Jamaa El Fna Square in Marrakech Morocco
The request made by Morocco in order that Jamâa’ El Fna Square in Marrakech be registered as belonging to the worldwide patrimony of mankind has been accepted, and with just cause. This « exotic » square situated in the heart of Marrakech has been recognized as part of the national patrimony since July 20, 1922, in so far as this physical patrimony bas an historic character. This recognition allowed for the preservation of its originality and that of its surroundings. It also prevented the deterioration of its vast, gracious space by some constructions that would besmirch the integrity of this « spontaneous human assemblage » that takes place there all year long. jamaa’ El Fna Square can be found a few meters from the Koutoubia Mosque. From there start the narrow lanes and alleys that lead to most of the streets of the medina. It is a labyrinth of caravansaries, small shops, market stalls, cafes and popular restaurants.
Jamaa’ El Fna occupies a privileged location in that you have to go through it to reach its surrounding neighborhoods, houses and « kissartats » or traditional shopping centers. It is also a not-to-be-missed popular meeting place. Passersby cannot but be drawn to its many attractions. Items on sale include traditional costumes, crafts, henna, medicinal plants, and a variety of spices. There are as well the different dishes and delicacies « marrakchis » that are prepared and cooked there (such as steamed calf head, tanija, etc.) along with various refreshing beverages made with oranges and lemons.
Visitors to Jamaa’ El Ina find themselves enveloped in its warmth and unable to resist pausing to listen to its singers, .to enjoy its acrobats, and to be enthralled by its « storytellers. »
jamaa’ El Fna offers connoisseurs of the fine art of fun the opportunity to give free reign to their art and to the art of communicating with others. Here you come upon a circle where amazigh music is played or another « halka »(circle) where Arab songs are sung (melhoun, aita, haouzi, etc.).
Then there is another gathering featuring the « Ouled Sidi Hmad Ou Moussa » acrobats from the souss region. Further on a storyteller preens, proud to show off his dramatic skills. Ali around there is the sounds of ratites, drums and the other instruments of the « gnaoua » troupes.
At the other end of jamaa El Fna, we enter into another world of moroccan popular patrimony, that of beliefs, of fortune telling and traditional medicine. You will find a clairvoyant there who utilizes the shoulder bone of mutton, another who uses A cards, and a herbalist garbed in Sahraoui dress who extensively praises the benefits of herbs gathered at le the far end of the Sahara. Then there is an old man crouching over a spread of talismans that will if you buy them, he promises, grant protective powers against the evil eye and wicked genies. Everyone here performs with great flair the oral art, the expressive gesture, the mime, in order to attract the greatest number of clients, and all do their utmost to draw crowds for a few coins or bills.
If UNESCO has today recognized Jamaa’ El Fna as belonging to the worldwide patrimony of mankind, this Square also has a place in the hearts of Moroccans where all its cultures are in intertwined. It is truly an open space where generosity, hospitality and tolerance are on display.
Jamaa’ El Fna thus represents both a universal patrimony and a national treasure.