National Geographic: Marrakech’s Rahba Kedima Top Global Spice Market

Rabat – National Geographic has featured Marrakech’s Rahba Kedima souk, in its “seven of the world’s most exciting spice markets” list.

“The souks of the city’s walled Medina are intoxicating, none more so than Spice Square, as this bustling plaza is commonly known,” National Geographic wrote on Monday.

Its “hole-in-wall shops” offer a variety of spices and plant-based cosmetics from saffron and cinnamon sticks to argan oil. The travel magazine further recommended ras el hanout, describing it as a good “concoction of up to 30 spices.”

Ranked third, Marrakech’s Rahba Kedima was positioned ahead of Istanbul’s Misir Carsisi market, Delhi’s Khari Baoli in Delhi, Mombasa’s spice market, and Barcelona’s La Boqueri.

Dubai’s spice souk topped the list followed by Mexico’s Mercado Benito Juarez.

In Morocco, spices are an integral part of the country’s gastronomy that has gained international recognition over the past decades.

From tagine to couscous and from pastilla to harira, Moroccan cuisine suits every palate. The perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy defines the country’s gastronomy.

As a top travel destination in Morocco, Marrakech embodies the country’s rich culture, traditions, fashion, and gastronomy.

Its friendly people and ability to mix the traditional and modern makes the red city one of the friendliest cities in the world, the travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller said in February.

The city’s vibrant atmosphere has over the years attracted artists, novelists, poets, and political figures looking for inspiration or peace of mind. From the UK’s Winston Churchill to fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, all the visitors praised the city’s walls, vibrant colors, and scents.

Yves Saint Laurent’s love for Marrakech led to the establishment of Majorelle Garden, Yves Saint Laurent museum, and Berber museum. These sites are hot tourist destinations in the country.

Along with hosting spice markets and museums, Marrakech is home to popular musical and cultural events such as the International Storytelling Festival and the World’s Largest Flamenco Festival.