Medina in Marrakesh, Morocco Is On My Bucket List

Snake charmers, narrow passage ways, bright colors, merchant stalls, crowed streets, spices piled high, carpet, hot desert temperatures and begging children are all included in any definition I have seen of the Medina Marrakesh. So, what is the attraction to this southwestern Morocco city? Why am I wanting to visit the western edge of the Muslim world and see this North African nation?

I think I am attracted to the excitement, or maybe the historical significance. Cosmos tours called Marrakesh "the most fascinating of all Moroccan cities." the Medina Marrakech is a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 11th century by the the Almoravids. Historically, Marrakesh was a political, economic and cultural center which influenced the Western Muslim world, from North Africa all the way to Andalusia. It has been under both French and Spanish rule and is now independent. Today you can see the contrast between the influence of the Muslim culture at prayer time as many workers turn to face Mecca, and the Western culture through modern hotels and nightclubs.

I have been challenged to write a bucket list - a list of 10 things I hope to do in my lifetime. Shopping in Marrakesh is definitely on the list.