Moulay Ismail's Meknes: The Versailles of North Africa

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the colossal building project of Sultan Moulay Ismail, the second ruler of the Alaouite dynasty, who turned Meknes into a sprawling imperial city in the late 17th century. We walk through the massive walls, gates, and granaries of Heri es-Souani, the vast stables built to house 12,000 horses, and the intricate underground prison cells. Lucas explains how Ismail's ambition rivaled Louis XIV's Versailles, using forced labor from Christian captives and enslaved Africans to create a city of power and wonder. We also uncover the engineering marvels of the water supply system, the opulent reception halls, and the sultan's mausoleum, which remains a pilgrimage site today. Along the way, we touch on the sultan's controversial legacy, including his use of the Black Guard (Abid al-Bukhari) and his diplomatic outreach to European monarchs. This episode paints a vivid picture of a ruler who sought to build a capital befitting his absolute authority, leaving a mark on Morocco that still stands. #MoulyIsmail #Meknes #Alaouite #Makhzen #HeriEsSouani #Morocco #NorthAfrica #17thCentury #ImperialCity #Architecture #Engineering #Slavery #BlackGuard #AbidAlBukhari #Versailles #History #FexingoHistory #MoroccanHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo