Oujda-Angad, Morocco
Region: Oriental Region
Geographic Coordinates: 34.686700, -1.911400
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 40.0°C (50°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 494252
Language: Arabic
Oujda-Angad is a city in the eastern region of Morocco, Close to the border with Algeria. It is the capital of the Oriental region and has a population of about 500, 000 people. The city has a rich history and diverse culture, As well as beautiful architecture. One of Oujda-Angad’s most famous landmarks is the Sidi Yahya Mosque. Built in the 17th century, It features intricate tile work and ornate carvings in stunning Moorish architecture. The mosque also contains a mausoleum where Sidi Yahya, A revered religious figure from Morocco’s past, Was buried.
The Medina (old town) is another popular attraction for visitors to Oujda-Angad. Dating back to medieval times, It features narrow streets lined with traditional Moroccan buildings where visitors can explore local shops selling handmade goods such as pottery, Textiles, And jewelry. There are also several cafes where visitors can enjoy mint tea while taking in the bustling atmosphere. For those interested in history or art, Oujda-Angad has several museums worth visiting such as Dar Sebti Museum showcasing traditional Moroccan art and artifacts while Museum of Resistance and Liberation tells Morocco’s struggle for independence from France.
In addition to cultural attractions museums & medina , Oujda-Angad boasts natural beauty too! Mount Atlas provides stunning views over surrounding landscapes dotted by palm trees that give way to arid desert expanses beyond them. Foodies will find plenty to enjoy in Oujda-Angad too! The city offers an array of delicious Moroccan dishes like tagine (slow-cooked stews), Couscous (a grain-based dish served with meat or vegetables), Harira soup (a hearty soup made with lentils), Pastilla (a sweet-and-savory pastry filled with chicken or seafood). Finally, Oujda-Angad has an active nightlife scene too.
The city has many bars and nightclubs where visitors can enjoy live music, Dancing, And socializing with locals. Overall, Oujda-Angad is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the rich culture and history of Morocco.
Important Landmarks
- Medina of Oujda
- Sidi Yahya Mosque
- Park Lalla Aicha
- The Royal Palace of Oujda
- The Museum of Oujda
- Ain Sefra Lake
- The Ziaten Cemetery
- The Kasbah of Tadla
- El-Kantra Castle
- The Grand Mosque of Oujda
Primary Industries
- Agriculture: Oujda-Angad is known for its fertile lands and agricultural production of crops such as olives, citrus fruits, and cereals.
- Textiles: The city has a significant textile industry that produces traditional Moroccan clothing and fabrics.
- Construction: With the growing population in the region, there is a high demand for construction materials and services.
- Tourism: The city attracts tourists to its historical sites such as the ancient Kasbah of Oujda and natural attractions like the Zegzel Gorges.
- Education: Oujda-Angad has several universities and educational institutions that attract students from across Morocco.
- Retail trade: There are many small businesses in the city selling goods ranging from traditional handicrafts to modern consumer products.
- Services sector: The services sector includes various industries such as healthcare, finance, transportation, communication etc., which contribute significantly to the local economy.
Noteable History
- The Battle of Isly occurred in 1844 near Oujda, where the French army, led by Marshal Bugeaud, defeated the Moroccan army and forced them to sign a treaty recognizing French sovereignty over Algeria.
- Abdelkrim El Khattabi was a Moroccan nationalist leader born in Ajdir near Oujda in 1882 who fought against Spanish and French colonial rule during the early 20th century.
- Al-Mutasim Billah was an Abbasid caliph who fled to Oujda after being deposed by his brother in Baghdad in 861 AD and lived there until his death two years later.
- Ibn Tufayl was a philosopher and physician from the 12th century who lived in Oujda and is best known for his philosophical novel Hayy ibn Yaqzan, which tells the story of a self-taught man living on a deserted island.
- Moulay Ismail was a sultan of Morocco from 1672 to 1727 who built many important structures in Oujda, including the Kasbah and several mosques.
