Tétouan, Urban commune in northern Morocco
Tétouan is an urban commune in the province of the same name in northern Morocco. Its whitewashed buildings spread across multiple levels along the Martil Valley between mountains and the Mediterranean coast.
After destruction by Castilian forces in the 15th century, Ali al-Mandri from Granada rebuilt the town with new fortifications and buildings. The resettlement brought refugees from Andalusia who introduced their building styles and craft traditions.
The medina is divided into specialized quarters where craftsmen produce leather goods, textiles, pottery, and metalwork using traditional methods. Market stalls show dyers, weavers, and coppersmiths at work in the open.
The town can be reached through the nearby Sania Ramel Airport or by road connections from Tangier, about 60 kilometers to the west. The old town has narrow and winding lanes, so comfortable footwear is helpful.
The local school of arts preserves Andalusian-Moroccan traditions by teaching classical design methods and restoration techniques. Students learn stucco carving, tile-laying, and painting wooden ceilings according to historical models.
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