Souk Chouari: The vibrant wood market of Fez

Souk Chouari, a journey into Moroccan woodcraft and tradition

Hidden deep within the winding alleys of Marrakesh’s medina, Souk Chouari feels like a world apart. Entirely dedicated to woodwork, it is a place where time slows down and craftsmanship takes centre stage. The moment you enter, the scent of cedar rises from every corner, rich, warm and unmistakably natural.

This is far more than a market. It is a living workspace, where artisans carve, shape and polish their creations in front of you. The stalls are filled with finely crafted boxes, trays, spoons, chessboards and furniture that ranges from delicate to robust. Nothing is mass-produced. Each piece is shaped with care, with detail, with the rhythm of a hand that knows its material.

Some objects feel perfectly smooth. Others reveal traces of the chisel, reminders of the hours spent on each surface. What you find here is not just a product. It is the result of tradition, skill and presence. It is an encounter with craft, not just a transaction.

What can you buy at Souk Chouari?

If it’s made of wood, chances are you’ll find it here. Carved cedar boxes are the highlight, often inlaid with bone or metal, perfect for jewellery, keys or the thousand small things that never have a home. Traditional kitchen utensils are everywhere, from rustic ladles to intricately turned spice bowls. You’ll also see mirrors with engraved frames, furniture pieces you’ll wish you had the luggage space for, and décor that adds warmth to even the most modern flat.

Prices vary. Some stalls are for tourists, others are for locals. If you’re up for bargaining, this is your playground. If not, a kind smile and a bit of curiosity will take you far.

A place shaped by history and tradition

Souk Chouari has been around for centuries. The name comes from the word chouara, meaning carpenters. This part of the medina was always meant for artisans, passed down from generation to generation. It’s not a recreated version of tradition, it is the tradition.

There’s a strong link here to Morocco’s craft heritage. The cedar comes from the Middle Atlas. The techniques are ancient. Even the tools, in many cases, have hardly changed. It’s a reminder that in Marrakesh, the past isn’t something kept in a museum. It’s working, selling, greeting you with a smile.

Practical tips for tourists

Dress and footwear: The medina is full of charm, but also full of uneven pavements, narrow alleys and the occasional unexpected step. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. Leave the flip-flops for the riad. A light scarf or hat can also help with the sun, especially during warmer months.

Money and payments: Bring cash, and preferably small denominations. While a few shops around the medina may accept cards, most vendors in Souk Chouari deal only in cash. Having exact change can make transactions smoother and helps avoid any confusion.

Photography etiquette: Always ask before taking photos, especially inside workshops. Some artisans are happy to show their craft, others may prefer not to be photographed while they work. A polite request goes a long way and shows respect for the space and the people who make it special.

Timing your visit: If you want a quieter experience, try to visit in the late morning or just before sunset. The souk tends to be busiest in the early afternoon, especially on weekends. Earlier or later in the day, you’ll find a slower rhythm, more opportunities to chat with artisans and less pressure to move along quickly.

Bargaining: Negotiation is part of the market culture, but it doesn’t have to be aggressive. Start with a smile, ask questions, show interest. Vendors often expect some back-and-forth, and a friendly tone helps keep the exchange pleasant. If the price doesn’t feel right, thank them and walk away. Sometimes, that’s when the real conversation starts.

Pace and attitude: Souk Chouari isn’t designed for quick shopping. Take your time. Let your eyes wander. Touch the wood, ask about the process, listen to the sound of chisels in the background. This isn’t retail, it’s craft. And the slower you go, the more you’ll take in.

Around Souk Chouari, what else is worth seeing?

Once you’ve explored the carved treasures of Souk Chouari, the surrounding streets offer plenty more for curious travellers. This part of the medina is dense, layered, and full of surprises. Here are six places nearby in Fez that deserve a visit.

Bou Inania Madrasa: Just a short walk away, this 14th-century theological school is one of the finest examples of Marinid architecture in Fes. Intricate stucco, carved cedar wood, marble floors and quiet courtyards offer a moment of calm and beauty. Whether or not you’re interested in religious history, the artistry here is impossible to ignore.

Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts: Housed in a beautifully restored fondouk, this museum is a natural continuation after your visit to Souk Chouari. It showcases the finest examples of Moroccan woodworking, from tools and musical instruments to inlaid chests and antique furniture. The rooftop terrace also offers an excellent view over the medina.

Chouara Tannery: One of the oldest and most iconic tanneries in Fes, the Chouara Tannery is where leather is still processed using traditional techniques. The view from the surrounding terraces is striking, with colourful dyeing pits laid out like a mosaic. The smell is strong, the process raw, but the experience is unlike anything else.

Al Quaraouiyine Mosque: Founded in the 9th century, this mosque is considered one of the oldest existing universities in the world. While non-Muslims cannot enter, the view from nearby alleys offers a glimpse of its architectural beauty. Its influence on Fes, both spiritually and intellectually, remains deep and lasting.

Talaa Kebira Street: This is one of the main arteries of the medina. Lined with small shops, bakeries, herbalists and cafés, it’s a street that pulses with daily life. Walking through it gives you a strong sense of the city’s rhythm, where the past and present meet at every turn.

Jnan Sbil Garden: When the medina becomes too intense, head toward the Jnan Sbil Garden. This public park offers shaded paths, fountains and a quiet atmosphere just outside the walls. It’s the ideal place to rest your feet and reset before diving back into the old city.

Souk Chouari is not about souvenirs. It’s about stories shaped in wood, gestures passed from father to son, and pieces that don’t pretend to be perfect. It’s Marrakesh in its most tactile form. If you let it, it will follow you home, in a box, in your memory, or maybe just in the way you look at a carved surface from now on.