Chefchaouen wasn’t always a blue city. The blue is meant to represent peace, safety and the power of heaven. Due to its location, many don’t make it there when visiting this country but I assure you it cannot be missed. What is certain is that it is universally known by its azure and blue colours, with an infinity of shades from light blue to indigo, from turquoise to cobalt, with sapphire as the dominant tone. So with hundreds of walls painted blue, many of which resembling flowing water, people believe that this aspect keeps away the mosquitoes. The Reasons Why The City of Chefchaouen in Morocco is Entirely Blue: The Jews: The color blue is representative of the sky according to Jewish belief. There are several theories why is Chefchaouen blue. Nestled in the beautiful Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is easily spotted by the blue walls throughout the medina. It is pleasant to crisscross the labyrinth of blue streets of chefchaouen, and take a hot mint tea in Place Outa el Hammam to enjoy some street artists’ songs. © Arch2o.com 2012-2020, Some rights reserved. Jewish communities, therefore paint things blue and use blue-colored fabrics, especially prayer mats. Chefchouen was founded in 1471 however it didn't get its distinctive colour until around 1492 when Jews escaping the Spanish inquisition settled in the town. People believe that the Jewish refugees spread the blue fever to the entire ‘medina’ in 1930. Maybe it’s to keep down mosquitos, maybe it’s the colour of heaven, maybe they just wanted to show off. It's also known as the Blue City Now one of the prettiest towns in Morocco, Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 as a point of defense against the invading Portuguese. The first thing that comes to mind is: Why is Chefchaouen blue? But not only the well-known blue Chefchaouen Medina attracts visitors. I’m inclined to believe there’s an element of truth to all of the reasons. Read on SURFACES REPORTER (SR) to know why the entire Chefchaouen is painted in blue: Also Read: Colourful Domes Village in Hormuz Designed by ZAV Architects. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I should add that I visited in February so there weren’t many tourists, but even so, the whole mood of Chefchaouen is much more relaxing than Marrakech and Fes. Chefchaouen, with its compact medina washed in blue and topped with red tiled roofs, is quite simply one of the loveliest towns in the country. The practice of painting walls blue was introduced by the Jews to stick to their religious practices. Why is Chefchaouen Blue? Chefchaouen (also known as Chaouen), Morocco's Blue Pearl city, is renowned for its old, traditional blue rinsed structures, casting the city in a luminescent colored hue. Nevertheless, residents have kept up the old tradition of painting their homes blue, every so often putting up a fresh coat of the azure that makes the city the blue pearl of Morocco. Moulay Ali Ben Moussa founded the town of Chefchaouen in 1471. According to a few locals, Chefchaouen’s walls are bathed in multiple shades of blue reminiscent of the striking blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Yes, blue. One of them is entirely pragmatic and says that the blue colour chases away insects like mosquitoes. There are several theories as to why the walls were painted blue. Why is Chefchaouen Blue? People believe that the Jewish refugees spread the blue fever to the entire ‘medina’ in 1930. I asked some some local people living in Chefchaouen why the city is blue, and this is what they told me. According to the Islamic culture, happiness and optimism are represented by the color blue. They stress that only the Jewish part of the medina used to be painted blue. Well, delighted he would have been indeed had he visited Chefchaouen, a town in the northwest frontier of Morocco, known for its houses being drenched in blue. We trekked in the rain through the beautiful town. Could my fears be true? Anyway, do you know why this city is so blue? Chefchaouen's blue walls are a popular subject of interest. Chefchaouen — often shorted simply to "Chaouen" — means "the horns," and when you first come across the town tucked into the folds of the Rif Mountains and overlooked by the spire of Jebel el-Kalaa, it's easy to understand why. Some people say the blue is to symbolize the sky (or heaven), others say it is for mosquito repellent, others say it is to keep them cool, to represent the color of water, to look nice, to attract tourists. reason it painted blue to keep bugs away, or to keep the home coldish. Why is Chefchaouen blue? Chefchaouen nicknamed "the blue pearl of Morocco" is a small Moroccan village, surrounded by the Rif mountains, located in the north of Morocco. Why is Chefchaouen Blue? Chefchaouen’s houses and almost evrey buildings are all painted different variation of blue . It is clear, now, that whatever the original reason for painting the city in blue, there is still a lot of benefit from continuing to paint it that way. The color blue has