Marrakech in Travel Literature

Abstract

The paper aims to examine images of Marrakech in travel literature and their relevance to and impact on tourism. Many of the pioneer works conducted by painters, writers or simply adventurers from the 17th century to the beginning of 20th century depict Morocco as a no man’s land; a country inhabited by savage, fierce looking men, living in a primitive, atavistic society. Their customs, beliefs, and behavior were exotic if not weird and therefore deserving anthropological research. Women were also subjects of much conjecture and criticism. They were often depicted behind barred windows, and closed doors, subservient, walking non- entities, draped in ‘haiks’ and veiled. They existed only for the pleasure of men. These stereotypes continue to inflame the imagination of tourists heading to Marrakech today. In this connection, Jemaa Elfna is considered the heart and soul of the city particularly because it caters to the fantasies of the tourists looking for exoticism. My purpose is to demystify the place and critique what it stands for. The snake charmers, henna ladies, disguised prostitution and homosexuality, con dentists and monkey trainers, who populate the place, in no way reflect the richness and authenticity of the country or the hospitality of the people