The mellah: a tribute to peace in the heart of the medina

The Mellah is commonly known as the neighborhood dedicated to the Jewish community. The term mellah is derived from the Arabic and Hebrew word "milh," meaning salt. The origin of the name of this part of the city is ambiguous and subject to various interpretations, including the urban legend that Jews were forced to salt the heads of rebels for public display.

Once upon a time in the mellah

The Mellah of Marrakech was built in 1558 under the reign of Moulay Abdallah. The Saadian sultan offered the Jewish population fleeing Spain a secure neighborhood in the heart of the medina, in exchange for their artisan skills.

This old part of the city, once locked up at night, features a partitioned architectural layout. Spanning 18 hectares, houses with balconies and shops mingle in the narrow alleys, all enclosed by high walls that separated the Jewish and Muslim communities while allowing them free movement.

Today, despite the departure of almost all Jewish families, the mellah has managed to preserve its liveliness through numerous activities and professions that have endured over the centuries.

Ali Baba's cave

The Mellah is undoubtedly the ideal place to find rare items or strike a bargain, provided you're a master of negotiation.

The Tinmakers' Square

This pedestrian street located between the Badi Palace and the Bahia Palace owes its name to the tinwork shops, the craft of making white iron tools, formerly run by Jewish artisans. Today, it hosts glassmakers, ironworkers, and tinmakers.

The jewellers' lane

Better known as "Kyssaria," this area arranged in two galleries showcases gold in various forms and jewelry, from the Hand of Fatima pendant to the glitzy bride's belt. An auction takes place every day starting at 4:30 pm.

The great spice souk

One can easily be guided by the aroma of spices displayed in cones. Ras-el-hanout, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, and saffron offer a subtle mix of colors and scents. With reasonable prices and unmatched freshness, this souk has more than one trick up its sleeve to appeal to tourists and locals.

The fabric market

There's something for everyone! The shops offer a wide selection of fabrics in various materials, colors, and patterns. At affordable prices, merchants also provide a tailoring service for making cushions, traditional clothing, curtains, etc.

Far from the cliché of a ghetto, the Mellah has always maintained an openness to the rest of the city allowing the meeting of Jewish and Muslim communities in a spirit of tolerance.

Today, most Jewish families have left the neighborhood, leaving behind a cultural and human legacy, deeply rooted in the history of the ochre city.