ATM - everywhere, sometimes card not accepted
by vtveen
Dirhams are only available within Morocco and import (and export) is not allowed. The country has a ‘cash culture’, so most probably one of the first things you want to do is getting some Moroccan cash.
We did it both times on the airport, using an ATM. The arrival hall offers two ATM's; it was a little bit strange but one of them (Banque Populaire) didn’t accept our debit card. Using the one of BMCE Bank didn’t cause any problems. Later on we had the same problem elsewhere, so be aware to withdraw enough money in time, especially if you are planning trips into the inland, where it can be a problem to find the right ATM.
In Marrakech you will find ATM’s everywhere: as said at the airport, but also in the centre near Jemaa El Fna and in Gueliz, we even saw several ATM’s in the souks area.
We always took 2000 Dirhams out in one time, but it wasn’t (with our debit card) no problem doing this twice a day. Most time you get ‘bigger’ notes of 100 and/or 200 Dirhams. Try to get smaller notes and coins as soon as possible, because you will need it for smaller purchases, taxis, tips and for making (and paying) photo’s.
Rahba Kedima:A place for everything!
by khalid_2 about Local Products
Rahba Kedima, in the central souk zone. Several small shops where you can pick up traditional bath products for a handful of dirhams. Bath gloves, terracotta scrubbers, incense. They’ll fill you a plastic bag of gooey, black, homemade shampoo for your trip to the hammam.
There is also some "Henna" artists to get a souvenir of your trip !
Food in the souks
by angiebabe about Fast Food
Ive not eaten in the souks - though in Fes with my friends who are locals there having spent years living and trading in the medina, stuff as fermented milk or youghurt drinks or kebab sandwiches - but here in Marrakech we preferred sit down and relax a bit meals for a low price with inside-knowledge establishments around the main square Djma Elfna and the Gueliz or with friends who live around the medina as well - but walking around the souks are plenty of food places for snacks or interesting things to take home - as the locals do - such as dates, olives, special sweet treats, fruit and bread - mostly good photographic opportunities of the local culture.
Mosque of Koutoubia
by johnsakura
This mosque was first built in 1147, and demolished right after because it was not correctly aligned with Mecca, the Holy City, the "mosque of the booksellers", Kitab stands for book in Arabic, was finished in its present construction in 1199.
The mosque which it is attached is already big, but this minaret is one of the biggest in Africa.
Ali Ben Youssef Medersa- The inner courtyard
by suvanki
I was quite impressed with the courtyard and pool, despite my visit co inciding with the arrival of a tour group, I only had a short wait, while they dispersed to view the inner rooms.
The courtyard was quite peaceful, and there were a few chairs to sit and admire the architecture of the medersa, under the warm winter sun. (I should imagine it's very hot here in summer though)
This photo is taken facing the mosque (masjid).
The intricate decoration is typical of the Merenid period style (This Moroccan dynasty ruled during the 13th and 14th century, and constructed many mederssas throughout Morocco)
The zellij (decorative tilework) base is a typical design, fragments of ceramic tiles usually of blue, green and yellow laid on a white background with black tiles forming an interlinked pattern ( I saw similar patterns in the Bahia Palace and Saadian tombs)
Above the zellij are panels of intricate lace like stucco work, with extracts from the Koran.
The artwork follows geometric patterns, often repeated and intertwined- this is typical of Islamic Art, as depiction of living things is considered to be an insult to God, artists have perfected these decorative abstract and geometric patterns.
Above the stucco panels are carved cedar wood panels , again showing symetrical repeated designs.
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BAB AGNAOU
Our Table Inside The Huge Tent - Airconditioned
Asni: Berber souk - fabrics
Souq
