I have recently visited this historic site in Marrakech that dates back to the 1570’s. It has a fascinating story. It comprises a beautiful mausoleum where 66 male members of the Saadian Dynasty are entombed and a large outdoor area of tiled tombs for females, soldiers and household workers. The whole site was sealed up by the dictator of the incoming dynasty so he did not have to ever see his predecessors. This dictator goes by the lengthy name of Alawite Sultan Moulay Ismail and he was bloodthirsty and cruel. In 1917 an aerial photographic survey by chance revealed the sealed burial grounds so now we all have chance to visit theses tombs and see the wonderful Carrera marble, mosaics and cedar wood that fills the mausoleum.
Those of the Islamic faith are buried with their tombs facing towards Mecca. The faithful retainers that were either Jewish or Christian are in tombs positioned horizontally to the others. It is wonderful that all believers whatever their faith and creed could be placed together here in death as they lived and worked together in life.
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