Rahba Kedima

Rahba Kedima is a small triangular square in the souks, just east of Souk Semmarine. The name means the old square.

It was once an auction ground, with set days and places for selling wool, carpets and weapons, and, historically, enslaved people. To the north-east, the Criée Berbère is still known for its dark Berber carpets.

Today the square sells woven baskets and hats, spices, herbs, natural perfumes and scarves, with apothecary stalls around the edges. The cafés with roof terraces above it look down on the whole scene.

It is small and the selling can be pushy. Taste and smell freely, but buy only what you want.