Marrakech’s seven saints draw pilgrims, rooted in royal politics
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For centuries, people in Morocco have visited the tombs of seven saints in Marrakech, following a seven-day pilgrimage known as the ziara.
People begin at the tomb of Sidi Youssef Ben Ali, then visit the shrines of Cadi Ayyad, Sidi Belabbes Sebti, Sidi Mohamed Ben Slimane Al Jazouli, Sidi Abdelaziz Tebbaa, Abdellah El Ghazouani, and finally Imam Souhaili. The order of visits follows a geographical logic, and also reflects relationships between the saints.
El Ghazouani studied under Tebbaa, who was a student of Al Jazouli. Although these saints were prominent figures in their time, Sultan Moulay Ismail of the Alaouite dynasty established the pilgrimage. He hoped to attract visitors to Marrakech and showcase his own building projects, diverting attention from a traditional pilgrimage to Essaouira. To further promote the Marrakech pilgrimage, Moulay Ismail tasked Abou Ali Hassan El Youssi with selecting seven saints for people to honor.
El Youssi chose the saints, but the criteria he used remain unknown. Moulay Ismail’s plan succeeded in elevating the status of these seven saints, while also diminishing the importance of seven other saints venerated in the Regraga region near Essaouira. Local traditions in Regraga tell of seven saints who may have been early converts to Islam, and who are still celebrated with a spring pilgrimage of their own.
