Morocco is a country that is located in North Africa. Morocco has a huge coast that faces the Atlantic Ocean and passes the strait of Gibraltar. Spain lies to the north of Morocco. This country connects with Spain through three Spanish enclaves and a water border through the strait.
Moroccan cuisine is said to be world-famous as well as highly diversified. Morocco was earlier called al Magrib. This means Morocco was called “the farthest west”. Algeria was the Middle West and Tunisia was the nearest west. Morocco was earlier called Marrakech which meant ‘land of god’.
Morocco is known for its biodiversity and its amazing wildlife. The avifauna of Morocco includes about four hundred and fifty-four species of birds.
Morocco has an ethnically diverse country. Because the region was occupied by so many people from different parts of the world, it had an impact on the social structure of the place. Beliefs were of different kinds, there was Judaism, Christianity, paganism, and Islam.
The region was also known for its literature. As the literal culture diversified, Middle Eastern and western literature was also integrated slowly into their work.
Let us look at some of the markets here in Morocco
Tetouan Medina
This market has been around for a long time. The ancient-Mediterranean; the trading town was in fact built around this market. A variety of trade was being carried out here including animals, tobacco, grain, flour, citrus fruits, soaps, textiles, and crafts.
Tile making is huge in this market and many historic parts of the city are decorated with beautifully decorated tiles. There are many patterns that are complimented with silver wire and also; patterns of fruits; that decorate the walls and pillars even today. Street entertainers and craftsmen’s as well, perform their ancestral businesses even today.
Fes el Bali medina
This is one of the largest working medieval cities in the world. About ten thousand lanes, tanneries, fruits stalls, and even spice stalls make up this huge bustling market place. There many lanes that are very narrow and some that are wide enough for a car to pass through. The neighborhoods here have a bakery, a café, a mosque a public bath, and schools.
Djemma al Fna
Literally meaning; ‘assembly of the dead’; and although the name sounds curiously scary, this is one of the largest market squares in Marrakech or Morocco. Considered to be the main market in local circles as well as tourist circles, this place has a verity of items that are not available elsewhere. The marketplace looks like a marketplace in an old movie or a storybook. There are lots of entertaining activities going on while the market is on. Snake charmers, healers, musicians, water sellers are all part of the local market magic.
This market boasts of a traditional environment with stalls, selling everything from honey and dates; to artifacts. If you plan to buy jewellery, be sure to check out the labyrinth of souqs in the marketplace.
Check back in a few days to find out more about the many market places in the lovely country of Morocco.
