Morocco

DVD. Sports Safaris. 30 Minutes. We’ve come to Morocco to go deep into the Sahara desert, staying in tribal tents in 115 degree heat for one of the most fun and unusual adventures ever – sand boarding! Lots of very “hot” action. Also, join us in the watersports action capital of the Mediterranean - St. Tropez, France.

DVD. Cosmos Global Documentaries. 52 Minutes. In addition to Meknes, F?s and Marrakesh, Morocco's capital city of Rabat is one of the country's historic four royal cities. Despite their differences, these cities share a common bond as they each contain the cultural and architectural treasures of a fascinating epoch. Rabat has a rich and colourful history and was first settled in the 8th century B.C. nearly two thousand years before the Hassan Tower was built. With its beautiful minaret, the 18th century Mosqu?e Es- Sounna is the most outstanding religious building in the centre of the city. The most architecturally impressive of the four royal cities is Mekn?s. In the 17th century Moulay Isma?l made this city into his own and thus created several new buildings. In addition to the largest gate in the Maghreb, the Bab El-Mansour, the city's former twenty kilometre long wall symbolises a further important legacy and highlights the wealth and flamboyance of the Alaouit sovereign. Although Mekn?s is one of the younger Moroccan royal cities it contains more than a thousand years of history and its fertile land was even much prized by the Romans. F?s is the oldest and, at the same time, liveliest of all four royal cities. Beyond its historic walls lies the origin of the Moroccan monarchy as well as numerous outstanding treasuries of the Islamic Middle Ages. F?s El-Jdid, an earlier section of the old town centre, is dominated by an immense palace, the Palais Royal. Beyond its gilded bronze gates is a small, luxurious world. Numerous architectural gems highlight the former incredible wealth of F?s. Marrakesh's history began in the 11th century when the Berber tribe of the Almoravides first settled on the Haouz Plain. In the course of time the early caravan trade with Black Africa and Marrakesh's southerly location transformed the city into what was the most African of Morocco's four royal cities and although the legendary caravans have since been replaced by modern roads and motor vehicles both past and present continue to live side by side. Even today each of the Morocco's four royal cities displays the former enormity, power and beauty of Maghreb culture in Morocco thus their historical monuments still manage to reflect the splendour of the country's intriguing and glorious past.

DVD. 7 Days. 52 Minutes. Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, has the most important harbor in North Africa and is gateway to the magic of the Orient. In the Koran it says: `And Allah's Throne Was On The Water!' Thus inspired, the Grand Mosque was built on Casablanca's shoreline. This monumental building was designed to accommodate 105,000 believers, and its tall minaret dominates the city's skyline. More than 12 million people helped finance this `Eighth Wonder Of The World' which involved 90 engineers and 30,000 craftsmen and artists. Lying northwards along the Atlantic coast, is Rabat, Morocco's capital and home to its government and royal family. The King's Palace, the Palais Royal, is a town in itself. Surrounded by walls and protected by royal guards, since 1864 it has been the main residence of the Alaouite Dynasty which has been in power since 1666. To the south of RABAT lies Chellah, City of the Dead. The Merinde necropolis has a square tower and is surrounded by a wall made of crushed loam, proof that the Cathagers built a trading centre here in the 3rd century B.C.Amongst the tombs, the sarcophagus of Sultan Abou El-Hassan stands proud with its artistic engravings. Fez El-Bali dates back to the Middle Ages and contains narrow streets, a pungent mixture of scents, the penetrating sound of craftsmen and fine examples of the Moorish art of building. Traveling through the Atlas Mountains, the small town of Ifrane boasts tranquil parks and ponds, modern residential areas and shady avenues which take the traveler by surprise. Just as with their ancestors over the centuries, today nomads and their camels traverse the endless Sahara. For a distance of over 40 kilometers, the magic landscape of the sand dunes compares with the largest in the world. Finally, Marrakesh is the dreamy city at the foot of the High Atlas and Morocco's most beautiful city. What better location to end the fairytale that is Morocco?

