The kasbah is flanked to the east by the former Jewish district of the city, the Mellah. To the south of this is another neighborhood created in recent centuries called Bab Ahmar or Bab Hmar (named after a nearby gate).[1] To the west the kasbah is flanked by largely open ground. To the south of the kasbah are the vast Agdal Gardens, which are enclosed in their own set of walls connecting with the walls of the kasbah.[2] Between these gardens and the Royal Palace are several mechouars (large enclosed squares) that constitute the main approach to the Royal Palace today.[1]