Your Guide Blog in souk of Marrakech
In the old Medina(city) and beteewn the small street there is the most
amazing thing you can see is the SOUK , the souk meaning is the Arabic old market where you can find all the traditional clothes .
And Also there is all kind of the fresh vegetable and meat
Marrakech’s souks
The vendors in this local aera use old material and small truck .
trading areas close to home made shopping easier for locals. Thus, the convenience also increased the number of items being bought. Neighbourhood souks originally mainly sold everyday essentials.
The smaller neighbourhood souks gradually grew, as more traders saw the opportunity to increase sales. Many souks expanded so much that they merged with nearby souks.
We dont forget the bazzar every where selles Local artisans and craftsmen often lived and worked close to others in the same trade. Communities of artisans grew, hence why there were traditionally some souks dedicated to particular goods.
How to choose your carpet
Each carpet is unique and tells a story. In Berber culture, it is used by sleeping nomads, protection against the weather and even as a bag to fold up a camp more easily. It is up to the woman to make the carpet, it can take weeks or even months depending on the scope of work and the time she devotes to it in addition to her various daily and household tasks. It is a skill that has traditionally been passed down from mother to daughter.
Choosing your carpet is not an easy task, there is an absolutely gigantic quantity, not to say excessive, with shops that no longer know where to look and a variety of style very diverse in Morocco alone, without talk about variable prices based on factors that are completely beyond our control. In short, I wanted a carpet but not at any price and especially an authentic carpet of good quality, if not better order it on La Redoute. I therefore offer you an overview of what is done in terms of carpets in Marrakech as well as a mini guide validated by experts to choose yours well.
The different types of Moroccan rugs:
Flap rug: thick with a central worked motif – Count 2000 Dh (180 €) per m2
Chichaoua carpet: simple, often red with zigzags and other Berber symbols – Count between 700 and 1000 Dh (60 – 90 €) per m2
Kilims carpet: hairless with Berber symbols or letters – Count between 700 and 900 Dh (60 – 80 €) per m2
Glaoua or Zanafi carpet: mixture of Kilims and long hairs – Count between 1000 and 1750 Dh (90 – 150 €) per m2
Shedwi carpet: flat, in wool with black shapes on a white background – Count 400 Dh (30 €) per m2
Recognize a quality carpet:
In Marrakech it is rare to come across a carpet made in China, you can be almost certain that it is a local product. However be sure to acquire your carpet in a cooperative, this will guarantee that a Moroccan woman has done it in the rules of the art and has been properly paid for her work.
The materials used are sheep and dromedary wool. A good quality sheep wool Berber carpet should not smell strong. Indeed it must be made with wool from a living animal which has been shorn and not a dead animal whose skin has been recovered. It is a guarantee of quality and above all more respectful of animals.
The finishing fringes of the carpet must have knots, which prove that it was done by hand and not by machine.
If the carpet has designs, borders, it must be “readable” on both sides. If by turning it over the work is as beautiful on one side as on the other it is undoubtedly a carpet made by craftsmen, in addition it makes two rugs for the price of one!
The older a carpet, the more expensive it is, however it is difficult to recognize a vintage carpet without being a connoisseur. You can spot the fact that it is not quite regular in its form but if in doubt do not embark on this adventure.
Do not hesitate to walk barefoot on the carpets to better realize the quality of the materials, it is even recommended!
Place des Épices
Sympathetic and photogenic, Place des Épices is a must when visiting the souks. To find it, just follow the Café des Épices indicated on the signs located at the top of the entrance porches, this is also where you will find the names of the streets. And as the nickname of Rahba Kedima square suggests, a smell of spices floats in the air. We will also offer you a wide selection which personally did not appeal to me, unlike the various basketwork stalls located in the center of the square, the ideal place to find a few extra small souvenirs. It is also the perfect place to take a well-deserved break after hours of shopping in the souk. I highly recommend the terraces of the addresses below for dining during the day or in the evening. I could contemplate the view over the rooftops of Marrakech by day at the Café des épices accompanied by a delicious lunch and enjoy the evening atmosphere at Nomad’s around a famous dinner, two ways to see the souk and appreciate the atmosphere.
Jemaa El Fna
In this square, simply nicknamed El Fna (the square) by the marrakchis, the excitement is at its peak day and night. A stone’s throw from the souks, you can refine your shopping, watch a show of acrobats or eat local specialties at one of its many street food stands; be careful, however, with fresh fruit juices which, although attractive, are mixed with tap water (not drinkable)
To end your visit, you really have to go see Ourika wonderful landscape