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. Morocco fulfills fantasies and dreams about the Tales of 1,001 Nights, even today. It is an exotic and romantic country with the thousand miracles of the Arab world;old cities, mosques, bazaars, natural beauties from palm tree gardens to sand dunes and from the frosty tops of the Atlas mountains to the beaches of Agadir. There are the oases in the Sahara, the colorful buildings of Marrakesh, the Anti-Atlas's green valleys and the forts of the Foreign Legion. The royal cities are all wonderful: Casablanca, well known from the famous movie with the same title, the capital, Rabat, the ancient Fes, and the elegant cultural centre, Marrakesh. The Djemaa El Fna square has a unique atmosphere, where magicians, henna painters, acrobats, belly dancers, tale tellers from the Sahara, healers, dancers, Koran discussers, snake charmers and cooks make up the colorful market. Morocco with its thousand faces can be found in the buildings, which are incredibly ornamented, the sound of the snake charmers' pipes, the silence of the mosques, the native people of the Sahara, the turmoil of the bazaar, the smell of various spices, the pattern of the carpets, the medinas conjuring the past, the taste of the mint tea, and it looks the way we always thought it would.

Travel Video. DVD. Exploring. For centuries, Morocco has been the traveler's gateway to North Africa. And it's as magical a place to explore today as it was in the days of the spice trade. Diversity abounds, ocean, desert and mountains combine with an equally diverse culture, resulting in an eclectic and fascinating experience. This journey begins in the coastal town of Essaouira, where the ancient medina comes to life in music, folklore and barter. The adventure continues on the road, over the peaks of the Atlas Mountains, into the Saharan dunes of Erg Chebbi, to a feast at a Berber wedding celebration. Through the historical influences of African, Berber, Moor, Arab and French, a land of enchantment emerges. Discover the colourful medina in Essaouira Experience the music and dance to Moroccan beats Hit the road and climb the Atlas Mountains Trek the Saharan dunes of Erg Chebbi Celebrate under the stars at a Berber wedding Explore ancient culture in a living kasbah From the aerial view to the human perspective, Exploring Horizons travels off the beaten path to the remote corners of the world and finds those places where civilization moved in without taking over. Three stunning seasons cover a cross section of culture, adventure and amazing places that make up our global village.

60 Minutes. Morocco in HD Experience the sultry landscape and spicy culture of Morocco in high definition. Africans, Arabs, Jews, Europeans, sultans, scholars, pirates and holy men came from the south, from the east and the north to this land in the northwest corner of Africa. Along the way, they sought refuge in Kasbahs. Go behind the towering walls of these ancient fortress cities, from Marrakesh to coastal Essaouria to Casablanca. Travel by camel and spend the night in a nomad tent in the Sahara Desert. Discover F?s, Tangier, Rabat and traverse the Atlas Mountains with explorer Richard Bangs as he seeks to find the modern meaning of the Kasbah in Morocco. At the Kasbah Throughout the centuries Morocco s Kasbahs have kept silent vigil over their cultural store. Meet me at the Kasbah, has become an evocative invitation in today s vernacular, but what is the modern equivalent of this ancient vault, and where is it found? A Pioneer Richard Bangs has spent more than 30 years as an explorer, and is a pioneer in travel that makes a difference. In fact, Expedia.com founder Rich Barton called him Indiana Jones with a conscience. Bangs is the host and co-executive producer of the popular public television series Adventures with Purpose. Product Features As seen on public television Filmed in high definition Go behind the walls of Morocco's Kasbahs Learn how travel can make a difference in the world Host Richard Bangs, known as the father of modern adventure travel, also is the author of the Adventures with Purpose books

