04Experiences

Experience

Souks and crafts

Souks are the beating heart of Morocco's old cities: narrow streets, sometimes roofed, lined with small shops. Marrakesh has the country's largest traditional market, 18 souks employing more than 40,000 people in pottery, copperware, leather and other crafts, historically divided by trade into leather, carpets, metalwork and pottery. They spread between Jemaa el-Fnaa and the city's main mosque, selling carpets, leather bags and lanterns. The square itself has been the city's hub for centuries, and its cultural space joined UNESCO's intangible heritage list in 2008. In Fez, Tala'a Kebira runs right across the old city, a car-free area of about 300 hectares. The best-known sight in Fez is the Chouara tannery, where hides soak in round stone vats of dye and softening liquids, and its leather goods are exported worldwide. Climb to one of the overlooking terraces to see it from above. Bargaining is part of buying, so ask prices in more than one shop and take your time.

2008

Jemaa el-Fnaa on UNESCO's list

About 300 ha

Car-free Fez medina