Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
$
Souk des Tapis
Earlier an auction place for
slaves, this souk is now
crowded with a number of
carpet sellers
(left)
.
%
Souk des
$
Teinturiers
Sheaves of freshly
dyed wool
(below)
are
hung from ropes strung
across one particular alleyway
for a vibrantly colourful scene.
5$+%$
.(',0$
3/$&(
%$%)7(8+
^
Souk des
Ferronniers
Multiple hammering
sounds fill the air in the
medina's medieval parts
where the ironworkers
(below)
create furniture,
lanterns and other items.
&
Fondouks
The fondouk is an anc-
ient hostelry for travelling
merchants built around a
courtyard. Most are now
gritty workshops.
*
Souk El Khemis
Entrepreneurs
renovating riads
scout this flea market
to the north of the
medina for unusual items
of furniture.
The guide issue
A guide to the souks is
really not necessary.
Although the souks are
a warren, the area is not
too large and it's never
hard to find your way
back to some familiar
landmark. Any “best
places” your guide may
lead you to are only
best by virtue of offering
your guide the highest
of commissions.
(
Souk El Bab
Salaam
This covered market
serves the nearby mellah
quarter with everything
from food and spices to
caged birds.
)
Rahba Kedima
This open square is
home to sellers of dried
scorpions, leeches and
other bizarre substances
and objects for use in
sihacen
, or black magic.
15
For more on fondouks,
see p67.