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Ait Benhaddou Along the southern border of the High Atlas in the heart of Morocco is the impressive village of Ait Benhaddou. The settlement was once situated along one of the country's most important caravan routes but the region's ancient trading routes are no longer used today. A walled village, the Ksar, was founded in the 12th century by the people of Ait Aissa and its narrow lanes lead up to several fortress-like citadels, the five main Kasbahs of Ait Benhaddou. For visitors the narrow, medieval lanes of the village are tantamount to a confusing maze however the plain but nevertheless expressive architecture of the houses has a unique and magical atmosphere. Fortunately, the cultural and historical value of this unique Moroccan clay village has now been fully recognized otherwise each of the houses, towers and kasbahs of Ait Benhaddou may have long since disappeared beneath the sands of time.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Casablanca, a city of many faces, Oriental yet also modern. From a former Berber settlement to today's commercial metropolis. Around eighty per cent of Moroccan industry is concentrated in Casablanca, the country's financial, technological and commercial centre and also Africa's largest seaport. Jutting into the sea is the Hassan The Second Mosque. `It was He who created Heaven and Earth in six days!' This paragraph from the Koran inspired Hassan The Second to build his momentous mosque that extends for nine hectares, a superlative construction that could comfortably accommodate the entire Peters Dome in Rome. Casablanca is a large city surrounded by many ancient villages where life has changed little since ancient times. The Place Mohammed The Fifth is the centre of Casablanca and is located between the old Medina and the new town with its large residential districts. Several administrative buildings, mosques and Art Deco buildings are situated in the vicinity of the Place Mohammed and there's also a pedestrian-only shopping mall. The head offices of numerous banks, insurance and commercial companies are located within the modern and flamboyant city centre with its imposing skyscrapers. The souks contain a labyrinth of alleys and each usually has its own specialty. The souks are the perfect place for those who wish to experience typical Morocco as the aromas and sounds of their narrow alleys are far more descriptive than any travel guide. Casablanca captivates all those who experience it. This former coastal city of seafarers and pirates is today both lively and contemporary with all the atmosphere and flair of a bygone time.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Located on the outskirts of the Moroccan capital of Rabat, a tall and impressive wall of compressed clay encloses the Necropolis of Chella. This fortress-like construction dates back to the 14th century. The Mereniden leaders, Abou Said and Abou El Hassan, were responsible for the construction of this mighty structure. The view from the watchtowers is augmented by lush vegetation, a picturesque view that has remained unchanged for several centuries. Numerous paths lead through an array of colorful vegetation in front of the Necropolis, the foundations of which the Carthaginians occupied during the 3rd century. Twisted and seemingly tortured trees add an air of mystique and intrigue to the atmospheric surroundings while all around there is a magnificent and colorful display of flowers and blossom in the tranquil splendor of this unusual and enchanting place. Today, Chella's minaret is crowned by a stork's nest, the `City of the Dead' having become a natural habitat for these wonderfully majestic birds. A large and magnificently decorated gate was the entrance to the the Necropolis, the `City of the Dead', that was established here during Merenides rule. Close to the pulsating capital of Morocco and its population of half a million, Chella exudes a unique sense of historical mystique and has successfully managed to retain an alluring ambience of historic tranquility.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. In the early and late Middle Ages, the royal city of Fez was the capital of Morocco. Where two of the most important trading routes from the Sahara to the Mediterranean crossed, a follower of the prophet Mohammed established Fez in a delightful river valley. In the old walled town of Medina in which Muslim belief is omnipresent, everyone lives within easy listening distance of a minaret and also the relentless babble of traders and craftsmen. Through the old city gate of Bab Boujeloud is entered the exotic world of the Arab-Islam Middle Ages. The beautifully restored inner courtyards of the city palaces show the splendour of Spanish-Moorish architecture. Arabesque wall decorations and floor mosaics represent 1200 years of Muslim belief and reflect the cultural prosperity enjoyed by this royal city whose historic past today intermingles with aromatic aromas, a wealth of craftsmen, and the smell of dough-cake as baked in the time of Roman occupation.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Fez, former royal city, FES-EL-BALI, lies in the mountainous northwest region of Africa on one of the most important trading routes between the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean. In Maghreb, the MOSQU?E KARAOUIYNE is believed to have been founded by followers of the Prophet Mohammed and is regarded as one of the most important buildings in the Islamic world, in direct contrast to the hustle and bustle of the markets which look and sound today much as they would have done many dust-covered centuries ago.

