Marrakesh is a vivacious combination of Old and New Morocco. Nausheen Tareen tells you how to best enjoy this magical experience...
The economic and political center of the country,
Marrakesh is also a vivacious combination of old and new Morocco. While on the
one hand, it has a well-developed and truly cosmopolitan new part of town,
Gueliz, on the other it has the medina with its old-world charm. The medina in
Marrakesh attracts visitors from all over with its array of stalls and shops
selling food, spices, handicrafts, clothes and perfumes.
Riad, the Arabian Pad
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Don't miss: Terrace dinner at your riad to enjoy an unmatched view of the old city. |
Since we were a group of girls out to experience the
Moroccan life, we were told to stay at one of the riads - a traditional
Moroccan house with a sprawling central courtyard. Riads are one of the most
common stay options for tourists in this part of the world. Some of them are
located inside such narrow alleys that you have to let go of your cab and walk
the distance with your luggage. But once you are inside... it all seems worth
the effort. These riads or 'havelis' that were home to the affluent, have a
majestic setting with an 'aangan', walls decked with colourful rugs,
traditional seating arrangements and even fountains and pools. Most of these
houses have now been converted into hotels and are actually among the most
expensive stay options in the older parts of the city.
Marrakesh Binge
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Don't miss: Date milkshake, camel burger, fried brinjal and charmoula kebabs. Cous cous, orange juice and mint tea are among the most popular picks. |
Most of us are familiar with harissa, the North
African red chilli paste and tasted pastille or Moroccan meat pie and tagine -
a dish cooked in traditional earthenware pots across the world. But the ones
dished out at medina are unparalleled. The place is full of eateries with some
being run by all-women teams serving traditional Moroccan feasts. Post Maghreb
namaaz, the main city square turns into a bustling food zone with hundreds of
stalls. It is important to ask for lamb meat filling though, since our pastille
was stuffed with pigeon meat without our knowledge!
Souk in the Culture
A stroll down the shopping district of medina is
akin to a journey to Puraani Dilli where one road leads to various shopping
streets or souks. A shopping and haggling spree awaits you here. Medina has its
very own carpet market, spice market and slipper markets. Each of these souks
are also dotted with shops selling knick-knacks and souvenirs. Our favourite
souks were the ones lined with babouche or colourful Moroccan slippers and
beautiful pottery.
Don't miss: If you can brave the strong smell and
sights, do try the guided tannery region tour to see leather being prepared for
top designers of the world.
Morocco Manual
Morocco Manual
- Stick to full sleeves and full-length lowers. Women are best advised to ignore random comments.
- Older part of the city does have some 'speakeasy' bars but it's best to avoid bars and clubs outside your hotel. Belly dancing shows are a better bet for a nightout.
- Historically, the purpose of medinas was to keep out invading armies. Each medina around the world has its own unique story to tell.
- Koutoubia Mosque, Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa, Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs are the most prominent historical landmarks.
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This article appeared in Times Life, The Times of India. To read, click here |
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