Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Souks
Marrakech's earliest inhabitants made their living from trading with the
Africans and with the Spaniards who came by sea. Luxuries like gold and
ivory came from the south, while leather, metalwork and ceramics were sent
north. Even today, trade continues to be the city's mainstay, with thousands
of craftsmen eking out an existence in the maze of souks that fill much of the
northern half of the medina. A trip to the souks is part history lesson, part
endurance test - to see how long you can keep your purse in your bag or
your wallet in your pocket.
Top 10 Features
1 Rue Semarine
2 Souk El Kebir
3 Souk des Babouches
4 Souk des Tapis
5 Souk des Teinturiers
6 Souk des Ferronniers
7 Fondouks
8 Souk El Khemis
9 Souk El Bab Salaam
0 Rahba Kedima
!
Rue Semarine
Metalwork on display
You will get lost in
the souks. Alleys are
narrow, winding and
constantly branching,
while landmarks are
few. However, the
area covered is small
and you are never
more than a few
minutes' walk back
to Jemaa El Fna.
Locals are friendly
and will point out
the way.
The main route into
the souks is via an arch just
north of Jemaa El Fna and
along this perpetually busy,
sun-dappled alley. Shop
owners along Semarine
attempt to entice with a
miscellany of robes, kaf-
tans, carpets and antiques.
Café Arabe, near the
Souk des Teinturiers,
and Café des Epices
in the Rahba Kedima
are both great places
to relax with a mint
tea and a light snack
(see p71).
£
Souk des
Babouches
Every shop and stall here
sells nothing but brightly-
coloured, soft-leather,
pointy-toed slippers known
as
babouches
.
@
Souk El Kebir
Straight on from Rue
Semarine, this is the heart
of the souks. It's a narrow
alley that lurches from
side-to-side and up-and-
down. It is lined by dozens
of the tiniest shops - barely
a person wide - each
overflowing with goods,
particularly leather.
• Map K2
• Medina
• Many shops in the
souks are closed
on Friday
14
For more places to shop in and around the souks,
see p70.