a deep spiritual significance as it represents the sky and spirituality. Traveling to Chefchaouen, Morocco, chris and I walk around the Bluest city in the whole world. At the same time, the color represents the importance of the Ras el-Maa Waterfall which serves as an essential life-sustaining source. Why Is Chefchaouen Blue? Others, on the other hand, believe that the blues symbolise the importance of the city’s Ras el-Maa Waterfall where citizens get their drinking water. Chefchaouen’s buildings are daubed in different shades of blue symbolizing the color of the striking Mediterranean Sea. The Sephardi Jews settled and so came with them the blue hue’s Chefchaouen has become known for. To this day, the Andaluz District is one of the most popular in the Blue … Chefchaouen was established in 1471 by Mulay Ali Ben Rachid. Others believe that the blues represent the Ras el-Maa Waterfall. Chefchaouen – Blue City Morocco. When the Jews were being persecuted during the Spanish Inquisition, they fled to Chefchaouen and brought the tradition of painting their houses blue. Chefchaouen’s walls are daubed in all shades of blue to represent the colour of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, according to some locals. It is certainly possible that residents saw fewer mosquitoes in the Jewish part of the town, and so they decided to attribute it to the color and paint their houses blue as well. Chefchaouen didn’t just meet my expectations, it exceeded them. However, older residents say that the majority of the buildings within the medina used to be white until fairly recently. reason it painted blue to keep bugs away, or to keep the home coldish. Chefchaouen is a small charming city of about 40,000 inhabitants located in northeastern Morocco near the Mediterranean Sea. Chefchaouen, Morocco – also called Chaouen or Xauen – was one of our highlights on our journey through northern Morocco.The small town, also known as the Blue Pearl of Morocco or Moroccos’s blue city, is considered one of the most famous places in the country and is visited by many tourists.. Chefchaouen (also known as Chaouen), Morocco's Blue Pearl city, is renowned for its old, traditional blue rinsed structures, casting the city in a luminescent colored hue. Another belief is that the liberal use of blue paint is in effort to repel mosquitoes and prevent malaria. The Sephardi Jews settled and so came with them the blue hue’s Chefchaouen … Chefchaouen is a small town in Morocco with a rich history. Despite Chefchaouen's historically mixed roots, today most residents of the city, like much of Morocco, are Muslim. There are other theories as to why Chefchaouen is blue. Chefchaouen or Chaouen is a small amazing city established in 1471 but it did not get its special blue color until 1492. The famous English art critic John Ruskin once said, “the color blue is everlastingly appointed by the deity to be the source of delight”. The color blue has a deep spiritual significance as it represents the sky and spirituality. So how did the town get the famous blue look? Situated high in the Rif Mountains, Morocco's blue pearl fairytale landscape is only two hours from the big city of Tangier. There are so many theories to why Chefchaouen is blue, and I have given up on finding the real answer; I’ll much rather spend the time enjoying the blueness instead. Chefchaouen, a small town in northern Morocco, has a rich history, beautiful natural surroundings and wonderful architecture, but what it's most famous for are the striking and vivid blue walls of many of the buildings in its “old town” sector, or medina. But not only the well-known blue Chefchaouen Medina attracts visitors. Chefchaouen was not built with walls painted blue, it was built with doors painted green in the Muslim tradition. How to create topographic surfaces in Revit, Learn how to create a “Conceptual Mass” in Revit, Differences between Architecture, MEP and Structural templates in Revit. They just can’t seem to agree. Many of them fled to Morocco and established their own district in Chefchaouen. Instead of finding a city laid out entirely in hues of blue, would it in fact just be one or two streets? So as you approach Chefchaouen it doesn’t have the wow factor you might expect. Its Berber name, “Chaouen” was allocated by its first occupants. Chefchaouen or Chaouen is a small amazing city established in 1471 but it did not get its special blue color until 1492. Naturally, the beautiful Moroccan blue city of Chefchaouen was one of the first places I thought of! The locals of Chefchaouen though, have different views as to why the houses are painted blue. There are several theories why is Chefchaouen blue. There are several different explanations for why Chefchaouen is blue. I heard it was because painted blue as apparently blue is a religious colour and was painted by the Jews when they were fleeing from Hitler. Chefchaouen is a small charming city of about 40,000 inhabitants located in northeastern Morocco near the Mediterranean Sea. And the