Meknes is one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco, situated in the northern central region of the country. As of the 2024 Moroccan census, it is the sixth largest city by population in the kingdom, recording a total of 551,503 residents. The city serves as the seat of Meknès Prefecture and functions as an important economic hub within the Fès-Meknès region.
Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids as a military settlement, Meknes became the capital of Morocco during the reign of Sultan Ismail Ibn Sharif (1672–1727). During this period, Sultan Ismail established an extensive imperial palace complex and equipped the city with monumental gates and massive fortifications. These historical developments remain defining characteristics of the city's urban landscape.