Khemis Sahel, Morocco
Region: Khemis Sahel is located in the province of El Jadida
Geographic Coordinates: 35.250000, -6.083300
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Climate: Dry and hot climate with little rainfall, especially in the summer months. Winter is cooler but still relatively dry.
Population: 107371
Language: Arabic
Khemis Sahel is a small town in the northern part of Morocco, Located approximately 40 kilometers from Tangier. The town is situated on the fertile plains of Loukkos, Known for their agriculture and farming activities. Khemis Sahel has a rich history that dates back to pre-Islamic times and boasts several historical landmarks that attract tourists worldwide. One of the most notable landmarks in Khemis Sahel is an ancient Roman bridge built during Emperor Augustus’s reign. The bridge spans across a river running through the town and was once an important trade route for goods coming from Europe and Africa.
Today, It serves as a popular tourist attraction where visitors can take pictures and enjoy scenic views. Another interesting landmark in Khemis Sahel is Dar El Makhzen Palace built during the 19th century by Sultan Moulay Hassan I. The palace features traditional Moroccan architecture with intricate designs and decorations reflecting its rich cultural heritage. It now serves as a museum where visitors can learn about Moroccan history and culture. Khemis Sahel also has several markets or souks where locals sell their produce such as fruits, Vegetables, Spices, Clothes among others.
One such market is Souk Jdid which translates to New Market in English; it’s one of Morocco’s largest markets with hundreds of vendors selling everything from clothing to jewelry to food items. The town boasts beautiful beaches along its coastline like Sidi Kacem Beach where visitors can relax while enjoying stunning views of both mountainside landscapes on one side and coastal scenery on another side. In terms of cuisine, Khemis Sahel offers visitors an array of traditional Moroccan dishes such as tagine (a slow-cooked stew), Couscous (made with semolina grains), Harira (a soup made with lentils) among others.
The town is also known for its delicious seafood dishes caught fresh from the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Overall, Khemis Sahel is a charming town that offers visitors a glimpse of Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. With its historical landmarks, Bustling markets, Beautiful beaches, And delicious cuisine, It’s no wonder why this small town has become a popular tourist destination in recent years.
- The Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou
- The Ouzoud Waterfalls
- The Ksar of Tafilalet
- The Todra Gorge
- The Draa Valley
- Merzouga Dunes
- Erg Chebbi Desert
- Dades Valley
- Tinghir Oasis
- Majorelle Garden
Khemis Sahel’s Economy
- Khemis Sahel is a small town located in Morocco, and it relies heavily on agriculture and small businesses to sustain its economy.
- The town’s primary industries include:
- Farming
- Handicrafts
- Small businesses
- Mining
- Tourism
- The fertile land in Khemis Sahel makes it ideal for growing crops such as:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Olives
- Almonds
- Figs
- Citrus fruits
- Handicrafts are also an essential part of Khemis Sahel’s economy. The town has a rich tradition of pottery making and weaving.
- Small businesses like grocery stores, clothing shops, hardware stores cater to the local population’s needs in Khemis Sahel.
- Tourism is growing gradually due to its proximity to popular tourist destinations such as Rabat and Casablanca.
- Mining operations extract minerals like phosphate rock from surrounding areas near Khemis Sahel contributing towards its economy.
- In conclusion, Khemis Sahel’s economy is predominantly agricultural with some small-scale industries catering to the local population’s needs while the tourism industry is growing gradually with time passing by.
Khemis Sahel – A Small Town with a Rich History
- 1. Khemis Sahel is a small town in Morocco with a rich history.
- 2. Notable events and people associated with the town:
- a. Annual Moussem festival, celebrating the life of local saint Sidi Bouzid.
- b. Important stop on the caravan route between Marrakech and Fez.
- c. Historic mosque called Masjid Al-Masbah, dating back to the 17th century.
- 3. Sidi Bouzid – one of Khemis Sahel’s most important figures:
- a. Brought Islam to the region.
- 4. Tahar Ben Jelloun – famous Moroccan writer:
- a. Spent much of his childhood in Khemis Sahel.
- b. His father worked as a teacher in the town.
- 5. Traditional pottery industry:
- a. Khemis Sahel has become known for its beautiful ceramic pieces.
- b. These pieces are sold throughout Morocco and beyond.
- 6. Abdelkader El Mouaziz – former long-distance runner:
- a. Won several international marathons, including New York City Marathon and London Marathon.
- b. Associated with Khemis Sahel.
- 7. World War II and Operation Torch:
- a. American soldiers were stationed near Khemis Sahel.
- b. Part of the campaign to defeat German forces in North Africa.
- c. Khemissat village served as a main supply base for US troops.
- 8. Morocco’s struggle for independence:
- a. Khemis Sahel played host to key battles between Moroccan resistance fighters and French colonial forces.
- b. Occurred in the 1950s and 1960s.
- 9. Despite not having many notable historical events or people, Khemis Sahel has an interesting history.
- 10. Worth visiting if you’re ever in Morocco.
- Dar Si Said Museum
- Bahia Palace
- Marrakech Museum
- Koutoubia Mosque
- Jardin Majorelle
- Saadian Tombs
- El Badi Palace
- Menara Gardens
- Medersa Ben Youssef
- Musée de la Palmeraie
Festivals and Events in Khemis Sahel
- Eid al-Fitr: This is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of Ramadan.
- Moussem of Moulay Abdellah Amghar: A traditional festival held annually in honor of the patron saint Moulay Abdellah Amghar.
- Festival of Sufi Culture: An annual event that celebrates the spiritual and cultural heritage of Sufism with music, dance, and poetry performances.
- International Film Festival of Marrakech: One of the most significant film festivals in Africa held annually in Marrakech.
- Gnaoua World Music Festival: A vibrant music festival that features traditional Gnaoua music blended with contemporary world music genres such as jazz and blues.
- Tan-Tan Moussem: A colorful nomadic culture festival held annually to celebrate the migration of Saharan tribes from Mauritania to Morocco.
- National Cherry Festival (Fête de la Cerise): An annual event celebrating cherry harvests with parades, live music performances, food stalls, and fireworks displays.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive as there may be other local or regional events specific to Khemis Sahel or nearby areas that are not mentioned here.
- Couscous: A traditional Moroccan dish made with steamed semolina grains and usually served with vegetables and meat.
- Tagine: A slow-cooked stew made with meat or fish, vegetables, and spices.
- Harira: A hearty soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices.
- Grilled meats: Lamb or chicken skewers grilled over charcoal are a popular street food in Khemis Sahel.
- Café Du Centre: This café is known for its delicious coffee and pastries.
- Restaurant Al Firdaous: This restaurant serves traditional Moroccan dishes such as tagine and couscous in a cozy atmosphere.
- Le Jardin de l’Atlas: This restaurant offers stunning views of the Atlas Mountains while serving up delicious Moroccan cuisine like lamb tagine and harira soup.
- La Kasbah d’Agafay: Located just outside Khemis Sahel, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience in a beautiful setting surrounded by palm trees and mountains while serving up traditional Moroccan dishes like couscous cooked over an open fire pit.
