You recognize the fact that they are prostitutes by the way they dress and they look at potential clients. There are an estimated 50, prostitutes in Morocco. A study by the health ministry looked at data from and , stating that there are as many as 19, only between Agadir, Fes, Rabat and Tangiers.
Marrakesh, however, has the lion's share, followed by Casablanca. Just three hours away from the main Italian airports, the city is the capital of tourism: it represents an exotic destination that is close by. There is no intermediary, Moroccan women offer themselves directly.
And they fight for their share of the market with competitors who hail from central Africa. They are aged on average between 18 and 20, they cost between to Dirham, or 50 to 70 euros. The most beautiful, often selected by night clubs, can charge up to euros a night, with dinner paid by the client included.
In the new city, amid what remains of buildings built by the French during the protectorate and new establishments of the movida, the reputation of the girls of Marrakech is reported from tourist to tourist. At night, the places to go are Gueliz and Hivernage, the districts with the highest number of night clubs. The most sought-after clients are those from Saudi Arabia although Europeans are welcome too, provided they have money. And in between jobs, they can get their hair done or pick a beautician until 5 am.
Those seeking to change life are looking for a passport as well as a lifelong income. Desperation instead lies in the medina. In the ancient Jewish district Mellah, women offering sex are older and tariffs go down to 20 Dirham, or 2 euros for sex just two steps from the souk. Some say it is a scandal in the land of Islam. And then there are those who, outside the country's borders, organize dedicated tours for the most demanding clients - with specialized websites listing locations and tariffs in the main cities, giving advice on how to approach prostitutes, the best period for a trip and the best discos.
