DJEMAA EL FNA
Djemaa el Fna is a square and market place in Marrakesh's medina (old city). The origin of its name remains unknown : it means Assembly of the dead in arabic, but as the word djemaa also means mosque in Arabic, it could also mean place of the vanished mosque, in reference to a destroyed Almoravide mosque.
The place remains the main square of Marrakesh, used equally by locals and tourists. During the day it is predominantly occupied by orange juice stalls, youths with chained Barbary apes, water sellers in colourful costumes with traditional leather water-bags and brass cups, and snake charmers who will pose for photographs for tourists.
As the day progresses the entertainments on offer change: the snake charmers depart, and in the afternoon and evening the square becomes more crowded, with Chleuh dancing-boys (it would be against custom for girls to provide such an entertainment), story-tellers (telling their tales in Berber or Arabic, to an audience of appreciative locals), magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines.
As dark descends the square fills with dozens of food-stalls, and the crowds are at their height.
The square is edged along one side by the Marrakesh souk, the traditional North African markets which service both the common daily needs of the people of the city, and the tourist trade.
On other sides are cafe terraces to escape from the noise and confusion down in the square, and on yet other sides are hotels and gardens.
Narrow streets lead into the alleys of the medina, the old city.
One a bus station, the place was closed to traffic in the 90s. The authorities are well aware of its importance to the tourist trade, and a strong but discreet police presence ensures the safety of visitors.
From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia
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