Is it the aroma of spices or the call of the vendors that first grabs your attention here at Souq Jmllh? Welcome to Casablanca’s vibrant Central Market. It is a place teeming with life and history. Souq Jmllh is more than just a market. It is a cultural landmark.
Originally designed by Pierre Bousquet, its construction finished in 1917. The market was built on the site of the Casablanca Fair of 1915. Souq Jmllh quickly became the most important marketplace in Casablanca’s European district.
The Central Market Casablanca has seen its share of turmoil. In 1953, Moroccan nationalist Muhammad Zarqtuni bombed it after the French exiled Sultan Muhammad V. This act of resistance underscores the market’s place in Moroccan history.
Notice the architecture. It is Neo-Mauresque in style. The large gateway mimics those found in Morocco’s imperial cities like Marrakesh and Fes.
Step inside Souq Jmllh and observe the octagonal center cupola. Underneath it, vendors sell fresh seafood. You will find fish from the Atlantic Ocean, shark meat and oysters. Oysters from Dakhla are shucked on the spot.
Around you, discover flowers in decorated bouquets. Woven reed baskets display local handicrafts. Fossils and antiques are also available. You might spot old photographs and posters.
Of course, you cannot miss the produce, herbs and spices. The air is thick with their fragrance. Butcher shops offer a variety of meats.
Feeling hungry? Souq Jmllh also houses restaurants. Many consider it a prime lunch spot for both tourists and locals. You are in the right place.
Getting here is easy. The Central Market Tramway Station is right outside the main entrance on Muhammad V Street. Line 1 of the Casablanca Tramway will drop you off steps away from adventure.
Souq Jmllh is more than a place to shop. It’s a place to experience Casablanca. It’s a feast for the senses. It’s a journey through time. As you wander through Souq Jmllh, remember you are walking through history. You are surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of a city that has thrived for centuries. Take it all in.