Beni Mellal history

The history of the city of Beni Mellal is deeply rooted in the past of the Tadla region. Although Berber tribes have inhabited these fertile lands since ancient times, the key moment in the chronicles is considered to be the end of the 17th century. In 1688, Sultan Moulay Ismail ordered the construction of a powerful fortress here, known as Kasbah Bel-Kush, or Kasbah Ras el Ain. This fortification became the core of the future city, designed to ensure security and control over a strategically important territory in the centre of Morocco.

The development of the settlement from a military fortress into an important urban centre was driven by a unique combination of natural and geopolitical conditions:

• Water resources: The main source of life became the famous Ain Asserdoun spring. Its waters turned arid lands into a blooming oasis, which was critical for survival and population growth.
• Geography: Its location at the foot of the Middle Atlas, on the border with a vast plain, made the city a natural point of exchange for goods between highlanders and valley dwellers.
• Strategic position: The city was situated on an important route connecting two imperial centres — Fes and Marrakesh, ensuring a constant flow of merchants and travellers.

The economy of the early period was built primarily on agriculture. Thanks to irrigation systems fed by mountain springs, the region was famous for its olive groves, orchards, and grain crops. The city served not only as the administrative centre of the province but also as the main market for surrounding tribes. Culturally, it represented a fusion of indigenous Berber traditions and Arab influence arriving with trade caravans.

• 1688: Sultan Moulay Ismail erects the Kasbah Ras el Ain fortress, around which the future city of Beni Mellal begins to form.
• Late 19th century: The settlement cements its status as an important trade hub on the caravan route between Fes and Marrakesh.
• 1912: Signing of the Treaty of Fes, resulting in Morocco coming under French protectorate.
• 1916: French troops establish control over the Tadla region, leading to the start of urban infrastructure modernization.
• 1930s: Introduction of modern irrigation systems utilizing the waters of the Ain Asserdoun spring for agricultural development.
• 1956: After the proclamation of the Kingdom's independence, the city enters a period of active administrative and social growth.
• 1959: During state reform, the city receives the status of the centre of the eponymous province.
• 1974: The local airfield begins to be actively used for aviation sports and becomes a renowned centre for skydiving.
• 2014: Opening of the renovated airport for commercial flights and commissioning of the expressway connecting the city with the country's economic centre — Casablanca.
• 2015: The city officially becomes the capital of the enlarged administrative region of Beni Mellal-Khenifra.

The development of Beni Mellal is a journey from a fortified outpost to a modern agro-industrial and educational centre. The city's evolution was defined by its strategic position and access to water resources. Here are the key milestones that shaped the city's current appearance and status:

• Foundation of the fortress (Kasbah). The construction of powerful fortifications in the 17th century became the starting point for a permanent settlement. The Kasbah ensured the safety of trade caravans and residents, turning the area into a key node of political control in the centre of Morocco.
• Formation of the "New City". In the first half of the 20th century, quarters with European planning were laid out next to the traditional medina. This created a dual city structure, where narrow historical streets coexist with wide avenues, parks, and administrative buildings.
• Hydrotechnical modernization. The construction of the Bin el Ouidane dam and the creation of a large-scale irrigation network radically changed the economy. Stable access to water allowed surrounding lands to be turned into thriving gardens and plantations, making the city the agricultural capital of the region.
• Obtaining administrative status. Becoming the administrative centre of the province, and later the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, stimulated the growth of government institutions. This ensured an influx of investment into urban infrastructure and created thousands of jobs in the service sector.
• Opening of the university. The creation of Sultan Moulay Slimane University transformed the city into an educational hub. The appearance of a higher education institution attracted young people, revitalized cultural life, and began to form a talent pool for the local economy.
• Transport breakthrough. The commissioning of the expressway to Casablanca and the reconstruction of the airport brought the city out of transport isolation. Improved logistics gave a powerful impulse to trade and opened the region to investors and tourists.
• Launch of the Agropole. The opening of a specialized industrial zone was an important step towards processing local agricultural products. This project marks the city's transition to a modern industrial economy, increasing the added value of produced goods.

The architectural appearance of Beni Mellal was formed under the influence of two key factors: the strategic necessity of military defence and the abundance of water resources. The urban structure is clearly divided into a historical part with chaotic, organic buildings and modern districts planned according to European canons. Unlike the imperial cities of Morocco, there are fewer pompous palaces here, but the harmony of fortification and landscape design is clearly expressed.

Main stages of development and architectural styles:

• Alaouite Era (17th–19th centuries): Maghrebi fortification. The historical core of the city formed around military fortifications. The style is characterized by massive walls made of rammed earth (pisé technology) and stone, crenellated parapets, and minimal external decoration. The main goal of such architecture is defence and control over the Tadla plain.
• Colonial Period (first half of the 20th century): Functionalism and Neo-Moorish style. With the arrival of the French, the "New City" (Ville Nouvelle) began to develop. Urban planning of this period is distinguished by wide avenues, clear street geometry, and administrative buildings combining European practicality with local elements (arched windows, tiled roofs).
• Modern Period: Garden and park architecture. Thanks to the Ain Asserdoun spring, the city developed as an oasis. Modern development actively integrates water channels and green zones, creating a unique ensemble where nature dominates over urbanism.

Iconic objects shaping the city panorama:

• Borj Ras el Ain. A small fortress rising on a cliff above the spring is the main symbol of the city. This is a classic example of an observation fort with a square base and corner towers. The building is executed in traditional ochre tones, fitting perfectly into the mountain landscape.
• Kasbah Bel-Kush. The remains of a large-scale 17th-century fortress built by Sultan Moulay Ismail. Despite the fact that part of the walls has been destroyed by time, the structure still demonstrates the power of Alaouite military architecture and serves as the historical heart of the old medina.

The city of Beni Mellal and its surroundings have become the birthplace of many talented people who have left a mark on the history, culture, and sports of Morocco. From rulers of the past to modern athletes, these personalities have shaped the reputation of the region.

• Moulay Ismail — Sultan of the Alaouite Dynasty (17th–18th centuries).
  Although the Sultan ruled the entire country, he is a key historical figure for the city. It was his decree in 1688 to build the Kasbah Bel-Kush fortress that initiated the transformation of a small settlement into a strategic fortified centre, predetermining its further development.
• Abdelkrim Berrechid — Playwright and theatre director.
  A distinguished native of the city who became a classic of modern Arab literature. He is known as a theorist and practitioner of "Festive Theatre", a unique style combining scriptwriting mastery with Moroccan folklore and folk traditions.
• Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Abde) — Professional footballer.
  An international sports star born in Beni Mellal. A talented winger who built a career in the Spanish La Liga and plays for the national team, he is the pride of local residents and a role model for the youth.
• Hanane Ouhaddou — Track and field athlete.
  A famous athlete specializing in the steeplechase. She is a champion of the Mediterranean Games and a finalist in World Championships, having worthily represented her hometown in the largest stadiums on the planet.
• Lahcen Daoudi — Scholar and statesman.
  A professor of economics and politician hailing from this region. He served as the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, making a significant contribution to the development of the Kingdom's academic system.