More Than A Market

Located in the central region of Morocco near the Atlas Mountains (http://maps.howstuffworks.com/morocco-topographic-map.htm) is by population, the 5th largest city in Morocco; Marrakesh. This French and Arabic city is a cluster of orange-salmon buildings brushed with dirt and trash that wind into narrow streets and frame the major market of the city. Walking through the main attraction; Djemaa el-Fna Square one is instantly bombarded by senses overload. Smells of exotic spices, the site of monkeys and snake charmers, and the sound of traditional Arabic music and people bartering serve as the backdrop of this busy square.

The market is the heartbeat of the city and is also one of the largest markets in the world. It is where both locals and tourists go for authentic Moroccan goods; whether for everyday staples or for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. There are souqs, (http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/morocco-souk-and-markets.html) which are groupings of vendors within the market scattered inside the square. Wandering deeper into the market, one begins to see repeating goods being sold. The site of piled olives, wool clothing, and colorful spices on display for sale is quite frequent. It wasn’t until our 3-hour drive to the coast of Morocco the following day that I realized why these items are so widespread at the market. While driving through the rugged Moroccan countryside, I couldn’t help but notice the never-ending fields of olive trees. I later found out that Marrakech is one of the world’s leading olive exporters (http://www.marrakecholiveoil.com/accueil.php?language=en). Olives of all varieties are grown throughout the Moroccan landscape. The moderate, subtropical climate conditions are ideal for growing olives year-round. There are also herds of goats and sheep that cluster the hills of the countryside grazing on grass. These animals serve as sources of income for farmers, wool clothing for both locals and tourists, and national dishes for Moroccans.

There are so many connections the market has to the culture, gastronomy and geography of this North African country. Most of the products sold are locally grown and benefit the smaller businesses or farms in return. The olives symbolize the geographical connection to Moroccan cuisine and global trade through exporting. The countless spices represent the thousands of years natural remedies and zesty cooking have been around. These three common goods are sold at one central location, yet have such different backgrounds and purposes. It was fascinating to see the product in the marketplace and souqs as well as where it came from or why it is so abundant specifically in Morocco. Walking through the

market there were a few areas that were meant specifically for the locals. These niches sold more of the everyday items, such as mops, brooms, cleaning supplies, etc. It was interesting to see these distinct areas be placed alongside a very touristy section of the market. These local territories were clearly defined by products and vendors. There were also distinct sections where food vendors would be set up. Three or four concession stations were lined up side-by side selling the same juices and sandwiches, further contributing to the distinct zoning of the market’s square. It is no accident that this impressive market is one of the biggest tourist attractions in all of Morocco. Every product from the wide assortment of olives to the cleaning supplies are meaningful and serve as a necessity for locals and tourists alike. Djemaa el-Fna Square is a magnificent spectacle that reflects the Moroccan economy, geography, gastronomy, and culture in one.