Wondering what to bring back from Morocco and dreaming of a typical souvenir from Fez? Then pottery is your top one. From miniature bowls to king-size Moorish jars, the many shops in the medina are brimming with little masterpieces of Fès craftsmanship. Floral or geometric patterns, arabesques or calligraphy, traditional or contemporary style, warm colours or sober black and white, the choice will turn your head.
A centuries-old tradition in Fez
Colourful shopping in the medina of Fez
To miss the pottery shops in the medina of Fez is impossible, especially on the Talaa Sghera, where they are neck and neck. They are real Ali-Baba caves, literally displaying their treasures from floor to ceiling. Don’t hesitate to visit a few of them before making your choice, as each one works with different potters, so they don’t display exactly the same pieces.
In most shops, two types of clay are available. Grey clay produces very traditional pieces, thicker and more rustic but also more robust than those made from white clay, which is finer and brighter.
For lovers of tradition, don’t miss the items with blue patterns, the city’s signature colour. They are decorated with the famous ‘Fez blue’, a cobalt-based pigment found in the region.
Little English-Darija lexicon around pottery
Pottery: Fekhar
Clay: Lfkhaar
Bowl: Zlaafa
Cup: Ghraaf or Taas
Glass: Kas
Plate: Tabsil
Vase: Vaaz
Box: BouaaTa
Jar to stock water: Khabia
White: BiyeD
Blue: Zrq
Black: K-Hel
Red: Hmr
Green: KhDr
Yellow: Sfer
Brown: Qhawi
