Discover the Enchantment of a Morocco Market: A Feast for the Senses
Author:
Alyssa Faraji
Published:
Anyone that previously traveled to Morocco as a tourist will unanimously agree that the local souks and their most famous markets are unique experiences they will behold for the rest of their lives.
The distinct smells, sights, and authentic Moroccan atmosphere cannot be replicated anywhere outside the Islamic nation; however, they can also overwhelm travelers unaware of what they are in for.
If you are planning to travel to Morocco in the future, it is likely that one of the biggest and most enthralling drawing cards is the local markets. Moroccan souks started forming outside the city’s accepted boundaries as small gathering locations for local traders and merchants.
Successfully navigating an authentic Moroccan souk or market can be an interesting experience for any western traveler. The unique sights, fragrances, culture, and atmosphere has attracted millions of people to the small north African country over the previous decades. Yet, negotiating Moroccan markets can be one of life’s greatest experiences if done appropriately and with an open mind.
What Should I Know Before Visiting Moroccan Markets?
Local and authentic Moroccan souks are frequently considered the highlight of most western tourists’ travels to the unheralded north African country.
It is worth noting that local Moroccan markets are called souks, a direct translation from the north African country’s native language, Arabic. Anyone fortunate enough to visit an authentic Moroccan souk will tell you endless stories about the unmatched scents, sights, and the thrill involved with haggling is something to behold.
It is known that visiting and spending a considerable amount of time in one of Morocco’s numerous souk districts is the most efficient way to thoroughly understand the country’s authentic and historical culture.
While the fragrances and haggling may be overwhelming to some first-time western tourists, it is not worth visiting Morocco without bringing back an appropriate souvenir.
Moreover, Moroccan markets were formed centuries ago to allow merchants to sell their products to travelers from far and wide. Traditionally, most smaller towns located in Morocco will set up their markets every week, while larger cities such as Fez and Marrakech usually allow the souks to operate daily.
The Moroccan monarchy and elected government are aware of how attractive the local markets are to tourists worldwide. Traditionally, Moroccan markets have been closely associated with selling local carpets, slippers, pottery, fragrances, beauty products, and woven blankets.
Despite Moroccan markets’ intense and occasionally overpowering nature, committing a few days to thoroughly exploring them is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most people.
This article will detail the best way to approach, explore, and purchase local items from authentic Moroccan souks, dramatically increasing the likelihood of obtaining the most culturally-rich experience possible.
History Of Moroccan Markets
Most Islamic nations have their versions of local markets or souks. Moroccan souks have been entrenched into the country’s culture for centuries, with it being one of the most important and influential aspects within the historically significant society.
Traditionally, Moroccan markets were formed by local merchants and traders. Local Moroccan merchants created markets just outside the city’s accepted borders, allowing them to sell their merchandise to passing travelers worldwide.
Usually, Moroccan souks were set up at infrequent periods to perfectly align their business operations with various traveling merchants. The non-consistent nature of Moroccan markets has been deeply intertwined with the local culture for centuries, with smaller cities in the north African country setting up shops on a weekly or monthly basis.
At the same time, major Moroccan cities such as Fez and Marrakech (found of Jemaa el fna square) have always had a flourishing local market atmosphere. Due to the constant necessity for trade in Morocco’s two most influential cities, the local souks were permitted and even requested to be fully operational every day of the year.
Moroccan markets in Marrakech and Fez are currently open and functional every day of the year due to consistently high international tourist demand. Traditionally, the souks located in Marrakech and Fez were operational all year round due to local demand and high levels of trade from regional travelers.
It is worthwhile noting that Morocco’s geographical location is ideal for international trade, especially in previous centuries. Travelers situated to the south, east, north, and west of Morocco would usually make their way through the north African country on their way to their far-away final destination.
Ancient merchants mainly utilized donkeys and camels for transportation, allowing traders from far and wide to descend onto Morocco’s major central commerce hub, Marrakech. Marrakech was and still is located in the middle of a major global commerce location, enabling numerous goods to be sold and traded with important neighboring African countries.
Moreover, the significant number of ancient gates found at the entrance to many medinas is due to the intensity of foot traffic and trade in Morocco for centuries. The gates played an important role in traditional Moroccan life as they allowed local merchants to effortlessly transport their goods and set up shop stalls just outside the city’s boundary walls.
While most medina gates are visible today, they serve a different purpose. Traditionally, the gates were exclusively opened early in the morning and shut off again after sunset.
Spending some time in an authentic Moroccan souk is essential for any tourist. However, they should know what they want to buy and how best to navigate the intricate cultural and social complexities of the north African country’s markets.
The Best Way To Navigate Moroccan Markets
Unless you are familiar with Moroccan markets or live in the area, it is well-known that the associated intricacies can easily result in you getting lost for hours on end.
Many of Morocco’s souk districts, especially the larger markets in Fez and Marrakech, have incredibly narrow and complex alleyways, which, to inexperienced travelers, seem to have no end. While the narrow and intricate alleyways are a major drawing card for western tourists, they can also waste unnecessary time while trying to find the most appropriate local store.
