Medina quarter

A medina quarter (Arabic: المدينة القديمة‎ al-madīnah al-qadīmah "the old city") is a distinct historical city section found in a number of North African cities, and in Malta. A medina is typically walled, with many narrow and maze-like streets.[1] The word "medina" (Arabic: مدينة‎ madīnah) itself simply means "city" or "town" in modern-day Arabic. It is cognate with the Aramaic-Hebrew word (also "medina") referring to a city or populated area.

For other uses, see Medina (disambiguation).
Mule moving goods through the car-free Medina in Fes, Morocco

Description

Medina quarters often contain historical fountains, palaces, mosques, and sometimes churches.

Because of the very narrow streets, medinas are generally free from car traffic, and in some cases even motorcycle and bicycle traffic. The streets can be less than a metre wide. This makes them unique among highly populated urban centres. The Medina of Fes, or Fes el Bali, is considered one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world.[2]

Medina list
Medina in Tripoli, Libya
Medina in Tangier, Morocco

Algeria

Libya

Malta
Narrow winding street near Palazzo Santa Sofia in Mdina, Malta

Morocco

Tunisia

Locations of ruined medinas

References
  1. "Medina definition". Oxford English Dictionary.
  2. "7 car-free cities". Mother Nature Network.
  3. "VISIT THE MEDINA OF TOZEUR". Globe Secret.
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