Every city has its own culture, but you won’t find a more diverse and culturally rich city than Marrakech.

Steeped in history, Marrakech is an exotic blend of people, architecture, wonderful sights, sounds and cuisine. The ancient Medina is at the throbbing heart of Marrakech, housing a maze of alleyways, atmospheric neighbourhoods, historic places of interest and a plethora of eateries, shops and souks. It’s also where you will find us at the peaceful Riad El Zohar.

When you are visiting Marrakech it’s a good idea to have some understanding of the city’s culture and traditions. Here are some facts and tips to help you make the most of your stay in this glorious and interesting city.

Some history

The culture in Marrakech is strongly influenced by Arab, Berber and Islamic civilisations. The city was founded c.1070, nearly a thousand years ago, by the Almoravid dynasty (an imperial Berber Muslim dynasty). The history here is tied up in Berber tribes.

In 1147 Marrakech was taken over by the Almohads. Most religious buildings were destroyed and the building of the Koutoubia mosque began. Over the centuries many battles were fought and Marrakech invaded by Arabs and Berbers with help from the French.

The old city proudly displays its Islamic roots. European influence can be seen much more in the new parts of Marrakech, Guillez new town buikt just outside the City Walls by the French in the thirties.

Language

Berbers remain the largest ethnic group in Marrakech and the whole of Morocco. Arabic is the main language, with French second. Many people in the city speak a third or fourth language, including English.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of Morocco and the majority of Moroccans are Muslims. This has a considerable effect on life in Marrakech and visitors are advised to respect the religious culture. Muslims are called to prayer 5 times a day – the call to prayer can be heard echoing through the city throughout the day, with the first call at dawn.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat, drink or smoke during the day. Travellers visiting the city during Ramadan aren’t expected to follow suit, but it is respectful not to eat, drink or smoke in the streets and alleyways during the day. Most cafes and restaurants are still open. Those with licences will continue to serve alcohol.  During daylight hours the city is much quieter during Ramadan, but the city comes alive at night, after the breaking of the fast at sunset,  with many restaurants and cafes staying open until the early hours.

So, what is Ramadan? Ramadan is a holy time representing purification and peace. As well as refraining from eating, drinking, smoking and having sex during daylight hours, Muslims are encouraged to remain in good spirits, donate to charity and do good deeds, as well as pray.

The exact dates of Ramadan vary from year to year – they are based around the lunar cycle. In 2019 Ramadan begins on the evening of Tuesday 7th May and ends with the Feast of Eid al-Fitr on the evening of  ^6th June.  Eid al-Fitr translates as ‘the feast of the breaking of the fast’ and can last up to three days.

Dress code

While Marrakech is relatively relaxed in tourist areas around dress code, there are some rules you are advised to follow simply out of respect. Despite the heat, don’t wander around in skimpy outfits, especially if you are a woman. Light floaty trousers and long-sleeved linen or light cotton blouses or shirts will keep you cool and covered in the summer heat.

Read our previous blog on what to wear in Marrakech to ensure you travel with appropriate clothing.

Alcohol

Although alcohol  is readily available  in Marrakech, this probably isn’t the right destination if you are looking for a booze-fuelled holiday. Moroccan wine is inexpensive and delicious. Morocco made wine for the Roman Empire. In general cafés don’t serve alcohol but most restaurants in Marrakech are licenced. Please ask us if you want more information on licensed eateries or see our guide on where to eat in Marrakech.

If you have any questions about the culture and traditions of Marrakech, or would like to book a stay at our Riad in the heart of the Medina, please give our friendly team a call and we’ll be delighted to help you.

When you visit Marrakech, you will undoubtedly experience an impressive array of aromas wafting from the cafés, restaurants and food stalls around the ancient city, the souks and in Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

There are an exciting range of spices used to flavour a range of authentic Moroccan dishes, all of which you will find in abundance in the spice markets. In the souks you will find brilliantly coloured spices, petals, bark and leaves piled high.

A wander around the spice stalls in the souks is a must when you visit here. It’s a wonderful feast for the senses. The array of spice smells will hit you as you draw near. Spices are a great thing to take home to recreate Moroccan dishes in your own home. It’s the perfect way to evoke memories of this wonderful city.

In this blog I’ll acquaint you with some of the spices we use in our cooking here at the Riad El Zohar. Furthermore, if you are a guest or taking a Cookery Lesson we will take you to a spice shop used by Moroccans and unknown to tourists where there is a huge selection of freshly gound spices at a fraction of the cost at tourist spice shops

Common spices used in Moroccan cuisine

The four most basic spices used in Moroccan cooking are cumin, black pepper, ginger and turmeric. Other common spices found in many dishes are saffron, paprika, cayenne, chilli (harissa), cinnamon, and sometimes white pepper. There are also some special blends of spices that are used extensively in Moroccan cooking.

Morocco has acquired an array of spices from Europe, the Middle East and Asia, as well as having its own spice trade.

Ras El Hanout

Ras El Hanout (translated as ‘head of the shop’) is a vibrant spice blend made from many spices. Its name infers only the best spices are used in the blend, traditionally handed down from Father to Son So, what exactly is in the blend? Some blends have as many as 35 different spices in them, but commonly Ras El Hanout includes paprika, cardamom, cumin, clove, cinnamon, coriander, nutmeg, aniseed, dried ginger, peppercorn and turmeric. Whole spices, dried roots and leaves are ground together.

Depending on which stall you buy from, there may be a slightly different taste. All tend to have a characteristic bright red hue (from the paprika) and are warming rather than overly hot.

