Rahba Kedima
Open square in the midst of the souks - الرحبة القديمة
Rahba Kedima is a sunny, open square off Souk Semarine, and a good place to take a breather in the souks.
The shops on the south and east sides of the square sell spices, traditional cosmetics, and apothecaries’ ingredients – anything from star anise to dried skink lizards (you'll find some information about Moroccan spices and traditional cosmetics in our review of the Mellah market, where prices are usually cheaper).
Women traders in the middle of the square sell baskets, knitted cotton hats and other small items.
Until 1920, Rahba Kedima was the slave market. The slaves were force-marched across the desert from Mali; many died on the way. Some 7,000 people were bought and sold here every year.
Text © Daniel Jacobs
Images by Bryce Edwards, Daniel Jacobs, daniel verschaere, David Rosen, Fulvio Spada