DVD. Modern Times Wonders The Grande Mosqu?e Hassan II dominates the skyline of the Moroccan city of Casablanca. After Mecca, it is undoubtedly the most extraordinary mosque complex in the Arabic-Islamic world. More than 12 million people made a financial contribution to the construction of the gigantic mosque, the 8th Wonder of the World! Built between 1987 and 1993, this massive sacred building complex is Morocco's most visited and admired religious attraction. For the mosque's inauguration ceremony in August 1993, the guest list not only included Muslims but also Jewish and Christian dignitaries, thus making a statement to the world that this spectacular monument symbolized a tolerant Islam. The mosque's white-green minaret extends 200 metres into the sky and proudly sets off the city's skyline with a unique landmark and during the night, a 30-kilometre laser beam points in the direction of Mecca. It is little wonder that the Grande Mosque is a revered holy place and the new spiritual centre of the Moroccan Kingdom.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Tour Hassan The 44 metre high Tour Hassan is situated in Rabat, capital of Morocco. The building of the Tour Hassan and the Grand Mosque - which was planned to be North Africa's largest - were commissioned at the end of the 12th century by the King of the Almohades, Yacoub El Mansour. However, building of the Mosque was never completed and it gradually fell into decay. Nearby, the magnificent mausoleum of King Mohammed V and his son, King Hassan II. A successful synthesis of traditional artistic craftsmanship and modern architecture, the magnificent mausoleum was designed by a Vietnamese architect. A masculine symbol of Rabat, the Tour Hassan stands proud above the ruins of the unfinished mosque. Together with the Royal Mausoleum, the area around the Minaret unites both past and present.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Marrakesh, the `red pearl' of Morocco was founded by Youssef Ben Tachfin in 1602. It is one of the country's four Royal Cities. Up to the beginning of the 20th century the city was a trading centre for both the north of Morocco and the Sahara and the monarchs of various dynasties made Marrakesh their capital city. The large souks of Marrakesh's Medina are divided into numerous sections and stock just about everything known to Man! In spite of the city's apparent calm there is much activity and the traffic is surprisingly well disciplined. Marrakesh has the largest souks in Morocco. As well as shoes and clothing they stock all the necessities of life and of course bargaining and haggling are the norm! Daily life in the souks is dominated by trade. They are a vital meeting place and trading centre for the farmers of the High Atlas. Those who wish to experience Moroccan daily life can do so here and a stroll through the narrow alleys taking in the city's sounds and aromas explains far more than any travel guide. Place Jemaa El-Fna is the `Square Of The Beheaded' and is Marrakesh's most famous attraction with snake charmers, musicians and storytellers. In 2001 the Square Of The Beheaded was designated by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. Built in 1158, the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosquee is the symbol of the city. The seventy seven metre tall sandstone minaret served as the model for the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat and most of it was built by Spanish prisoners of war. Marrakesh is an historic bridge that unites both urban and nomadic cultures - an exotic gateway to Africa and a captivating window to Europe!

