Marrakech: The history and frenzy of the Medina

 Sunday April 2, 2023

Today we begin with Pilates at 7:30,  breakfast at 9 am and time to relax by the pool for a few hours before exploring the Medina, the old city of Marrakech.  

Marrakech was founded in 1062 by Yusuf ibn Tashfin, leader of the Moroccan Almoravid empire. He is also considered one of the most prominent leaders of the country, promoting an Islamic system in the whole country, Muslim Spain and the Maghreb. Marrakech became the capital of the Almoravid dominion. Later Morocco was occupied by Spain and France among others and the capital changed cities a few times in 1912 Morocco gained it independence from France and evolved into a thriving metropolis that it is today. Yet,  the old city is much the same as it was in its inception. Historic photos mirror much of what we saw yesterday.  

There are few cars in the medina- Bazaar-Souk which is unlike any that ive been to before. Each stall may look the same with similar goods but scattered among the shops where one can bargain are shops that have "fixed" prices and better quality items. 

it is exciting to walk among all the tourists and dodge shop owners who desperately want your business.  If you arentva shopper this is not a place to visit. Find a cafe and watch the show withba mint tea or a Turkish coffee. It isnt some thinh id do every day but there is a kind of adrenaline enducing challenge with motor cycles and bikes do an intricate "dance" with unsuspecting tourists who are looking for bargains and treasures. 

At first it is unnerving to be nearly mowed over by various contraptions that have little regard for the safety of others.  But if you can get used to the traffic and feel comfortable haggling this can be an interesting adventure.  

In addition to doing just a small amount of shopping, our guide took us to a couple of museums most interesting for the architectural style. Old buildings are a combination of hand laid individual mosaic tiles, carved stucco and cedar wood. Each room more beautiful than the next. 

One museum, the Ben Youssef Madrassa, was built (c. 1106-1142) as a school for boys from the ages of 15 to 24. If they wanted to further their education they would go to a university in Fez. What was unique about this secular school was that there were modern flush toilets and each dorm room ( more of a sleeping pod)  was barely large enough for a padded mattress for the tiled floor. 

After our group got tired of shopping for rugs, clothing, and the museums we met in a large square where fruit carts are pilled high with giant strawberries and snake charmers serenade their cobras all in hopes to take your money for a picture or two. It isnt long before your fear of the snake turns into pitty as the snake scans the area for his basket to find refuge.  

Page had made reservations at a charming restaurant lit with candles and lanterns that cast lovely shadows and set a restful calm from the street below. Various foods all beautifully presented in tajines. It was lovely way to end another day in Marrakech.