Rabat

Rabat, also called NEW SALLEE, a seaport of Morocco, and one of the most picturesque towns of the empire, is situated on the south side of the Bu-Ragreb, at its entrance into the Atlantic. It stands on cliffs in the midst of gardens, and is overlooked by a large citadel. The most conspicuous object is, however, the tower of Beni-Hassan (180 feet high), rivalling the great towers of Seville (Giralda) and Morocco (Kutubiya); near it is the ruined mosque of Almanzor, originally intended to be made the largest in the world. Ruins still exist of the sultan's palace that was immortalised by the feats of Dick Whittington's cat. Carpets, shoes, and mats are made, and woollens dyed. But, owing to the silting up of the mouth of the river, the commerce of Rabat has much declined. Formerly it was the centre of the European trade with Morocco; it still exports olive-oil, grain, hides, flax, wool, maize, and millet. There is a small import of cotton-stuffs, sugar, candles, and tea. Pop. 26,000. See English Illustrated Magazine (February 1890); also SALLEE.