While traditional Moroccan markets were consistently exposed to harsh weather conditions as they were designed with an open-air theme, modern souks were mostly completely covered. Although covered Moroccan markets benefit local merchants and foreign tourists, they can make navigation more complicated than expected.
Due to Moroccan markets’ complex and overflowing nature, the best way for foreign tourists to navigate them is by temporarily employing one of the numerous local tour guides. Employing an authentic Moroccan tour guide is relatively cheap, especially for international tourists; however, local shopping guides will offer a wide variety of enormous benefits.
Traditionally, local market tour guides were utilized to ensure tourists could obtain the most authentic experience possible, with them being additionally advantageous to shoppers within a limited time frame. You should only pay and use a licensed local tour guide; otherwise, you will likely waste money while not gaining as much benefit as usual.
If you have a fair amount of time to thoroughly explore the local Moroccan souks, locals and expert tour guides recommend purchasing a map of the surrounding areas. While you can utilize the GPS capabilities of modern mobile phones, many of the streets in Moroccan markets are unnamed, making it a challenging task at the best of times.
Some tourists have been known to successfully use local historical landmarks such as monuments, mountains, and mosques. However, many major landmarks are not visible from inside an intricate Moroccan market, demonstrating the importance of hiring a local tour guide if it is your first time walking through one of the north African country’s souk districts.
How To Ask For Directions To And Inside Moroccan Markets
If you are unsure how to navigate to a nearby Moroccan market, the best way is to ask one of the locals for a clear set of directions.
While asking for directions is usually straightforward, western tourists should be aware of cultural and language differences. It should be noted that western tourists should never approach families or groups of people directly as the practice is frowned upon in the north African country.
Instead, the best way to ask for directions to the local souk is by approaching a young male, considered incredibly safe compared to most other countries worldwide. Younger Moroccan males will go out of their way to direct you toward the local market district; however, you should be aware that they will usually insist on a generous financial tip upon arrival.
Additionally, young local males will continue their guidance while in the Moroccan market, taking you from place to place. At the same time, they will expect to gain a small commission from shop owners as a reward for you spending money there.
Despite local best practices requiring tourists to request navigational assistance from males and not females, experienced tourists will agree that asking for help from local store owners can often result in additional benefits. Local store owners operating from within one of Morocco’s famed souk districts are usually helpful while simultaneously rarely insisting on a hefty financial incentive.
As a last resort, if you find yourself in chaos in the middle of the unbelievably intricate alleyways and pathways in Moroccan souks, it would be best to phone the receptionist at your accommodation since they have extensive experience with similar situations.
Best Things To Buy In Moroccan Markets
Once you have overcome the initial stress of finding and navigating your way through local Moroccan souks, you can purchase among the most exclusive, unique, and stunning products imaginable.
It is well known that many tourists travel to the north African country with an extra empty suitcase, aiming to fill the bag with distinctly authentic, vibrant, and irreplaceable Moroccan merchandise. At the end of the day, what you buy is your choice, and although a few items are unmissable, resulting in their purchase is essential.
Committing at least a few days to thoroughly exploring Morocco’s numerous market districts would be best. As you meander through the intricate unmarked streets of a Moroccan souk, the incredible array of pottery, tagine, ornate teapots, and jeweled glassware will overload your body’s sensors, being a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Authentic Moroccan tagine creations are exceedingly beautiful and a must have for any of the traditional dishes. In addition, local tagine can be purchased in distinctly Moroccan styles, such as soup bowls, serving plates, and dip holders.
However, it should be noted that safely transporting many of the Moroccan tagine creations is a hazardous task, which can lead to severe disappointment if it’s not stored correctly.
Western tourists have discovered that their senses are immediately captivated by the vivid colours and fragrant aromas of Moroccan spices. Both traditionally and in modern times, Morocco has been home to some of the world’s most unique and sought-after spices, leading many travellers to fill their empty suitcases with an assortment of these tantalising seasonings.
Moreover, Morocco has always been closely associated with producing the most intricate and desirable hand-sewn carpets displayed at most of the stalls within the north African country’s souk districts. Usually, the authentic carpets and rugs are displayed in unison with distinctly colored lanterns and lamps used by several ancient Islamic civilizations in a traditional country market.
Morocco has consistently produced numerous outstanding leathered goods. Leather has always been a fundamental aspect woven into Moroccan culture and society as a whole. Currently, the most popular Moroccan leathered goods are belts, wallets, shoes, and bags, which are all one of a kind as they are made completely by hand.
Furthermore, Morocco’s souk districts are packed with various iterations of authentic clothes that can be bought in any color, shape, or size. To obtain the most authentic Moroccan experience possible, you can purchase one of the traditional djellabas or kaftans, which are robes worn by locals for centuries.