Jewish people had this tradition to dye their buildings in tekhelel (an ancient natural blue dye) in … It was until 1492 when the city received a mass influx of Jews looking to start a community here to escape the Spanish Inquisition. Because it is a soothing color. Chefchaouen, with its compact medina washed in blue and topped with red tiled roofs, is quite simply one of the loveliest towns in the country. However, in 1492, during the Reconquista of Spain, Jews got expelled from Spain. It's also known as the Blue City While it was founded in 1471, it didn't get its distinctive color until 1492, when it received an influx of Jews escaping the Spanish inquisition, who brought a tradition of painting buildings blue. Why is Chefchaouen Blue? I heard a lot of different (some quite unbelievable) theories about why Chefchaouen is blue. Why is Chefchaouen Blue? One distinction possessed by Chefchaouen is its blue-rinsed houses and buildings. However, the shades of blue are unique to this town. Also known as the blue pearl of Morocoo, the city got its unique blue colour from Jewish communities who fled Spain and settled in Chefchaouen in 1492. While tourists may be visiting this old town for other reasons, it is probably the outstanding color of its walls and the staggered narrow alleyways that keep them coming. There are approximately two hundred hotels catering to the summer influx of European tourists. Some people claim that the. Because our tourgide was more interested in taking us shopping than telling us the history, I'm still unsure as to why the entire town is painted in different shades of blue. Why is Chefchaouen Blue? Chefchaouen, a tourist attraction in northern Morocco, is known for its houses and buildings painted in different shades of blue. Some will tell you that it’s a symbol of Jewish solidarity. Maybe I had been wickedly deceived by social media influencers and eager tourist boards after all? What about the blue? I wondered if Chefchaouen would be another tourist trap destined for the same fate. Chefchaouen was established in 1471 by Mulay Ali Ben Rachid. The locals of Chefchaouen though, have different views as to why the houses are painted blue. Their reasoning is that the insects do not like being in the water, although they live near the water. People believe that the Jewish refugees spread the blue fever to the entire ‘medina’ in 1930. They say that the shades of blue keep their houses cool in warmer months. My name is Yousra and I am a student from Morocco, and an editor and writer at Womenhancers.Let me explain why and take you on a little tour of Chefchaouen. Now that I’ve finally had the chance to visit, I thought I’d do a proper guide on what to expect. There are a few reasons why Chefchaouen is painted blue and there are all nice stories but I am not entirely sure which one is true. Nestled in the Rif mountains, this old town is known for its beautiful surroundings and architecture, but what makes it stand out are the striking and varying shades of blue walls. Why Is Chefchaouen Blue? Chefchaouen is a city in Morocco that's famous for its blue hue. It really depends on who you ask, but there are a few different explanations as to what the purpose of the blue is. But why is Chefchaouen painted blue? Most people wonder why Chefchaouen, a city in the northern tip of Morocco is blue. You may be wondering why Chefchaouen, the blue city in Morocco, is actually blue, and there are quite a few theories! Chefchaouen, among other things, was occupied by Spanish troops in 1920 and then liberated in 1956, the year of Morocco’s independence. One popular (and quite practical) theory is that the blue color helps keep mosquitoes away, and I actually don’t remember getting any bites on my day trip to Chefchaouen (psst – I usually get eaten alive no matter where I go). In the 1930s, a sizeable population of Jewish refugees arrived in Chefchaouen, fleeing Nazi persecution and the growing threat of war. Although Chefchaouen is predominantly Muslim now, as is the rest of Morocco, residents have kept up the tradition and maintained the blue painted buildings. There are so many theories to why Chefchaouen is blue, and I have given up on finding the real answer; I’ll much rather spend the time enjoying the blueness instead. All I really know is Chefchaouen is uniquely bluetiful, sorry, I mean, beautiful! 