A market or bazaar is referred to as ‘souk’ by the Arabs. A souk, which was traditionally open-air, was a place where merchants traveled through the city. Might stop to barter products and refresh themselves even there are many things to know before visiting. Because this was a rare occurrence, the space was subsequently used for other purposes throughout the year.
The souk became a staple for locals and visitors
To refill goods required in the home, as trade and population rose throughout time. Trading centers close to homemade buying were much easier for inhabitants. Who used donkeys, camels, and carts to navigate the labyrinth-like lanes of the medina. As a result of the convenience, the number of things purchased rose. As more traders realized the chance to expand sales, the smaller neighborhood souks increased in size. Many souks were so large that they combined with other souks nearby. Local artisans and craftsmen frequently lived and worked in close proximity to one another. Communities of artisans grew, which is why various souks were historically specialized to specific items. People sold their items from their workshops or near them. This is why some souks, like the Carpet Souk near Rahba Lakdima, still have distinct areas for guests today.
The presence of unique objects such as babouches, lanterns, tagines, bouchnikhas, carpets, and leather goods. In addition to local fruits, vegetables, and spices, is what makes the souks or markets in Marrakesh (or all of Morocco) fabulous. The souks of Marrakech are a must-see for any visitor. Indeed, the frantic environment, deals, the excitement of bartering, and the assault on the senses are frequently cited as reasons for visitors to visit Morocco’s Red City.
Navigation
The souks of Marrakech are a navigational nightmare. North of the main plaza, the Djemma el-Fna, a maze of narrow lanes twist and curve. Even if you have an excellent sense of direction, a few minutes in these dimly illuminated passages will completely disorient you. Most Marrakech guide books include a map, but finding one with a small enough scale to illustrate all of the little streets that wind through the souks is difficult. An electronic map is more beneficial because it displays you where you are as well as which direction you are heading. You can save Google Maps to your computer and use them later. You may also use the free Marrakech Riad Travel Guide app to get an offline GPS map of the souks.
Getting lost is a common part of the excitement of visiting the bustling souks. If you’re in a panic and need guidance, go to a family or a woman rather than a younger man. While not necessarily harmful, younger males are more likely to make a pleasant offer to drive you where you wish to go. Although this may appear to be a blessing, it frequently results in you paying a sizable ‘tip’ – after maybe being chauffeured to multiple stalls, where the ‘friendly’ stranger is attempting to earn commission on a sale.
Another alternative is to seek assistance in a small shop. Because shopkeepers are unable to leave their premises, they are less likely to try to steer you astray in exchange for payment.
Things to know
The Marrakech Souks are a fascinating location to visit! The Souks are a definite must-see when visiting Marrakech, with so many lovely attractions and delicious treats. Here are a few brief recommendations to help you make the most of your visit to the Souks:
Be wary of strangers who are willing to help
Every interaction in Marrakech’s Souks is highly weighted with meaning. People almost always want one thing or the other from you, even if it doesn’t appear that way at first. This isn’t necessarily a negative thing; just remember that every conversation has a ‘objective,’ and you’ll be OK.
Master the art of saying No
We recommend a baritone who balances firmness and politeness. Moroccan vendors can be obnoxious in their sales pitch. When you first enter the souk, you’ll be accosted by shopkeepers, but that’s nothing that a firm “No” can’t handle. Laughter and grins aren’t going to cut unless you want to be squeezed between two people wearing the world’s most extravagant headwear.
Never accept the first price that is offered to you
It’s time to return to the Djemaa El Fnaa once you’ve had your fill of the souks. Pick up any items that have caught your eye on your way back. Make sure you bargain since it is customary. In the Souks, a typical guiding price is roughly a third of what you’re being given, but you can definitely go much lower! Of course, pay whatever you want at the conclusion of the day, but this is one of the most important hints.
Be aware of the vehicles in your immediate vicinity. And by vehicles,
It includes everything from donkey carts to automobiles. The souks in Marrakech have so much going on that it’s easy to become overwhelmed. However, keep a close eye on what’s going on around you. Expect to dodge motorbikes, carts, donkeys, and who knows what else as you stroll down those small lanes, which aren’t simply frequented by people.
So be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your valuables. People will be pushing by you and stallholders will grab your arms, so leave any valuable jewelry in your hotel, keep a strong grip on your camera, and wear a bag that closes securely.
-Wear comfortable shoes! You’ll need it while roaming through Marrakech’s Souks!
Name of the souks and what they sell
1. Souk smata/ Souk of the babouches – The Babouches’ souk. Babouches are a type of oriental shoe with no heels.
2. Souk semmarine- This souk sells traditional items such as shoes, leather, and jewelry. The most visited souk is Souk Semmarine, which is surrounded by an iron trellis that gives the street a mysterious vibe.
3. Souk chouari – The carpentry souk
4. Souk of the teinturiers- This is the dyers’ souk, where wool and fabric are dyed.
5. Souk et attarin – The souk scent. Many Asians associate attar with scent, hence the name.
6. Souk zrabi – The carpet souk
7. Souk of the bijoutiers – The jewelers’ souk.
8. Souk haddadine – The Blacksmiths’ Souk
9. Souk Ableuh The spice and herb souk
These are just some of the souks you’ll come across. Almost all of them are interconnected, and there are undoubtedly more, as each has its own segment based on the commodities sold. You’ll also discover rugs, ceramics, cutlery, glassware, copper objects, kaftans, shawls, apparel, and furniture, in addition to the products listed above. In a nutshell, nearly everything!