While it is not polite to culturally appropriate the traditional Moroccan way of life, tourists can purchase and wear certain clothing items such as pashminas and abayas while staying in the north African country. In addition, awe-inspiring examples of artwork, jewelry, hookah pipes, souvenirs, toys, and musical instruments are readily available.
Are Moroccan Markets Safe?
Morocco is an incredibly safe country for locals and tourists in general. However, as tourists, there are a few things you should be aware of to maintain the highest standards of personal safety.
Despite Morocco being one of the safest countries globally, minor criminal elements operate there. These tiny criminal elements prefer to prey on tourists wandering around local souk districts due to the intricacies and complexities of trying to identify them inside Moroccan souks.
Usually, criminal elements within Morocco’s souk districts are limited to bag snatching, pickpocketing, and other minor forms of non-violent crime. However, tourists should not fear walking through the stunningly authentic Moroccan souks due to crime, as violent or brutal forms of crime are non-existent.
If, as a tourist, you keep your wits about you, don’t leave your bag lying around, and occasionally check your pockets, the likelihood of you being exposed to a minor form of non-violent crime is near zero.
Haggling In Moroccan Markets
Any local or experienced tourist will agree that haggling is a deeply entrenched part of broader Moroccan society and expected in any traditional market.
While haggling can be a daunting experience for inexperienced travelers, it is usually exciting and pleasurable as the practice does not exist in most western countries. Haggling is additionally prevalent in all of Morocco’s market districts, with the practice being an essential way of doing business in the Islamic state for centuries.
Notably, most shop owners in Morocco’s markets are willing to negotiate their price down to half that of the original price and they tend to become very affordable prices. While most items in Morocco’s souks are not labeled, first-time tourists should pay careful attention to the shop owner’s starting price, as this is usually an accurate indication of how much they are willing to negotiate or haggle.
The best way to haggle is by letting the store owner offer a price before requesting their final cash offering. If the shop owner is unwilling to lower their price to a point you would be satisfied with, walk away and find another competing store to purchase from.
Traditionally, as you walk away from the shop, the owner will instantly lower their price by a substantial margin, leaving both parties satisfied with the trade. However, please do not take haggling too far, as it can offend locals.
At the same time, do not settle on a price you are uncomfortable with, since a few local shop owners attempt to take advantage of inexperienced tourists and their consciousnesses.
Morocco’s numerous souks and markets are essential for any tourist to tick off their bucket list. While Moroccan markets can stimulate a sensory overload in individuals unprepared for what they are about to experience, take it with both hands if the opportunity presents itself.
Conclusion
Committing a few days to shop and exploring one of Morocco’s globally revered markets is one of life’s great experiences. Many tourists travel to Morocco with an empty suitcase, which they aim to fill with authentically local merchandise. Moroccan famous markets have traditionally been deeply entrenched in the country’s cultural and social norms, visible in most high-quality, rare, and incredible creations.
What is a Moroccan market called?
A Moroccan market is traditionally called a “souk.” Souks are vibrant marketplaces found in the medinas or old towns of Moroccan cities, where locals and tourists alike can shop for a wide range of goods, including spices, textiles, and artisanal crafts.
What is the famous market place in Morocco?
One of the most famous markets in Morocco is Jemaa el Fna, located in the heart of Marrakech’s medina. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a bustling square surrounded by traditional Moroccan riads and offers an authentic experience of Moroccan culture, food, and shopping.
What is the famous market in Marrakech called?
The famous market in Marrakech is called Jemaa el Fna. It is a lively central square where you can find food stalls offering traditional dishes like snail soup, vendors selling a variety of local products, and entertainers sharing long tales and performing for the crowds.
What are the best things to buy in Morocco?
Some of the best things to buy in Morocco include traditional handicrafts, such as leather goods, ceramics, and rugs, as well as spices, dried fruits, and argan oil. Moroccan markets, like Jemaa el Fna and Souk el Attarine, offer an excellent place to shop for these items at affordable prices. You can even get fish at the fish market (best markets for fish will be found near the fishing port). Some markets are in medina whilst others can be found in a traditional moroccan riad.
The Had Dra souk is an important local meeting place, offering visitors a genuine cultural experience in Morocco. Located near Essaouira, this lively market brings together locals, farmers, and artisans from the surrounding region, creating a vibrant atmosphere that showcases the country’s rich traditions and customs.
As you stroll through the bustling stalls and narrow streets of Had Dra souk, you can witness the trade of agricultural products, livestock (yeah a cattle auction!), and handmade goods, as well as observe the interactions between local people.
This dynamic market not only provides an opportunity to purchase unique items and sample traditional Moroccan cuisine but also allows you to immerse yourself in the everyday life of Moroccans and gain a deeper understanding of their culture, this is a Sunday market.
What is Morocco’s biggest market?
While it’s difficult to pinpoint the single biggest market in Morocco, some of the largest and most famous markets include Jemaa el Fna in Marrakech, the souks of Fes, and the Draa Souk in Agadir. These markets attract locals and tourists alike, providing a unique opportunity to explore Moroccan culture and trade.