1. Why is chefchaouen blue? Share this article. Another theory says that the city was painted blue by Jews, who arrived there in the 1930 after escaping from Hitler. Furthermore, something which interested me whilst walking around the medina, was how calm and peaceful the atmosphere felt. No one really talks about why is Medina blue. Situated high in the Rif Mountains, Morocco's blue pearl fairytale landscape is only two hours from the big city of Tangier. Like many things from the past, nobody knows for certain why it is the way it is and Chefchaouen is no exception. Chefchaouen, Morocco – also called Chaouen or Xauen – was one of our highlights on our journey through northern Morocco.The small town, also known as the Blue Pearl of Morocco or Moroccos’s blue city, is considered one of the most famous places in the country and is visited by many tourists.. This is why it attracts thousands of tourists from all over the… But while tourism might play a factor in adhering to the tradition (it’s definitely a draw for travellers which no doubt is important for the local economy) it doesn’t provide a reason why it began in the first place since major tourism only began in the last few decades. The city was founded in 1471as a small casbah (fortress). The maze-like sector, called the medina, is similar to others in the area. I’ve read a few articles about the therapeutic benefits of blue, and scientists have experimented with the colour in relation to calming effects on our emotions. Why is Chefchaouen all blue? The Ghomara tribes, Moriscos, and Jews settled down in it after the Spanish Reconquista in 1492. A part of the residents believes that the blue shades repel mosquitoes. The colour mirrors the sky and reminds them of … Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 in the Rif mountains by Jews and Moors fleeing Spain. The blue village in Morocco fascinate likewise originates from its narrow streets where you won’t only wander but you will find yourself. Jewish communities, therefore paint things blue and use blue-colored fabrics, especially prayer mats. A small crowd is gathering. There are different reasons cited for the striking blue walls. Why Chefchaouen is blue? As I approached the city by bus from Fez, it didn’t look so blue from a distance and my heart sank a little. Chefchaouen wasn’t always a blue city. It is a place very talked-about that has the peculiarity of being painted entirely blue. Lastly, there are others, who say it’s purely for tourism. Later, in 1920, Spain seized the old town, and it became a part of Spanish Morocco. The 50 shades of blue have made streets of Chefchaouen a photographer’s heaven. Chefchaouen (Arabic: شفشاون Shafshāwan [ʃəfˈʃɑːwən]; Berber languages: ⴰⵛⵛⴰⵡⵏ Ashawen), also known as Chaouen, is a city in northwest Morocco.It is the chief town of the province of the same name, and is noted for its buildings in shades of blue. Another theory says that the city was painted blue by Jews, who arrived there in the 1930 after escaping from Hitler. And now it’s just what everyone does here, reflecting the idea that communities in Morocco like to show a united front. How to travel to Chefchaouen. Just two decades later, the city expanded with the arrival of Muslim and Jewish refugees fleeing forced conversion to Christianity in Granada, Spain . One of them is entirely pragmatic and says that the blue colour chases away insects like mosquitoes. The blue walls almost look like flowing water, and they believe that this aspect keeps away the mosquitoes. Fully within the old city walls I was completely enclosed by every single shade imaginable – sapphire, teal, turquoise, ultramarine, indigo, sky and cobalt blue covered whole buildings, medina walls and even many floors at every twist and turn. History. Let’s first delve into the history of this enthralling little town in the northwest of Morocco before we talk more about my experience of immersing in all and everything blue. Chefchaouen, a tourist attraction in northern Morocco, is known for its houses and buildings painted in different shades of blue. But then again, I think everywhere is more relaxing than Marrakech! It is a place very talked-about that has the peculiarity of being painted entirely blue. What we found was a blue oasis of calm tucked away in the mountains of Morroco. Could it be that a few homes close to the mellah liked the colour originally painted by Jewish settlers and decided to copy it? Then, finally, Morocco declared its independence in 1956, and Chechaouen rejoined it once again. You cannot visit Morocco without going to Chefchaouen. Their reasoning is that these pesky insects do not like being in the water (despite breeding and living near water). One is that the blue keeps the mosquitos away. Yes, blue. A little bit of background: why is the Chefchaouen blue? Soon enough, any disappointment I had disappeared once I stepped off the bus and made my way towards the medina as more and more buildings painted blue came into view. Why is Chefchaouen painted blue? WHY IS CHEFCHAOUEN BLUE? While this might not have been the original reason, it is a perfectly valid one in these modern times. During the Reconquista of Spain in 1492, the Jews were expelled from Spain. However, it turns out that the buildings seen from a distance also make up the new part of the city which doesn’t really adhere to the famous colour scheme. Some people claim that the. Because our tourgide was more interested in taking us shopping than telling us the history, I'm still unsure as to why the entire town is painted in different shades of blue. They just can’t seem to agree. Earthscape 360 ° finds out why. Morocco’s small city of Chefchaouen—often referred to