The spice blend is mostly used as a rub for meats or in a marinade, but is also sometimes added to soups and stews. This is a great spice to take back home for the barbecue. Cooking with it and smelling those heady spices will definitely transport you back to the narrow passageways of the souks.

Saffron

Saffron is a prized cooking spice and a natural medicinal ingredient. It is cultivated in the Siroua mountains of southern Morocco from the stamens of the crocus plant. It’s value per gram is greater than gold!

Often used in tajines to give a nice colour and flavour to meat and vegetables, it is also used in desserts, milk puddings and teas. Many believe it has healing properties and in particular is used to calm spasms, toothache and menstrual cramps. We can’t vouch for those health claims, but we can categorically say this is a spice that brings delicious flavour to many Moroccan dishes.

Saffron is expensive to buy all over the world, but is much more affordable in Morocco. It’s well worth stocking up on some threads to take home. Beware, as with other countries,  there are four types of counterfeit saffron in the tourist shops.

Saffron and Ras El Hanout aren’t the only spices to stock up on when you visit Marrakech. Many dried and ground spices here can be bought in larger quantities and much more cheaply than in western supermarkets. Stock up on ginger, paprika, cumin, turmeric, , cinnamon, coriander,  chilli, peeper, saffron and more.

We love to share our knowledge of authentic Moroccan cuisine. Stay with us and book a cookery lesson to prepare a two-course Moroccan meal. Our informal lessons begin with a trip to the market and culminate in a delicious dinner for you to enjoy. See more about our cookery lessons here. For more information on the local delicacies and must-try dishes of Marrakech, see our previous blog post here.

The Mouassine district is a popular neighbourhood set in the heart of the ancient Medina in Marrakech. Best known for its impressive stately architecture, grand riads, important shrines and souks, this district is perhaps the most sought-after area to stay when visiting the beautiful city of Marrakech.

The Mouassine district dates back to the Saadian period (1510-1699) and is still today a relatively affluent area. The properties here reflect wealth and tend to be larger and more ornate than properties in the other districts in the Medina.

The Mouassine neighbourhood has a rich history and was once home to powerful royals and merchants. Previously known as the Houmat Abi Abidan district, this part of the city was renamed some time in the 16th century after a clan of Jewish settlers arrived in the area. Mouassine is derived from the Berber language – ‘Mass’ means dagger, ‘ssine’ means two. The name apparently comes from the skilled craftsmen once living here who made daggers.

The lively Mouassine neighbourhood is the main gateway to the souks, and is known for its small craft shops, chic décor boutiques, cool cafés and great restaurants. Some of the more upmarket shops here export their goods all over the world.

Places of interest situated in the Mouassine district include the restored and charming Musée de Mouassine, Mouassine Mosque, Mouassine fountain, Palais Dar el Bacha and Le Jardin Secret. The area also has its own hammam (Hammam Mouassine).

At the centre of the Mouassine district is the Mouassine mosque. It is one of the most remarkable mosques in the city. Allegedly the height of the tower was limited due to objections from the powerful over the privacy of neighbouring courtyards.

Unless you are a Muslim you will not be able to go inside, though it is still impressive to view from the outside. Throughout the city, mosques, zaouias (saint’s shrines) and cemeteries are not open to non-Muslims.

Near to the mosque is the Mouassine Fountain, which is the oldest in the Medina. The fountain was the centre of a huge water complex, which included an outlet for drinking water, a trough for animals, and separate washing area for clothes to preserve the integrity of the drinking water. The fountain isn’t used for drinking or clothes washing nowadays.

The fountain is part of the complex that includes the Mouassine Mosque, a library, a bathhouse for locals (hammam) and a madrasa (Islamic college). The fountain’s water actually comes from the Atlas Mountains, fed by underground channels that were created when the city was built in 1072.

Musée de Mouassine, located between the mosque and the fountain, is well worth a visit. The 17th century guesthouse displays a jewel of domestic Saadian architecture with painstakingly restored intricate cornices and painted woodwork. The museum holds a small collection of Berber artefacts and often has guest exhibitions.

The museum building was originally attached to the riad of a powerful family. In those days the rich and powerful never had guests staying in their own house with the family, but had a guesthouse dedicated to visitors.

Also in the Moussine district, and only recently opened to the public, is the beautiful Palais Dar el Bacha. The palace is extremely elegant and has a very serene atmosphere. The colourful, geometric tilework, painted ceilings and carved cedarwood showcases some of the finest craftsmanship on display in the city.

Last, but definitely not least, on the list of sights to see in the Mouassine neighbourhood is Le Jardin Secret. The origins of the complex date back to the Saadian Dynasty, more than four hundred years ago. Rebuilt in the mid-Nineteenth century and recently renovated and opened to the public, Le Jardin Secret is now a must-see attraction consisting of an elegant, ornate 19th-century palace complex, traditional Islamic gardens, a shop and a café.

There are lots of cafés and restaurants in the Moussine neighbourhood we would be happy to share our recommendations. See a list of some of our favourites in the Medina here.

Despite the Mouassine District being such a lively part of the Medina, our riad (Riad El Zohar) is tucked away on a quiet street. The tranquil position of our riad gives all of our guests a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the souks, and the sometimes overwhelming, sights, smells and sounds of this mesmerising and evocative city.

Our courtyard pool is a real treat after a day’s sightseeing in the city and our roof terrace provides the perfect spot for some relaxation with wonderful views of the Medina. If you would like to know more about the Mouassine district, the Medina or staying at our Riad, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you. Our friendly team are always happy to help.