Markets, Kasbah and the Memories of Rabat

“Absolute power rests within these historic walls, and the king reigns wisely by the will of heaven above” — Almazigh chronicles, 2025.

Kasbah of the Oudayas, June 2025

The summer wind is blowing gently at that spring convocation in Toronto, marking the time for me to take an unexpected adventure across the seas.

Last June, my adventurous spirit took me to the edge of the Sahara Desert, whom dried shores and biomes I never seen in my entire life.

I departed on the 20th of June, fresh from finishing my work as a campus event ambassador and research fellow in both the Mississauga and St. George campuses.

Transiting through the romantic city of Paris, I barely catch enough sleep as I watch Gladiator 2 and Zombie movies aboard Air France. Once I arrived in the sublime city, the scent of baguette and pain au chocolat permeated through the airport’s hall.

It wouldn’t take long until I continue my flight to the capital city of Rabat, arriving 3 hours later after a quick nap in the very back of the airplane.

At first glance, Rabat seems like an alien world, with large bazaars, wide streets, cosmopolitan strongholds (kasbahs), and (strangely) welcoming citizens.

I sip my first dose of chocolate on my way to the Kasbah Oudaya, while getting scammed by the local taxi provider, as they asked for unreasonably high prices.

Almost immediately, my sleep-deprived brain wakes up in the midst of the cosmopolitan and historical beauty of Rabat.

The local chroniclers told stories from the times of the Almohad Caliphate (12th century), the greatest Berber empire that ruled over Algiers, Morocco, morocco and al-Andalus, who help to found this beautiful city.

It then followed a long series of rules, from the corsair republic, the sultanate of Morocco, the Portuguese trading hub and the French colonial overlord.

They say that these diverse overlord contribute toward the beautiful architectural landscape that the city has, which blends European pillars, Middle Eastern kasbah, Saharan materials and Andalusian tiles.

After some rest in my cheap (but truly remarkable) Airbnb, I set out with my Japanese jinbei and Nikon camera to explore my surroundings. The hot temperature makes me apply sunscreen at an unreasonable rate.

My Legendary Outing Outfit in Morocco, June 2025

I began with tasting the local fried snacks and doughnuts overlooking the sea near the Andalusian gardens. There, I met a friendly face who spoke Malay; apparently, a fellow diaspora who worked in the local telecommunications industry.

Next, I continue to roam the sidewalks outside of the citadel (kasbah). I still clearly remember how the wind blew the tall palm tree in front of the castle wall. People are enjoying the warm Atlantic breeze amidst the setting sun.

The Sidewalk of the Kasbah of the Oudayas, June 2025

My step has finally guided me toward the Old Market of Rabat, located just south of the river that separates the city from the historical city of Sale-Medina, where the Sale republic used to terrorize the Spanish shipping 300 years back.

The market hosted a variety of goods, foods and craftsmanship beyond what I ever expected back home. The local arabs crafted fine gold, realistic painting, spicy seafood and sweet juices. I managed to buy some souvenirs for back home, along with a special necklace for my beloved Titania.

I sat down in one of the peripheral stalls, ordering a bowl of seafood delicacy. They serve me fish, crabs, octopus, and shrimp along with a sweet juice and complimentary bread. The taste seems okay at first, but then it starts to manifest into something that I have dreamed of. The sauce is just an amazing addition to this meal.

Some of the sub-sections of the market resemble scenery from what I learned to be Andalusian Architecture. With marble tiles, unique architecture and a huge dome. It didn’t come as a surprise tho, as a lot of the Andalusians migrated to Morocco after Grenada, the last bastion of Islamic Rule in Spain, fell to the Crown of Castile and Aragon in 1492.

In this bustling market, I met Ossam, a father of two who sells crepes for a living. I took a chance to buy two, along with asking him questions in my slightly broken French. He said that he likes to go surfing within these shores, and that his goods are one of the most delicious food of the land.

Moving to the edge of the market, I passed through the recycling area. In this section, they sell any sort of used items that are still deemed worthy of use. This includes fans, clocks, kitchen appliances, books and any second-hand thrift that you could imagine.

Old Market of Rabat, Craft Section, June 2025

Then, I continue my journey west to the setting sun along the Atlantic shores. I passed a massive cemetery by the roadside where people bury their deceased. I saw nothing like it parallel back home, as they possess an endless stretch of homes for the dead.

At last, I made it to the hot and windy shores. The first Amazigh people greeted me with “Ni Hao”, or the Chinese word for hello. Apparently, a lot of the locals I met can’t distinguish asian people they met; referring to them as Chinese at many points in time.

I sat down, watching hundreds of kids and teenagers play volleyball in the dusty sand, while tourists lay down in order to enjoy any remaining sun on their skin. I open my camera and start to take pictures of the flag, of the warm people, and the countless cats that apparently numbered as many as human beings that dwell within the kasbah.

Rabat Atlantic Lighthouse, June 2025

Slowly walking toward the end of the pier, I take a deep breath and do a little meditation. I remembered how far I have explored the unknown. The old Farryzki would have never thought that he would traverse five continents, speak French and eat different sorts of cuisine across the globe.

Moreover, he has endured what seemed impossible back then. Academic challenges, mental pressure, social problems and career rejection, he went through it all. At last, within these shores, he can relieve himself of all of those commitments and enjoy good old chai (tea).

After the sun has set, I walk back toward the castle and cross the old Portuguese quarter. I bought a fried doughnut with a good amount of sweets, while also stacking a lot of water bottles.

Night Market of the Kasbah, June 2025

I just realized that dry Moroccan biomes directly correlate with the amount of water I consumed. Back home in Canada, I usually drank 1–1.5 litres of water per day. But in this hot climate, I drank nearly twice as much.

The day then came to a close. After a quick wash and a prayer, I lay in bed with a very wonderful excitement of what the next adventure would bring.

There are more than 5 cities that await my arrival within my planned two weeks of adventure.

Marakkesh, Ait Ben Hadou, Zagora, and Casablanca.

My adventure, thus, shall be continued.