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Where it's at
Just off Marrakech’s central square - Djemaa el-Fna
- lies some of the most enticing souks in Morocco. A souk
can mean either a single market stall or, as in this case,
a whole bustling labyrinth of stalls selling everything from
rugs and spices to leather goods and love potions.
What's in store
The souks are divided into different areas for different products;
‘El-Kebir Souk’ for leather goods, ‘Qassabine
souk’ for wickerwork, dried fruit and spices, but
it is pointless trying to remember names and routes as there
are no signs or names and the stalls are crowded together.
Rest assured you will not have to wait long before someone
offers their services as a guide, and ‘luckily for you’,
his uncle will probably own the best rug/leather/spices shop
in Marrakech.
One of the best things about the souks is that you can often
see the handicrafts being made as the craftsmen sit out on
their stalls as they work, whispering ‘come in, have
a look’ as you pass. Of the many handicrafts of Morocco,
leatherwork (maronquinerie) - said to be the softest in
the world - is the most widely produced, and has been a highly
prized item since the 16th century. Rugs are also eschewed
in history, originating in the 14th century from a knotting
technique bought in by the Persians. If you’re after
something to wear, traditional clothes for sale in the Smarine
Souk includes caftans, a long loose fitting dress for women,
and the djellaba equivalent for men. The djellaba is similar
to the caftan but usually with a hood and both are available
in a variety of designs and fabrics.
Visiting the bazaar
If you decide to buy, the name of the game is to haggle. As
a rule of thumb, offer about a third of the original price
presented to you. You may as well make yourself comfortable
as negotiations can take hours and be prepared to drink numerous
cups of sweet mint tea in the process. It may also be possible
to swap things, if you have designers T-shirts or trainers
for example that you are prepared to give up.
The most interesting time to visit the souks is in the early
hours of 5 - 8am, or late afternoon around 4-5pm when local
traders can be seen bargaining for goods. Most stalls are
closed in the evenings, although a few stay open till 7 or
8pm. It’s also worth noting that some souks are closed
on Fridays, the holy day. |
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