Oujda travel guide

Background

Although Roman ruins have been found at Marnia, Zenata Berbers founded Oujda in AD 944, located on the main route from Rabat and Meknès to Algeria. Traditionally, the town was fought over by the rulers of Fès, in Morocco, and Tlemcen, in Algeria. Captured by Sultan Youssef Ben Tachfine in 1206, it was a major centre for the Almohads who added to the fortifications. The Merinid ruler Abou Youssef rebuilt the city in 1297, constructing new walls and a kasbah, a mosque and a palace. Later the Ottoman Regency of Algiers gained control of the city, but Moulay Ismaïl regained it in 1687, subsequently doing much to develop the city. Though acknowledged as part of Morocco by international treaties, the city was occupied by French forces in 1844 after the decisive Battle of Isly, fought 8 km west of the city, and again in 1859. In 1903 Oujda was the centre of the uprising led by Bou Hamra, and was again taken by French forces from Algeria in 1907.

Oujda is now the most significant city in northeastern Morocco. Occupied by the French several decades before the rest of Morocco, modern education was available earlier than elsewhere in the country. Thus Oujda’s inhabitants consider themselves rather more sophisticated than many of their co-nationals. Indeed, a large number of Oujdis were active in the national independence movement. The contact with neighbouring Algeria also gives Oujda a slightly less provincial feel than one might expect (particularly apparent if coming from the Rif region). Sadly, after the border with Algeria was closed in 1995, the sharp fall in the number of visitors crossing from Algeria hit the local economy badly and has affected Oujdans’ morale. Revenues from migrant workers do something to compensate, however, and the king has visited the city several times, with a number of regional development initiatives promised.

Getting around

Oujda is easily covered on foot. From most destinations, if you arrive by bus or grand taxi, it’s a fair 15s walk (or a cheap petit taxi ride) from the Oued Nachef terminal to the hotels on Boulevard Zerktouni, which runs to the city centre from the train station. Some CTM buses, however, arrive in the centre, on Place du 16 Août, behind the central clock tower and mosque. Grands taxis from Nador, Berkane and Ahfir terminate near Place du Maroc in the town centre.

Ins and outs

Getting there

Oujda is a long haul over the N6 from Casablanca (nearly 12 hours) and Fès (6½ hours). Figuig is a hard seven-hour drive across the bare expanses of eastern Morocco. The N2 leads into Oujda from Melilla and Nador (2½ hours) and Ahfir. There are grands taxis from Taza and Saïdia, and buses from Casablanca, Fès, Taza and Figuig. Oujda is at the eastern end of Morocco’s rail network, the station not far from the town centre. You can fly to Oujda from Casablanca and Paris. Arriving by air, Aéroport Oujda-Les Angads, T036-683636, is 15 km north of the city, a grand taxi ride away.

Banks

Most banks are on Blvd Mohammed V where both the Wafabank and Crédit de Maroc have ATM machines. Closest ATM to rail station is the BCM, almost opposite Hotel Manar. Outside normal banking hours, the main branch of the BMCE is open on Sat. There is also the Hotel Al Moussafir bureau de change.

Embassies and consulates

Algeria, 11 Blvd de Taza, T036-683740-1. France, 16 Rue Imam Lechaf, T036-682705.

Internet

Internet Essalam, Blvd Allal Ben Abdallah almost opposite Pizzeria Diwane. Alfanet Cyberclub next to Banque du Maroc and Relax Chez Miss Poulet eatery.

Post

PTT, Av Mohammed V/Pl du Jeddah.

Medical services

Chemist: all night on Rue de Marrakech, T036-683490. As you arrive by train, there is a handy pharmacy almost in front of the station on your right. Also try pharmacy opposite Café Royal.

Useful addresses

Fire: T15. Police: T19.