Handicrafts and the souks
The numerous, varied, colourful and always busy souks in the old town help make Fès capital of Moroccan handiwork.
Preparing to buy
You must visit two museums. Dar Batha, an old palace converted into the Museum of Arts and Traditions, will give you an idea of the multitude and variety of the handiwork treasures from the Fès area: jewellery, embroidery along with leather-bound books. Your second visit should be to the Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, housed in the wonderful En-Nejjarine foundouk (caravanserai).
Babouches
All leatherwork articles can be found in the Aïn-Allou souk close by the Ech-Cherabliyine mosque on the main street, Talaa-Kebira (big climb).
Woodwork
Moucharabies, coffee tables, arm-chairs, along with little caskets, can be found near En-Nejjarine Place. Also visit the Lihoud souk where blacksmiths and carpenters do business.
Silk and jewellery
Luxury products, such as fabrics, elaborately decorated clothes and Berber silver or gold jewellery, can be found together in kissarias. There are other jewellery shops in the mellah since Jewish craftsmen are specialised in the goldsmith's trade. Weavers are based in the Jiaf souk.
Copperware
On Es-Seffarine Place, you can choose from a profusion of chiselled trays, jar, teapots and a myriad of other objects.
To remember
Fès handicraft asserts itself as a living cultural treasure.
Souks, food and health-care markets
Strolling through the souks is allowed and even encouraged.
Spices and henna
All types of spices await you in the El Attarine souk. Their palette of bright colours and appetizing fragrances recall the town's fine culinary reputation dating back to the Arabo-Andalusian tradition in the 13th century. You will, also, be able to find natural cosmetics.
Salt and fish
An alley separates the El Attarine from the Joutia souk, the salt and fish market. The hustle and bustle, punctuated by shouts from the auction, will convince you of the ideal geographical position of Fès, midway between the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Vast amounts of fish of an impressive diversity fill the Joutia stalls. Salt, another a marine product, is also very much in evidence.
Medicinal plants
The Ech Chabine souk is parallel to the El Attarine souk but further north. You will find it by the scents coming from it before seeing it. You will find a profusion of medicinal plants. They demonstrate a deeply rooted aspect of the town's tradition, or indeed, of the whole country.
To remember
In the maze of alleys, among the various stalls, you will soak up smells, colours, shouts….
