What is a wadi? A medina? World Journeys’ Kate Couling gives meaning to these and other common Arabic terms used throughout North Africa and the Middle East.
WADI
A wadi is a valley or riverbed that is dry except in the rainy season. The wadis Ziz and Gheris in Morocco are home to the largest group of oases in the world. Jordan’s Wadi Rum is perhaps the best known as the wadi of all wadis.
OASIS
An oasis is a green fertile spot in the desert with its own spring as a source of water. Tafilalt is the largest Saharan oasis in Morocco, comprised of six fortified villages, with palm groves stretching 50km along Wadi Ziz. Dates are big business in these oases!
MEDINA
Built to keep out invading armies, the medina is the historical old part of town, usually surrounded by high stone walls. Enter the medina through city gates to find a labyrinth of narrow streets, tiny alleyways, market places and mosques. Here you can breathe in the character of the town as it once was.
KASBAH
A kasbah is an older type of medina, usually a fortress built for a ruling king or leader both for protection and as a sign of wealth. The impressive Taourirt Kasbah of Ouarzazate was used for filming some of the scenes in Star Wars! And in case you’re wondering…”Rock the Kasbah” was of course a hit song for The Clash in 1982, protesting against the repression of music in Iran.
SOUK
A souk (or souq) is a market square or street, mostly in the medina. Devoted to selling everything and anything, be prepared to haggle, and laugh. If you find a café – order a coffee, sit back, play a bit of backgammon, and soak up the atmosphere.
RIAD
A riad is a traditional Moroccan home, some of which have been transformed into small and welcoming hotels. Multiple stories are centered around an open-air courtyard with a fountain or pool. Generally found within the medina, riads are full of authentic charm and character, a cool retreat in a bustling city.
HAMMAM
Often in operation since ancient times, these public bath houses offer a truly authentic bathing experience (men and women are segregated) which involves soaking followed by intensive scrubbing. Very intensive. You will never feel this clean again!
