The souks of Morocco (
souk
in Arabic) are one of the country’s attractions. You will find them in almost every the medinasThe medinas of Fez and Marrakech are located in the same area, either one for all activities or one specialized in each product or handicraft, as is the case in the large medinas of Fez and Marrakech. So if you are seduced by the idea of buying an interesting item to bring back home as a souvenir, here are some suggestions: they are small to medium size items so that you can include them in your suitcase without problems, so we discard products such as carpets and wooden furniture, despite their undeniable beauty and quality.
Fez ceramics
Fez is the most prestigious city in terms of handicrafts. And one of the most characteristic disciplines is ceramics. Here you will find a wide variety of vases, flower vases, decorative plates, tiles and and a myriad of handmade items very recognizable by their cobalt blue color. cobalt blue on white background. The most elegant and refined specimens can also wear other colors, especially silver, with applications of pewter and other materials.
Berber jewelry
Jewelry, for the Amazigh (Berber) community, is much more than jewelry: they are attributed with supernatural powersas a healing capacity or protection against the evil eye. Therefore, in addition to their undeniable beauty and refinement, they have a great symbolic value. The sterling silver is the main metal, as gold is associated with bad luck in their culture. Rare and colorful minerals, such as amazonite or carnelian, as well as other materials with different properties, such as coral or ebony, can be inlaid on it. A reference city is Tiznitbut you will find bracelets, necklaces, fibulae and much more and much more in the different souks of Morocco.
Wool garments
If your trip takes you to mountainous regions, such as the Atlas or the Rif, you can take advantage of the opportunity to buy wool garments made by local craftsmen: from ponchos to sweaters, from ponchos to sweatersfrom ponchos to sweaters, including accessories such as hats hats or scarves. The wool of this type is thick enough to protect from the cold and comes from local merino sheep. You will find interesting examples in locations such as Chaouenwhere the garments usually use white as the main color, with contrasting details, usually in black.
Leather goods in Marrakech
Another star product of local craftsmanship is leatherwork (as can be deduced from its name), i.e., the handcrafted work of leather. leather craftsmanship. And you will find it in almost every souk in Morocco. The most common items are accessories such as backpacks, wallets, belts and handbagsbut also the slippersThe inner lining provides comfort and a touch of warmth. The poufs and covers are other star options. Marrakech can be a good city in which to look for this type of articles, where even demonstrative workshops of this activity are organized. You will find die-cut designs, with tassels and bangs and even metallic inlays.
Ras el hanout, a gastronomic touch
And if you want to take home a gastronomic souvenir, nothing better than a good bottle of Ras el Hanout. This is a combination of spices used in the local cuisine, which gives a characteristic flavor to every dish, from couscous to tajine. tajine. Its composition is, in most cases, a ‘chef’s secret’, but it is not usually missing ginger, saffron, nutmeg, black pepper and turmeric… among many others. And you will find them in bulk in the souks of Morocco, as well as in street markets that are set up once a week in all the towns of the country, even in the smallest ones, such as Rissani.
