mellahs

A mellah, plural mellahs, was a distinct quarter or ghetto in Moroccan cities where Jews were traditionally compelled to live. The term derives from the Arabic word for salt, possibly referring to the practice of salting the heads of executed criminals in public squares, which were sometimes located near mellahs. These segregated neighborhoods were not unique to Morocco, with similar Jewish quarters existing in other parts of the world.

Historically, mellahs developed for a variety of reasons, including protection for the Jewish community and to maintain social order. They often featured distinct architectural styles and a strong sense of community life. Within the mellah, Jewish law and customs were practiced freely, and residents often formed their own internal governance structures.

The establishment of mellahs varied across different Moroccan cities and time periods. Some were walled compounds, while others were more integrated parts of the urban fabric, albeit segregated. Life within the mellah was not always one of hardship; many mellahs became vibrant centers of Jewish culture, commerce, and learning.

In the 20th century, with the decline of the mellah system and the emigration of much of the Moroccan Jewish population, many mellahs have fallen into disrepair or have been redeveloped. Today, remnants of some mellahs can still be found, serving as historical markers of a significant chapter in Moroccan Jewish history.