|
|
Sefrou
Arabic: safruw
Town in central Morocco with 70,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate), at an elevation of 850 metres, on the northern part of the High Atlas Mountains.
Agriculture is the main activity in the region of Sefrou, where it serves as a market centre, however in strong competition with nearby Fez. By far, the most imporant local product are cherries.
Sefrou has good road connections to other urban centres in Morocco, being some 20 km south of the motorway connecting Fez with Rabat, and close to Fez' airport. Fez is 25 km northwest, Meknes 70 km west, Taza 145 km northeast.
Sefrou is charmingly located along a small river, the Aggaï. The old city framed by old city walls, is still the centre for trade and social activities and dominated by traditional architecture.
Until the 1950's one third of Sefrou's population was Jewish, living in the mellah, separated from the medina by the river. All but a few have emigrated, most to Israel.
HISTORY
Traditionally, Sefrou was a very important market town, on the border of the Bled el-Makhzen, the governed lands. Beyond this point were the tribal areas. Sefrou served as a market place between the two worlds.
1st century CE: Berbers of Sefrou are converted to Judaism.
8th century: Many of Sefrou's inhabitants are converted to Islam by Moulay Idriss.
1910's: With the introduction of the French protectorate, the Jews of Sefrou get similar rights to the Muslims, and become involved in agriculture and trade.
1956 and 1967: With Morocco's independence, and later after the Six-Day War, Sefrou's large Jewish population decides to emigrate to Israel.
© Copyright 1996-2008 LookLex Ltd. All rights reserved
By: Tore Kjeilen
|
|
|
