Souk el-Henna (Henna Souk)

Souk el-Henna, the Henna Souk, is a small, traditional market square off Rue Talaa Kebira in the heart of Fès el-Bali, the medina of Fès in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region. It is one of the more photogenic corners of the old city, with stalls arranged around an open space and stacked with dyes, cosmetics and household beauty supplies. The souk is known for henna powder, which local women use for hair colouring and for skin decoration at weddings and celebrations, as well as traditional cosmetics and toiletries such as kohl, black soap, ghassoul clay and natural perfumes. Pottery with traditional Fassi patterns is also sold, and the specialty list of the souk reflects a mix of beauty goods and decorative ceramics. This differs from generic shopping in that most of the products are everyday items for Fassi households rather than souvenirs made for export, although tourist-oriented packaging is common. Vendors range from long-established family stalls to newer shops aimed at visitors. Authentic natural henna is a green-brown powder with a grassy smell, whereas dark or black powders sold as instant henna may contain added dyes, so buyers often ask to see and smell the product. Bargaining is the norm, with a first price often well above the final one, and politely comparing two or three stalls helps. Payment is usually in Moroccan dirhams cash, card machines are uncommon, and the small purchases made here do not qualify for tax refunds. The square is a quieter, more compact space than the main thoroughfares of Talaa Kebira, though it fills with tour groups in the late morning. There is no food court on site, but cafés, bakeries and street snack vendors are available a short walk along Talaa Kebira. The must-visit corners include the henna sellers' stalls, the cosmetics counters with black soap and ghassoul, and the pottery shops on the edge of the square.