Bab EL Ain

Bab EL Ain

Overview:

Bab El-Ain, the most famous entrance to the city of Sayyida al-Hurra, and there are many "gates" that surround the walls of the city of al-Sayyida al-Hurra, such as, "Bab al-Souk", and Bab "Al-Mawqif". But “Bab al-Ain” remains the most popular, both for the city’s residents or the villagers coming to it from the outskirts of the vast region, or for visitors to the city from Moroccans and foreigners, as well as members of the Moroccan community residing abroad.

Historic overview:

"Bab El-Ain" gained its fame because it is considered the closest point of separation between the fortified city with walls, and the modern "colonial" city, which was founded by the Spaniards, when they were able to enter the city of Chaouen in 1920 AD, under the command of the powerful General "Damaso Berenguer".

The name of this entrance is "Bab al-Ain" due to the presence of a large spring that used to flow near this gate, and the Spaniards built a military barracks near it, according to historical accounts.

Currently, with the weekends, especially those that coincide with the school holidays, the entrance to “Bab Al-Ain” is overflowing with people, due to the large number of tourists who go to the bustling city of Chaouen, to get lost among its amazing alleys and take pictures in front of the traditional ovens, baths and water fountains, which flows from the highest peaks of the Chaouen Mountains.

On the other hand, what increases the popularity of the entrance to “Bab al-Ain” is that the tourist, as he ascends to the splendid “Wata al-Hamam” square, starting from this entrance, will find on his way many pure mountain products, which are presented on the sidewalk by the women of “Jabaliyat” in red striped white napkin, which is a color that symbolizes the authentic identity of the mountainous region and its history.

Resources:

• magress website

• chaouenpress website

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