At the heart of each ancient Moroccan city, there lies al-medina. Translated to the “city” or “town” in English, it is home to narrow streets, vibrant markets, and a rich cultural heritage that can be traced back to the 8th century.
These cities have shaped the identity of the beautiful Morocco that millions of people travel through each and everyday. Many Moroccan cities like Marrakesh, Rabat, Agadir, or Fez each have their own medina: a place where generations of merchants, locals, and visitors come together to create a melting pot of adorning sights, sounds, and stories.
As one could probably assume by now, the medina holds tremendous amounts of history. Every step taken, every item sold, and every interaction tells a different chapter of the Medina’s past. In an attempt to capture the nature of these fascinating Medinas through photos, here is a look at some images that give a glimpse into the timeless life within these long lived walls.
A Vibrant Tapestry of Moroccan Tradition
These authentic rug shops were overflowing with handmade textiles, each one exhibiting a different reflection of Morocco’s artisanal history. The rugs hanging from the doorways and stacked alongside the walls of the shop radiated the feeling of stepping into a new world. Vibrant patterns and textures surrounded us as we walked through the shops. These rugs were most likely made from wool or cotton and serve to prove how these matured crafted weaving techniques and patterns are still prevalent today.
The Architectural Details Embedded in Jemaa el-Fnaa
This is the stunning ceiling of Jemaa el-Fnaa, the iconic market square in Marrakech, Morocco. The specific latticework of wood along with the star motifs, displayed a gripping interaction between the light and shadows along the walkways. This architectural design is one of the many beauties throughout Jemaa el-Fnaa, one of the main tourist attractions of Marrakech, Morocco.
The Bahia Palace Courtyard
This serene courtyard named Bahia Palace, roughly translated as the brilliant palace, was home to 24 contrabands and four wives of the royal leader, Ba Ahmed. He favored one of his wives over the others, and this palace was named in remembrance of her. All throughout the palace, sunlight beamed inside the rooms highlighting the intricate craftsmanship of the Moroccan architecture. Each carving and geometric pattern on the walls, the floors, and even the ceilings took a great deal of detail oriented efforts. The Islamic influenced designs hold significant historical looks into the royal past of Morocco.
A Local Moroccan Olive Vendor
Olives have been a staple influence in Moroccan cuisine for hundreds of years, with traditions of using them various different purposes. The souks are often filled with vendors selling all kinds of olives, each with its own unique flavor and method of preparation. Not only are they used as a food source in Moroccan culture, but they are a symbol of hospitality. Here is a photo of the colorful olives all lined up next to each other.
Ceramic and Brass Showcases
These photos show the precise traditional Moroccan lanterns and ceramics in a bustling market of Agadir. The metal lanterns, known for their unique configured shapes and sizes, cast mesmerizing shadows when illuminated. The atmosphere was filled with brass trays, decorative teapots, and traditionally infused patterns on the plates and bowls. The rustic surroundings and delicate designs are all a small portion of the numerous forms of art in the medina. These are some of the patterns that commonly make up the deep cultural additions in Moroccan homes.
A Colorful Bazaar
These lively photos showcased the aromatic atmosphere of various spices and herbs, woven baskets, embroidered clothing, and handcrafted beaded jewelry throughout the souk or market. The rows of red metal containers heaping with herbs contain a Moroccan star which is shared with the same star symbol printed on the current day Moroccan flag. These alluring shops are what makes visiting the Medina a must see for visitors of Morocco.
So, the Medina is more than just history, but a living testament of years and years of Moroccan tradition, culture, and even community. Whether it’s the embellishing courtyards of Bahia Palace, the bustling markets of Agadir, or the intricate craftsmanship found in every lantern, rug, and street, the Medina holds countless stories traced deep within the culture of Morocco.
Each photo gives a peek into the rich history in the walls of the medina. Though the photos can only do so much justice to the beautiful physical experiences, it is my hope that they invite you to come and adventure through the cities for yourself! The medina is more than a place to visit; it’s a journey into the soul of what some parts of Morocco have to offer. A home where characteristics of the past and present harmoniously coincide with each other.
Tamiah Williams, Seattle Pacific University, is studying abroad with ISA in Meknes, Morocco.
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