Tafoughalt is located just outside of Berkane and offers a serene escape from city life with its palm groves and natural springs.
- El Kef Mountains offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and are home to several hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Sidi Moussa Mausoleum is a religious site dedicated to Sidi Moussa Ben Ali, a revered saint in Moroccan culture.
- Ain Zerka Hot Springs offer relaxation in a beautiful setting surrounded by mountains and greenery.
- Jardin des Oliviers et des Roses de Berkane features beautiful olive trees and roses as well as several fountains for visitors to enjoy.
- La Place du 16 Novembre 1955 is located in the heart of Berkane; this public square is named after Morocco’s independence from France in 1955.
- Dar El Makhzen Palace Museum in Oujda (about an hour’s drive from Berkane) features exhibits on Moroccan art, history, and culture housed within a former palace built during the Alaouite dynasty (1666-1822).
- Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RSB)
- Established in 1938
- Most popular football club in the city
- Has won several national and international titles
- Association Sportive des Forces Armées Royales (AS FAR)
- Established in 1958
- Military football club
- Has won multiple championships, including the Moroccan League and the Arab Champions League
- Union Sportive de Berkane (USB)
- Established in 1947
- Prominent football team from Berkane
- Has been successful at both domestic and regional levels
- Chabab Rif Al Hoceima (CRA)
- Represents the Rif region of Morocco which includes Berkane as well as other cities like Nador and Tetouan
- Club Olympique de Khemisset (COK)
- Represents Khemisset located within northeastern Morocco near Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region
- Moussem of Sidi Ali Bousseri: This is a religious festival that takes place in Berkane every year in May. It is dedicated to the patron saint of the town, Sidi Ali Bousseri.
- Festival of Fig: This event celebrates the fig harvest and takes place every August in Berkane. Visitors can taste different varieties of figs and enjoy traditional music and dance performances.
- International Festival of Oriental Music: This festival showcases traditional music from Morocco and other countries in North Africa, as well as Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt and Turkey.
- Festival of Roses: This event takes place in May each year to celebrate the blooming of roses in the nearby town of El Kelaa M’Gouna. Visitors can enjoy parades, concerts, and exhibitions showcasing local handicrafts.
- National Honey Fair: Held annually during October or November, this fair celebrates honey production in Morocco with exhibitions, tastings, workshops on beekeeping techniques and much more.
- Fantasia Festival (Moussem de Cheikh Bouamama): A cultural event that takes place annually during July-August where horsemen dressed up with traditional Moroccan clothes perform a choreographed display with rifles fired into the sky while riding their horses at full gallop.
- Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: These are two major Islamic festivals celebrated throughout Morocco including Berkane.
- International Date Palm Festival: A biennial festival celebrating date palms which are grown extensively around Berkane region for their delicious dates.
- Tifawin Amazigh Cultural Festival: Celebrating Berber culture through dance performances, traditional food tasting, arts & crafts exhibition etc.
- World Music Day: Celebrated across various cities including Berkane on 21st June each year featuring live musical performances by local artists.
- Couscous: A traditional Moroccan dish made of steamed semolina grains served with vegetables and meat.
- Tajine: A slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices.
- Harira: A hearty soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices.
- Pastilla: A savory pastry filled with spiced meat or seafood and topped with powdered sugar.
- Msemen: A flaky pancake-like bread typically served for breakfast or as a snack.
Some popular restaurants in Berkane that serve these dishes include:
- Restaurant Al Andaloussia: Known for their tajines and couscous dishes.
- Restaurant La Grotte Des Dattes: Famous for their pastillas and harira soup.
- Cafe Restaurant Le Jardin des Roses: Offers a variety of Moroccan dishes including msemen.
- Chez Rachid et Fatima Zahrae: Serves traditional Moroccan cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
- Restaurant Le Rifain de Berkane : Specializes in grilled meats such as kebabs and lamb chops along with traditional tagines.
- Parc des Sports et de Loisirs: This park is a popular destination for families and offers a range of recreational activities such as football, basketball, tennis, and swimming.
- Jardin Public: This public garden is located in the heart of Berkane and is an ideal place to relax and unwind. It features beautiful flower beds, fountains, and walking paths.
- Parc National de l’Oriental: This national park covers an area of approximately 155 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, bird watching, camping, and picnicking.
- Plage Saidia: Located just outside Berkane in the town of Saidia, this beach offers visitors the opportunity to swim in the Mediterranean Sea or relax on its sandy shores.
- Golf de Saidia: Golf enthusiasts can enjoy playing on this 18-hole golf course located near Plage Saidia.
- Centre Equestre de Berkane: Horseback riding lessons are available at this equestrian center located just outside Berkane.
- Complexe Sportif Municipal: This sports complex features facilities for football, basketball, volleyball, handball as well as tennis courts along with a swimming pool that visitors can use.
- Hammam Al-Moulouk Spa & Wellness Center : A luxurious spa that provides traditional Moroccan treatments like hammams (steam baths) along with massages using argan oil from local co-operatives.