as simply Chaouen—is one of Morocco’s most picturesque destinations.Nestled in the glorious scenery of the Rif Mountains, it boasts one of the country’s most charming medinas and is famous for its varied shades of blue paint that cover the walls. While beauty is subjective, most of us can agree that the colour blue is enjoyed by most. Chefchaouen’s houses and almost evrey buildings are all painted different variation of blue . Although Chefchaouen is predominantly Muslim now, as is the rest of Morocco, residents have kept up the tradition and maintained the blue painted buildings. Tags: blue streetsChefchaouenChefchaouen MoroccoCitymedinaMoroccoOld Townshades of blueSpainTown. In the 1930s, a sizeable population of Jewish refugees arrived in Chefchaouen, fleeing Nazi persecution and the growing threat of war. Here are some of the theories. The colour blue is representative of the sky according to Jewish belief so painting houses became a tradition because it reminded them of the sky and the feeling of closeness to God. There are a few theories about it, but the one I found most compelling is that some of the first inhabitants of the town were Jewish. Beautifully nestled among the Rif Mountains in northwest Morocco, Chefchaouen possesses a dream-like appearance that is only usually reserved for the pages of a fantasy children’s book.. Affectionally described as the ‘Blue Pearl of Morocco’, a title wholly worthy of its name, where every corner and crevice of the city is painted in brilliant shades of blue. Some reasons given are that the Jewish people who settled there in the 12th century painted it blue because blue is the color of the sky and it reminded them of God. Why The City of Chefchaouen in Morocco is Entirely Blue? I had previously traveled in Rajhastan, India and they have a blue city as well, Jodhpur. Let’s first delve into the history of this enthralling little town in the northwest of Morocco before we talk more about my experience of immersing in all and everything blue. Why is Chefchaouen Blue? It has white-washed buildings of Spanish and Moorish architecture. It was until 1492 when the city received a mass influx of Jews looking to start a community here to escape the Spanish Inquisition. Jewish communities, therefore paint things blue and use blue-colored fabrics, especially prayer mats. The color blue is representative of the sky according to Jewish belief. Read our ultimate Chefchaouen travel guide to learn more about this blue pearl and to make the best of your time while in Chefchaouen. Some theories suggest it’s nothing more than a strategy for repelling mosquitoes. Why Is Chefchaouen Blue. Beautifully nestled among the Rif Mountains in northwest Morocco, Chefchaouen possesses a dream-like appearance that is only usually reserved for the pages of a fantasy children’s book. At that time, the only notable landmark was the Kasbah to … In fact, one of the best things to do in Chefchaouen is to simply wander the alleyways and explore the blue town. It’s 1am and I’m standing in a dark alley in Morocco with a key that doesn’t fit and a phone number that doesn’t work. Anne Fullerton. If the aim was the latter they’ve succeeded. Dubbed the blue pearl of Morocco, the city of Chefchaouen mesmerizes visitors with its gorgeous architecture and entirely blue buildings. Everyone repaints at least once if not twice a year, and are rightfully proud of their city. They brought with them their tradition of painting buildings blue. September 07, 2018. Another group of the locals states the heat to be a reason for the color. Learn how your comment data is processed. Perhaps the tradition began when the Sephardi Jews emigrated to the area, and the Muslims adopted it purely for their appreciation of the colour blue from an aesthetic point of view and for its notable calming properties. Nestling among the Rif Mountains in the region of Tangri-Tètouan-Al Hoceima, in Northern Morocco, it is surrounded by peaks that seem to touch the sky; Chefchaouen, in fact, means “Look at the Peaks”. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Chouara Tannery in Fes: the Traditional Method of Making Leather, Word on the Water: the Boat That Transformed into a Bookshop in London. Some will tell you that it’s a symbol of Jewish solidarity. Chefchaouen was definitely on the top of my list of cities to visit in Morocco. Few locals believe that the city is blue because it looks good. The reasons why Chefchaouen is entirely blue. It is certainly possible that Muslims saw fewer mosquitoes in the Jewish part of the town, and decided over time to follow suit. Chefchaouen nicknamed "the blue pearl of Morocco" is a small Moroccan village, surrounded by the Rif mountains, located in the north of Morocco. After all, in Islamic culture blue has its own different associations, said to be a colour of happiness and optimism. Its remarkable history dates back to the 15th century when the city was first started as a refugee settlement for … There are other theories as to why Chefchaouen is blue.