Hello everyone,
Today, I'm taking you on a walk through the fascinating narrow streets of the ancient city of Meknes. Under a slightly overcast sky, the cool autumn air invited me to get out and enjoy a peaceful walk between the giant walls of Moulay Ismaïl. These walls, which have stood proudly for centuries, not only tell the story of an ambitious sultan, but also bear witness to the grandeur of a bygone era.
As I strolled through these cobbled streets, every step I took sounded like an echo of the past. The imposing walls that surround the Meknes medina are several metres high and several metres wide. These walls were built during the reign of Moulay Ismaïl, a 17th-century Alaouite sultan who wanted to make Meknes a capital as glorious as Versailles. Their robust architecture is made of stone and earth, designed to withstand attack, and yet today they seem to offer a peaceful refuge to walkers.
As I look up at these immense walls, I occasionally take a moment to imagine myself back in the days when these walls were used to defend the city. Far from being mere structures, they symbolise the strength and determination of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl, a man often compared to Louis XIV for his taste for power and his love of gigantic monuments. As I walked along, I caught sight of the traces of time on these walls, cracks that tell of wear and tear, but also of resistance to the test of centuries.
Between these stone giants, nature seemed to want to make room for itself. As I walked along, I came across bright plants and flowers that added a touch of vivid colour to this austere environment. A fascinating contrast between the ancient and the living.
Meknes, with its rich historical past, is also a city where nature always finds its way. My photos of plants and flowers capture this simple yet powerful beauty, which blends with the historic monuments.
Walking between these majestic walls, I let myself be carried away by the calm of these alleys so steeped in history. Suddenly, my eyes were drawn to a feather delicately placed on the ground, probably left by one of the many birds that nest on these walls. I captured this image to share with you, not only because it's beautiful, but also because it makes me think about the harmony between our ancient heritage and the little natural wonders we find along the way.
I finished my walk by admiring the green grass that covers the area around the ramparts. It was as if, after centuries of battles and resistance, nature had found its place within this thousand-year-old history. The dewdrops on the blades of grass glistened in the morning sun, creating a serene image.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I hope that this walk has transported you as much as it has inspired me. I look forward to seeing you soon for a new adventure, with new photos to share. See you soon, dear friends!
Photos taken by my own phone (Samsung Galaxy A04s).
