An overview of Marrakech – Part 8

Places not to miss – continued,

Marrakech Souvenirs

If you are going to buy something then the following are the most popular items with visitors.

Babouches

Babouches are Moroccan slippers, handmade from local leather, although increasingly the babouches found in the souks are made of a synthetic plastic that only looks like leather; so be warned. In their most basic form they are pointy toed and come in a variety of colours. Canary yellow has always being the most common but they are otherwise plain. However recently more of the boutiques and shops are customizing their babouches with silk trim or even carving the leather with exquisite designs.

Argan oil

Argan oil is an almost mystical substance to which all kinds of properties are attributed. Part of its mystique can be credited to the rarity of argan trees, which only grow in southwestern Morocco. The oil is sold all over the souks but much of it is low grade. If you want quality oil then it is best to buy it from a reputable dealer.

Carpets

Marrakech is famed for its carpets, made by the tribes of the south. Each tribe has its own patterns, but just be careful of the salesmen’s stories. Some carpets are very old and made of genuine cactus silk but these are rare and expensive. Almost every carpet sold today, though attractive, are modern and made of non-natural fibres. Only buy a carpet if you like it, do buy it as a good investment.

Leather bags

Marrakech is known for its leather. It is made by treating animal hides by hand in the tanneries in the east of the medina which are then dyed. Unsurprisingly, the shops of the souk are filled with leather goods from purses to handbags to book bindings. As you have so much choice be sure to do plenty of window shopping before settling on an item, and then haggle hard.

Pottery

Each region of Morocco produces its own distinctive pottery. The local style is plain terracotta finished with colourful glazes. Ceramics from the Akkal factory would not look out of place in a cutting-edge design shop. Alternatively, visit the big pottery souk outside Bab Ghemat which is to the southeast of the medina.

Candles

Candles are used to great effect in local restaurants. They are sold in all shapes, colours and sizes in the souk, and some of the designs can be highly inventive. Some of the best are made by a small company called Amira and you can buy them in various boutiques.

Continued in part 9