Place des epices

Overview

Apothecaries' shops stand all around Rahba Kedima, a small triangular square open to the sky in the middle of the souk, in the Medina. Its French name is Place des Épices. The square is lively, and on its north side an archway marked "Le Souk Principal de Tapis" leads to the carpet market. Slaves were once sold here at auction. The apothecaries sell spices and natural remedies that Moroccans use for their ailments and their cooking, along with spice mixtures and cosmetics for visitors, henna and kohl among them. Their displays hold gnarled roots and dried animals in jars. In the middle, stalls of wicker and straw sell Amazigh hats and woven baskets. Some of the shops around the edges now belong to upmarket local designers, and there are plenty of cafes. Buying means haggling.