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 Oujda, the largest town in eastern Morocco, is a modern, affluent and cosmopolitan city.
Oujda has long been an important site as it lies on the main axis connecting Morocco with North Africa. As well as being part of the Roman empire, it is a historically significant site fought over by many empires.
The town was originally founded by the Mehraoua tribe in the 10th century until it was overrun by the Almohads a century later. Later, Algerian rulers took the town and then in the 17th century it fell to the Ottoman Empire.
Moulay Ismail put an end to this in 1687, and Oujda remained in Moroccan hands until 1907 when French forces in Algeria crossed the frontier and occupied the town. The French expanded Oujda as the provincial capital and the main gateway for trade with Algeria.
What to do and see around Oujda
Oujda’s Medina is definitely worth a visit for its hustle and bustle as well as its history.
The eastern gate has the most gruesome local history – its local nickname is - the “Gate of Heads” – originates from the local pashas custom of hanging the heads of criminals and renegades here (fortunately this is no longer the case!).
Further into the centre you will find the historic and fascinating Grande Mosque, built in the 14th century by the Merenids.
Oujda is only 45 minutes by car from Saidia. |
