Marrakesh

On our way to the Koutoubia Mosque we ran into a couple of Watermen.  These colorfully dressed men served an important function in Morocco.  They carried goat skin bags filled with water, cups, a bell and a money pouch while distributing water and collecting alms for the poor.  The Watermen would walk about periodically ringing their bell to announce their presence.  If you went for water, they would pour a cup and take a sip themselves first to show the water was good.  Then, they would pour a cup for you.  You would then give the Waterman a contribution which he would put in his moneybag.  At the end of the day, he would count the money; keep enough for his sustenance and give the remainder to the poor as he wandered about.

Watermen

Aziz and a Waterman

We continued on our way to the Koutoubia Mosque which is the largest mosque in Marrakech.  The minaret is 253 feet in height and was constructed at about the same time as the Giralda of Seville, Spain.  Berber Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur ordered their construction in the 12th Century A.D.  By law, no building can be constructed taller than this mosque's minaret.  The gardens leading to the mosque are quite beautiful and well-lit at night as is the minaret.

Koutoubia Mosque

Our next stop was the Bahia Palace which was constructed in the 19th Century A.D. for Si Moussa, a grand vizier to the sultan.  The palace contains quarters for each of Si Moussa's four wives and is named after his favorite wife, Bahia.  The palace is elaborately decorated with intricate stucco and tile work.  There is an abundance of cedar moldings and trim.  Several of the vaulted cedar ceilings are covered with beautifully painted designs.  The stucco work is amazing for the extensive design and colors employed.  The courtyards rival each other for beauty.  Orange and banana trees provide shade and fruit.  The largest courtyard is that of the concubines.  It is vast and simple yet impressive.

Bahia Palace Doorway

Bab Agnaou gate provided us entrance to the southern section of the Merrakesh medina.  This gate dates back to the 13th Century A.D.  Near this gate were spice and oil vendors, as well as, the Saadian Tombs.  As usual, winding passageways through the medina were narrow and busy with traffic.  They did not seem as intimidating as those of Fez as there were more frequent courtyards.

Bab Agnaou Gate

We spent about an hour in a spice and oil merchant's shop learning about the various medicinal and cosmetic uses of numerous plants and minerals.  By the time all was said and done, we walked out with 760 MAD worth of good stuff for both our inner and outer bodies.

Bab Agnaou - Wikipedia