Craftsmanship

Exploring the souks of the Marrakesh medina

Souk Marrakech

Once bustling with caravan traders exchanging goods, the Marrakesh souks now boast over 40,000 artisans showcasing their skills. Organized by district and trade, there are 18 different souks offering everything from slippers to carpets and spices to blacksmith wares. Navigating the narrow, intertwining lanes can be a challenge—it's a real maze where getting lost is part of the experience, as you follow the scents and colors. Made in Marrakech is here to help you find your way! Photo: Marwane El Ouakil

The Smata souk: the slippers

Welcome to slipper paradise! Close to the Ben Youssef Madrasa, this souk is packed with thousands of slippers hanging everywhere, even covering the walls of small stalls. Bright, curved, embroidered with gold thread, or adorned with tassels, you're sure to find the perfect Moroccan shoes.

Souk Marrakech
 Photo: DR

The Attarine souk: brassware and spices

After visiting the slipper souk, turn left to reach the Attarine souk. Here you'll find a wide variety of spices and blends for cooking. Nearby, brass workers hammer brass and nickel silver into trays, teapots, ashtrays, and lanterns.

Souk Marrakech
 Photo: DR

The Cherratine and Serrajine souks: leather

In these two markets, you'll appreciate the beauty of leather craftsmanship. At the Cherratine souk, you'll find bags, wallets, belts, and poufs. Meanwhile, the Serrajine souk highlights traditional Moroccan saddle making with items like spurs, saddles, and boots.

Souk Marrakech
 Photo: DR

The Joutia-Zrabi souk: the carpets

Just steps from the slipper souk, Joutia-Zrabi is the place to find a carpet! Whether from Ouarzazate, the Marrakesh region, Beni Ourain, Taznakht, or Boujad, whether you prefer kilims or Boucheroites, you'll be dazzled and can learn about the different meanings and origins of Moroccan carpets.

Souk Marrakech
 Photo: DR

The Dhaibia souk: jewelry

Keep your eyes open to find the object of your dreams in this souk. In addition to authentic Berber jewelry, you'll discover pendants, bracelets, other modern pieces, and antiques like daggers, pots, and kettles...

Souk Marrakech
 Photo: DR

The Chouari souk: basket weavers and wood turners

If you're keen to see traditional basket weaving and pick up a few items, head to the Chouari souk. Personalized hats, glittery bags, colorful baskets, or pompom-adorned baskets... It's all here! Plus, you can watch wood turners at work and buy both culinary utensils and decorative pieces.

Souk Marrakech
 Photo: DR

The el Khemis souk

Situated at the gate of the same name, this former camel market has become a vast flea market. It operates outdoors on Thursdays and Sundays with countless second-hand goods dealers. Visit to hunt for vintage objects or furniture. Can you spot the hidden gem?

Souk Marrakech
 Photo: DR

The Sabbaghine souk: dyers

Though fewer dyers work here now due to new methods, you'll still see dyed wool drying in the sun and large vats where artisans dip wool or silk. Leather merchants have also started treating their hides here.

Souk Marrakech
Photo: DR

The Haddadine souk: wrought iron

Open-air and quite narrow, this souk is home to blacksmiths and iron workers. Here, they make public lanterns, road signs, and even tables and chairs. It's a unique place, but you might want to bring earplugs as the craftsmen are busy welding and hammering away.

Souk Marrakech
 Photo: DR

The Ahiak souk: fabrics and clothing

In this souk, you'll find a range of fabrics: cotton, silk, velvet… You can have clothes, cushions, djellabas, curtains made or even cushions. If you prefer ready-made clothes, they'll be on display, too!

Souk Marrakech
 Photo: DR

Published: Nov 15, 2024

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