Mausoleum of Sidi Abd El Aziz, Marrakech
With its wooden, carved eaves and horseshoe-shaped entrance, this Mausoleum, built in 1508 on the orders of the Alaouite Sultan and restored in 2019, is not open to non-Muslims, but don’t let that put you off going to admire it from the exterior, especially since it is on an interesting souk on the way to the mosque/medersa of Ben Youssef.
Sidi Abd el Aziz was a silk merchant in Fès who apparently underwent some kind of religious conversion and gave up his business to become a fervent follower and key disciple of Sidi ben Slimane, the founder of Moroccan Sufism. Thus, he moved to Marrakech were he preached Sufism ethics to craftsmen and corporations in the Ben Youssef Mosque.
Sufism's core dimensions are universal brotherhood, human values and spirituality. It believes in organic spread of faith, not conversion by the sword. It remains a pluralist, non-violent, and tolerant faith that gains adherents during times of conflict and “social decadence”; however, you'll find Sufis are persecuted in the more traditional fundamentalist societies.
Of course, in Islam there are no "saints", but Sidi Abd el Aziz, Sidi ben Slimane and five others are considered the “Seven Men” – equivalent to Christian saints – because they are all buried in Marrakech. The pilgrimage to their tombs, still being held in late March, was established in the 17th century in order to provide the city with extra religious significance.
Sidi Abd el Aziz was a silk merchant in Fès who apparently underwent some kind of religious conversion and gave up his business to become a fervent follower and key disciple of Sidi ben Slimane, the founder of Moroccan Sufism. Thus, he moved to Marrakech were he preached Sufism ethics to craftsmen and corporations in the Ben Youssef Mosque.
Sufism's core dimensions are universal brotherhood, human values and spirituality. It believes in organic spread of faith, not conversion by the sword. It remains a pluralist, non-violent, and tolerant faith that gains adherents during times of conflict and “social decadence”; however, you'll find Sufis are persecuted in the more traditional fundamentalist societies.
Of course, in Islam there are no "saints", but Sidi Abd el Aziz, Sidi ben Slimane and five others are considered the “Seven Men” – equivalent to Christian saints – because they are all buried in Marrakech. The pilgrimage to their tombs, still being held in late March, was established in the 17th century in order to provide the city with extra religious significance.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Marrakech. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Mausoleum of Sidi Abd El Aziz on Map
Sight Name: Mausoleum of Sidi Abd El Aziz
Sight Location: Marrakech, Morocco (See walking tours in Marrakech)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Marrakech, Morocco (See walking tours in Marrakech)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Marrakech, Morocco
Create Your Own Walk in Marrakech
Creating your own self-guided walk in Marrakech is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Marrakech Top Religious Sites
Islam is the official religion in Morocco, which is why it is only natural that mosques are the dominant religious sites in the country, and Marrakech is no exception. Outside these places of worship, the city's religious scene is represented by unique historical monuments (koubbas), cemeteries, and mausoleums – all quite interesting to explore.
Our journey starts with the Ben Youssef... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Our journey starts with the Ben Youssef... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Marrakech Shopping Tour
Shopping in Marrakech is an extraordinary experience that captivates the senses. Perhaps no other shopping in your life will compare to it: vivid, bright, juicy colors of carpets, clothes, and shoes; enchanting smells of local perfumes and spices; crafts, handmade jewelry, pottery; and of course, the long shopping mazes and souks.
One of the most iconic shopping destinations in Marrakech is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
One of the most iconic shopping destinations in Marrakech is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Moroccan Architecture Walking Tour
No tall skyscrapers, no sophisticated giant malls, no anything else of Western architecture await you on this tour. Our self-guided walk is entirely about the genuine Moroccan style. We are going to reveal Marrakech which will amaze you with its majestic structures, traditional motifs, and mystic atmosphere.
Our first stop is a prominent example of Islamic architecture, the Koutoubia Mosque.... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Our first stop is a prominent example of Islamic architecture, the Koutoubia Mosque.... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Marrakech Introduction Walking Tour
The fourth largest city in Morocco, Marrakech is a true out-of-the-ordinary getaway combining old historic atmosphere with a lively sights of today. The medina quarter of Marrakech – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – comprises a medieval walled city, dating back hundreds of years to the days of Berber Empire, whose mazelike alleys are still densely packed with vendors and stalls luring buyers... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Gueliz Walking Tour
Gueliz, also known as the New City (Nouvelle Ville), is more like the downtown of Marrakech. Here you will definitely feel the Western influence: McDonald's, KFC, brand stores, and even a supermarket. Still, Gueliz is also famous for its art galleries and parks.
We'll start our acquaintance with Gueliz in the El-Harti Gardens (Jnane El Harti), a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
We'll start our acquaintance with Gueliz in the El-Harti Gardens (Jnane El Harti), a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Medina Walking Tour
Marrakech Medina is a historic district dating back to the Middle Ages. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, this ancient walled city is a labyrinthine maze of narrow streets and bustling markets, known as souks, where you can immerse yourself in the local way of life.
One of the most iconic spots here is Jemaa el-Fnaa, a bustling square that comes alive with street performers,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
One of the most iconic spots here is Jemaa el-Fnaa, a bustling square that comes alive with street performers,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles