During these nine centuries
of history, Marrakesh has witnessed numerous
reversals of situation, many moments of splendour
and glory accompanied with long dark years.
It was built, and from time to time plundered,
embellished, venerated and punished.
Very few of the world cities
have seen their destiny closely linked with
that of their own country to the extent of giving
up its name to it.
From this tormented and fascinating past, Marrakesh
still conserves its splendid tokens which make
of it a museum -city; mosques, minarets, magnificent
places and gardens. But what is most amazing
are the old small streets, the characteristic
corners, the shops of markets (souks) in which
you find of everything.
Marrakesh was the capital
of Morocco and imperial city just like Fes,
Meknes and Rabat. It is still the capital of
the south, the inflamed sun-sets over the red
and pink houses; the multitude scents of spices,
the dense or delicate essences, inebrianting
effluviums of roses, jasmins; the magic chanting
of speech of artisans and snake- charmers the
sound of waters and the bargains in the markets
the majestic tranquillity of its Berber and
Arab treasures of art;the spotless snow on the
mountains tops which overshadow it.
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Palais badia
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La koutoubia |
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La place
jemâa el fna |
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The
souks
Inside the ocre walls, you are
out of place. In the souk of brass perhaps where,
the brass makers with their face marked with a wise
concentration,in an acestral skill hammer the metal.
Or else in souk Laghzal devoted to wool work. The
Btana, that of sheep hides .Or also in the Souk
of Zarbia, where carpets and caftans are sold by
auction to those who offter more....
You are elsewhere. Here
skilled persons smell out safran, cumin, black-
pepper, ginger, vervain, cloves, orange flowers;
all to ravish the nostrils. Here are piled bags
of almonds, pea-nuts, chick - peas, baskets of dates,
barrels of olives.And, on the shelves of apothecaries,
are lined pots of henna, of Ghassoul, phials, extrast
of roses, Jasmin, mint, Khôl, pieces of amber,
musk…
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Le souk
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