Arabic learning: Bargain in a market in Marrakech

A North African city with a rich culture, Morocco’s Marrakech has enough to appeal to the discerning traveller.  Our presenter is eager to show you around his home town as we walk through the old town or ‘Medina’ (square, as it is commonly called) and the little narrow market or souks. Arabic language learners will enjoy the insight into Moroccan culture and also get to practise their language skills as they interact with shopkeepers with help from our bi-lingual guide.

The tour begins at the Jemaa el-Fna a lively open-air square where hawkers, snake charmers, storytellers, and dancers could be spotted until before the pandemic. Today, too, the square is full of life and you can still spot the odd water seller who attracts people with his bell and a bright red attire and colourful hat. The square is lined by plenty of shops and the odd minaret that stands high above the rest, with nearly 14 mosques in the Medina. Although most of the buildings are Moroccan, evidence of French colonisation remains strongly in the building that houses Café de France, which was where French soldiers would gather socially. Filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and novelist George Orwell are among the many celebrities who have visited this little café.

We then move away from the Medina and into its narrower alleys to see some of the little restaurants that sell Tanjia – a slow-cooked meat stew made with fire. The market is frequented by the locals who shop for delicious olives available in green, black, red and yellow varieties or fresh mint leaves used in the traditional Moroccan mint tea. Moroccan tiles have found their way in many architect’s portfolios, and they can easily be seen on the floors and ceilings of most of the little shops.

Our guide then takes us through Semmarine Souk, where you can find a myriad of things like the famous Moroccan ceramic ware (including pots, plates, tiles), metal jewellery, brass handmade lamps, pretty scarves, woollen hats and wooden souvenirs among a plethora of other items.

P.S.: Remember to ask why it’s called the red city ;)