Mellah, Historic Jewish district in Essaouira, Morocco
The Mellah is a historic Jewish district in Essaouira featuring multiple levels of residential buildings distinguished by wooden balconies, intricate doorways, and window openings. Narrow stone-paved streets form a dense network of alleyways that shape the everyday flow of the neighborhood.
The district was founded in 1807 by Sultan Moulay Slimane and quickly became a trading center where Jewish merchants managed international commerce through the port. This connection to maritime trade made it a vital hub for economic exchange in the region.
The neighborhood was historically the heart of Mahia production, a traditional fig-based spirit flavored with anise that supplied the entire region. This craft shaped daily life and prosperity for its residents across many generations.
You can enter the district through the main gates near the Grain Market square or via Mohammed Zerktouni street. The best conditions for exploring are early morning or late afternoon when there is less crowding and light reveals architectural details more clearly.
The buildings blend features from three cultures: Moroccan craft traditions, Jewish design elements, and Portuguese architectural influences visible in facade details. This mixture came from centuries of exchange at this port and is rarely as clear as it is here.
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