ABOUT EMBERIZA SAHARI
EMBERIZA SAHARI
The name "Emberiza Sahari" is the genus name for the passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae, native to southern Morocco. The Emberiza kept me company and helped me through times of stress while the riad underwent a major two-year renovation to bring it to the condition you find it in today.
The Emberiza is a resident breeding bird of the dry countries of northwest Africa, from Morocco south to Mali and east to Chad. In Morocco, the species has spread from the Atlas Mountains northward since the 1960s and has recently reached Tangier and Tetouan in the north and the southern shore of the Strait of Gibraltar.
In Marrakech, the bird is considered sacred. Now, most nights, it can be found sleeping in the wooden portico at the entrance to the riad. When you see it there, you know the riad is cared for and maintained. And we always smile. The birdsong of the Emberiza Sahari is sweet and somewhat resembles "Tebibte" which is its Moroccan name (Darija).
The Riad is located in the Zaouia Abbassia
The neighborhood is one of the best locations in the Medina, not far from the souks and surrounded by major monuments. It remains relatively untouched by tourism and dates back to the 12th century. The riad is located next to the magnificent shrine and mosque of Sidi Bel Abbès, the patron saint of Marrakech, just beyond the ancient Bab Taghzout gate. Born in 1145, Sidi Bel Abbès prophesied successfully and performed miracles. He was a passionate advocate of charity, particularly for the blind. His ghost is said to haunt the terrace of the Koutoubia minaret every night until all the blind in the city are fed.