The word Souk most likely refers to Berber/North African traditional markets, where prices are commonly set by bargaining between buyers and sellers. Historically, souks or bazars were open-air markets held outside cities at locations where incoming caravans would stop and merchants would display their goods for sale. Any souk might have a social function in terms of being a place to meet, in addition to its commercial function. Later, due to the importance of the marketplace in local economy and the growth of the cities, the locations of souks shifted to urban centers. A seasonal souk is held at set time which might be monthly or weekly. The oldest souks in the Arab world were held annually, and were typically general festivals. Weekly markets have continued to function throughout Morocco. They usually have open space specifically designated for them. The permanent markets, also called bazaars are an enclosed merchandising areas where goods and services are exchanged or sold. Therefore, they are more common and they focus on commercial activity, not entertainment. The area comprising a souk might be roofed over with long and narrow alleys like in Tangier.
Souks are traditionally divided into specialized sections dealing in specific types of products, in the case of permanent souks each usually housed in a few narrow streets and named after the product it specializes in such as the gold souk, the fabric souk, the spice souk, etc… This promotes competition among sellers and helps buyers easily compare prices! However, workshops where goods for sale are produced are typically located away from the souk itself. The “Amine” or “Muhtasib” in Middle eastern countries is responsible for supervising business practices for each group of artisans and sellers.
Whether or not you are a big shopper, going to a Souk is a cultural experience that should not be missed on a trip to Morocco.
Some of the villages or areas between villages are in fact named after their market days, therefore it’s easy to know when they are held.
TOP TIPS ON THE ART OF HAGGLING IN MOROCCO:
1. Haggling is expected and is a social interaction; always be polite and good-humored, and if you’re serious about buying something, accept the mint tea which is offered, and enjoy the stories you will be told. This could take some time.
2. Don’t begin the bargaining process unless you are serious about buying the item.
3. Appear hesitant – if you show you’re in love with something, you lose your bargaining power.
4. When it comes to price, the general rule is to offer one third to a half and go from there. Be prepared for the laughter which will accompany the first price you offer.
5. Stick to your guns. Really good bargainers will be prepared to walk away from any purchase but you have to be serious about this. If the salesman wants to sell it to you, he’ll come and find you, even if you’re half way across the souk.
6. If you really can’t or don’t want to pay the price offered, decline politely and walk away. You may be followed, but you may not.
7. Remember that what you’re haggling over may be just a few dolars, and you may just prefer to avoid the hassle and pay the price asked for.
8. If you’re happy with your purchase, then you’ve paid the right price!
9. Never feel bad about paying too little for something. The salesman would not have sold it if he wasn’t making a profit.
10. Enjoy the experience!
