Meknes is one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco.
It is located in northern central Morocco and the sixth largest city by population in the kingdom.
Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids as a military settlement, Meknes became the capital of Morocco during the reign of Sultan Ismail Ibn Sharif (1672–1727), son of the founder of the Alaouite dynasty.
Sultan Ismail created a massive imperial palace complex and endowed the city with extensive fortifications and monumental gates.
It is the seat of Meknès Prefecture and an important economic hub in the region of Fès-Meknès.
Once the capital of Morocco under Sultan Ismail Ibn Sharif of the Alawi dynasty in the 17th century, it is known for its massive walls, grand gates, and structures built to last centuries.
Meknes reflects the Moroccan style of architecture, with one of its most impressive landmarks being Heri es-Swani, seen in today's image.
Heri es-Swani was originally constructed as a stable and for storing vast amounts of grain to sustain the settlement and the sultan's armies.
Its design was both practical and impressive. Thick walls and an innovative cooling system helped maintain the food supply.
Twenty-two rows of symmetrical arches divided the space into corridors that once had vaulted ceilings. Back then, mules climbed onto the roof terrace to deliver grain, which was dropped through specially designed holes to the floor below. The structure housed more than 12,000 horses.
Today, it stands as an empty shell, acting as a scenic backdrop ready to be explored. This historical monument is a must-see for anyone curious about how empires were built and fed.
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