Witness the making process behind qraqeb in Marrakech

Abdelkader El Bouni is one of the last master artisans in Morocco preserving the ancestral craft of qraqeb making. The qraqeb is a hand-held musical instrument made of iron. Abdelkader opens his workshop for a unique cultural experience every Friday, welcoming guests by appointment to witness the creation of these traditional metal castanets, essential to Gnawa musicians. Visitors observe the meticulous process of shaping raw metal into powerful instruments in a 2-hour immersion into a centuries-old art form kept alive through skill and dedication. Deeply rooted in the sacred tradition of Gnawa music, this experience is based on a philosophy of offering rather than fixed pricing, inviting each guest to contribute what they feel is fair, fostering a spirit of respect and cultural transmission. This is more than just a demonstration, it is an opportunity to connect with a living heritage and support the continuation of a profound artistic legacy.