Tala'a Kebira, Main pedestrian thoroughfare in Fez Medina, Morocco
Tala'a Kebira is the main pedestrian zone running through Fez Medina, connecting Bab Boujloud gate to Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and lined with shops selling textiles, spices, leather goods, and traditional crafts. The passage slopes downward through the medina, with adjoining fundouks serving as storage spaces and lodging for traveling merchants.
Since medieval times, Tala'a Kebira has served as a trade artery connecting the city gates to the religious heart of Fez. The route has maintained this commercial role across centuries, reflecting how this passage shaped the city's development.
Artisans work in workshops visible from the street, crafting traditional items like metalwork, leather goods, and handwoven carpets that reflect local skills passed down through generations. You can observe these craftspeople at work and see how these trades remain central to daily life in the medina.
The route descends steeply and requires effort when walking uphill, so wear comfortable shoes and plan to move at a slow pace. Allow time to browse shops and explore the workshops without rushing through.
In the Chrabliyine section, local shoemakers craft traditional Moroccan slippers called babouches through methods passed down over generations. These specialized workshops blend seamlessly into the street's landscape, and visitors can often watch artisans at work if they explore slowly and pay attention to the details.
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