DVD. Alternate Routes. 30 Minutes. A couple from Morocco meet up with an American duo at one of the small hotels in the Medina of Marrakesh, Morocco. Together they explore the exotic backstreets of the old city, the craziness of the central square and the wind-swept beaches of nearby Essouaria. A climb to the top of the High Atlas mountains is the climax of their visit to this magical land. Experience the rush of traveling the world for the first time with a crew of international back-packers, ages 16 - 22 on their quest for adventure, romance and the perfect moment. A variety of hosts from around the globe and the young people they hook up with on location are relentless in their pursuit of fun (and don't forget that culture, mate!) American girls explore Rome, Brits take on Thailand and things get wild when the Aussie's arrive in Copenhagen. Five continents, Unlimited Adventure. Take the alternate route, dude.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Meknes is the monumental city of the four kings? towns of Morocco whose impressive gates and powerful walls surround the old town of Medina. The 20 kilometre long town wall is one the oldest relicts of the former sovereign of the Alaouits, Sultan Moulay Isma?l, who was prone to larger-than-life ideals. Also, the great silo of the Heri and Dar El-Ma's building dates back to this time, the end of the 17th century. It was designed to guarantee an adequate supply of food for the 150,000 men of the sultan's army. In the midst of the historic commercial district is one of the city's oldest buildings, the Medersa Bou Inania. The beautiful decor of its inner courtyard and walls fascinates with its overwhelming number of unusual artistic Majolika designs. Not far away from the Medersa Bou Inania there is a further significant building, the Great Mosque. There is much activity in the main streets and on the squares of Meknes and the beautiful Bab El Mansour Gate particularly attracts droves of visitors each day. Even today, the monumental architecture of Meknes holds great importance for this royal city.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Meknes is one of Morocco's four royal cities and became famous due to its megalomaniac monarch, Sultan Moulay Ismail who is also known as Morocco's Sun King. The cruel and despotic sultan made Meknes the mightiest fortified city in North Africa. Moulay Ismail had an army of a hundred and fifty thousand men who were stationed at each of the country's main strategic points. Included in his royal household was a harem of six hundred wives of various races as well as countless children and a large retinue of African slaves. His former residence, the Heri and Dar El-Ma Complex, contained fifty palaces that were divided by way of gardens, barracks and stables in which there were twelve thousand horses. The Medina of Meknes is a World Heritage Site and contains both medieval and modern architecture. The old town consists of the Ville Imperiale, the ruins of the palace complex and also the Medina with it residential and commercial districts. It also includes the former Jews Ancien district and the Nouveau Mellah that is now known as Riad. The Medersa Bou-Inania is one of the most important buildings in the Medina. Its courtyard contains a shell-shaped well that is used for ritual bathing. The ground marble and alabaster stuccowork is decorated with objects made with fine spatulas. The Great Mosque was founded by the Almohads but was altered during the time of the Meridis and provides a close insight into the world of Islam. The Berber tribe of Meknassa first gave this city its name but following thousands of years of dramatic history the former royal city of Meknes remains an enigma to the present day.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Rabat was once the centre of power of the Almohades and today it is the capital of Morocco and the government headquarters of King Mohammed The Sixth. The majority of its buildings are linked to the country's historic past and its former sovereigns including the Mausoleum of Mohammed The Fifth. Opposite the Mausoleum is one of the city's best-known landmarks, the Tour Hassan that rises 44 metres into the sky. In the picturesque quarter of the Kasbah Des Oudaias with its whitewashed houses and sky-blue doors and window frames is the city's oldest mosque. When Marrakech became the country's capital city, Rabat gradually fell into decline until when, in 1609, Andalusian Muslims and Jews settled here. An increasing number of people inhabited the Kasbah. The administrative area and likewise named parade ground of M?chouar in the south west of the town is part of the Cit? Royale, a town within a town. Beyond the city's defensive walls, the ancient ruins of Chellah are a reminder of both Pre-Christian and Pre-Islamic times. During the 3rd century B.C. the Carthaginians built their first trading establishment here that was later extended and became the famous Roman harbour of Sala. Due to its rich history, architecture and unique ambience, each year this royal city at the mouth of the Bou Regreg enchants thousands of visitors from all over the world.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Rabat is the capital of Morocco and also its royal seat of power. The main residence of King Mohammed the Sixth is a fascinating modern metropolis. Along with its monumental works of art the fourth oldest of the Makhzen cities is also one of Morocco's most important. Caf?s and workshops reflect daily life and most of the city's souks are divided into specialised areas with items such as leather goods, blankets and carpets for sale: and with a little haggling it's possible to purchase quality handicrafts at a very modest price! The Kasbah Des Oudaias was built by Yacoub El Mansour in the 12th century. It is located at Rabat's most elevated point and is like a village within the city. The eight metre high wall once protected the Kasbah and its inhabitants and the fortress is inhabited to the present day. Barred windows create an Andalusian ambience. The Kasbah is one of the most popular though most expensive addresses in Rabat. Throughout the centuries the Moroccan coast was dominated by pirates but the might of European colonialists put an end to their dubious activities. The mausoleum of Mohammed the 5th was built in 1967 and the tomb complex contains a mosque, a mausoleum and a small memorial that contains images of the king. At the end of the 12th century Yacoub El Mansour constructed the largest mosque in the Maghreb. At a height of sixty metres its minaret was taller than any other in North Africa. Four hundred columns support the prayer room and it has fourteen gates. Rabat is a fascinating capital city and royal residence. An exotic world that lies between both occident and orient.

Nature Wonders. 10 Minutes. The Atlas Mountains are the largest mountains in Morocco. The unique variety of landscapes in this region of North Africa comprises a variety of coastlines and vast deserts as well as a fascinating and intriguing world of mountain scenery. The majestic mountain range extends across 3 countries, Morocco, Northern Algeria and Tunisia. Donkeys and mules are the main means of transport in the rugged, steep and desolate areas that are located some distance away from the main roads. For many years, the warlike Goundafi Berber controlled the strategically important routes that cut across the mountains. The journey to Tizi n'Test Pass is a splendid experience, where the seemingly endless view reaches up to the great mass of the Atlas Range. The Atlas Mountains are the perfect place to experience the simplicity of the countryside and also the daily life of the local inhabitants of this amazing region.