- Mohammed V resisted Nazi attempts to deport Moroccan Jews during World War II and became known as the Sultan who protected his Jews before becoming King of Morocco from 1957 until his death four years later.
- Said Aouita is an Olympic gold medalist runner from Oujda who set world records for various distances during the 1980s.
- Abderrahim Goumri won a silver medal at the World Championships in Athletics held back in 2003 as an Olympic runner hailing from Oujda too.
- Hassan II spent much of his childhood living with family ties to Oujda before becoming King of Morocco between1961-1999 after being born Rabat.
- Abdelaziz Bouteflika served as President of Algeria from 1999 to 2019, born in Oujda in 1937 and spent much of his early life there before moving to Algeria.
Cultural Events
- Moussem of Sidi Maafa: This is a religious festival that takes place in Oujda-Angad every year in May. It celebrates the life and teachings of Sidi Maafa, a local saint who is believed to have healing powers.
- Festival of Rai: This music festival takes place in Oujda-Angad every year in July and features performances by some of the biggest names in Rai music from Morocco and around the world.
- International Film Festival of Oujda: This film festival takes place annually in November and showcases films from Morocco, Africa, and beyond.
- Tissa Horse Festival: This cultural event takes place near Oujda-Angad annually during Eid al-Adha (the Islamic holiday of sacrifice) and features horse races, traditional music, dancing, and food.
- National Festival of Aissawa: This religious festival takes place annually in October or November across Morocco but has significant events held within Oujda-Angad that celebrate the Aissawa brotherhood’s spiritual practices through dance performances known as Hadra.
- Moulay Abdellah Amghar Poetry Festival: An annual literary event that celebrates Moroccan poetry through readings by local poets as well as workshops for aspiring writers.
- Moussem Moulay Idriss Zerhoun (nearby): A pilgrimage to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is one of the most important Islamic festivals celebrated throughout Morocco where thousands come to pay tribute to this holy site located just outside Oujda-Angad each August or September depending on the lunar calendar.
Cuisine
- Bissara is a traditional Moroccan soup that is made with fava beans, olive oil, and spices. It is a popular breakfast dish in Oujda-Angad.
- Mloukhia is a stew made with mallow leaves, chicken or lamb, and spices.
- Tagine is a slow-cooked stew made with meat or fish, vegetables, and spices. It is cooked in a clay pot called a tagine.
- Couscous is a staple dish in Morocco made from semolina grains served with vegetables and meat.
- Harira is a hearty soup typically served during Ramadan that includes lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, onions and various spices.
- Le Chat Qui Rit restaurant offers Moroccan cuisine including tagines and couscous dishes as well as international cuisine such as pizza and burgers. It’s located in the city center of Oujda-Angad.
- Restaurant Al Andalous serves local dishes such as harira soup and couscous along with grilled meats like kebabs. They are known for their traditional Moroccan decor.
- Chez Ali Baba restaurant offers mix of Moroccan dishes including couscous but also has some Mediterranean influenced items on the menu like Greek salad or hummus dip plates to start off your meal.
- Parc Lalla Aicha is a large park that offers walking paths, playgrounds, and gardens for visitors to enjoy.
- Parc Sidi Maafa is a smaller park that features a lake and picnic areas for families and friends to gather.
- Complexe Sportif d’Oujda is a sports complex that provides tennis courts, soccer fields, and swimming pools for athletes of all levels.
- Jardin Public d’Oujda is a public garden with fountains and benches where people can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
- Centre Equestre Oujda-Angad is an equestrian center that offers horseback riding lessons and trail rides for individuals who love horses.
- Golf de l’Oriental-Oujda is an 18-hole golf course surrounded by scenic views of the Atlas Mountains which attract golfers from all over the world.
- Cinéma Rif Oujda plays international films in French or Arabic languages providing entertainment options to locals as well as tourists.