A few decades back a lot of weavers were still at work here and there in the medina of Marrakech. Unfortunately, the weaving tradition is vanishing in Morocco.

There were areas and caravanserai, former roadside guesthouses coverted into workshops, where one could see many artisans at work. Now, when you see one of these you feel you have discovered a treasure.
Faïssal, son of a traditional weaver, has decided to take over the tradition of his father. He told us his story…

How as a little kid he was playing in his fathers workshop who was weaving traditional belts, in diamond jacquard weave, made of silk and later of viscose. A struggle to survive because at that time his work was not valued. When his father died, Faïssal took over the tradition but thought of more “fashionable” products and started to weave scarves.

He managed to build up a team by hiring a first weaver, than a second. Finding difficulty to find skilled artisans he decided to teach weaving to young men. A way to have qualified work but also to perpetuate a tradition.  He sells his scarves in a tiny shop located very close to the Foundouk Restaurant.

Faïssal Bennouna, Kaat Bennahid, 25, Derb El Fassi. 2 minutes walking from Dar Kawa.