souk

The old market, or souk, was treasured by Hussein Jaber, 30, who is part of the government’s emergency services.

“We have been here since we were children. The souk means a great deal to us. It is really sad to see it like this. It holds memories of the past and the beautiful days we spent with the people of this city.”

We met her in the market at the crossing, aptly named Souk al-Har - the Heat Market.

Khodor Sirhal, 60, a farmer from the border village of Kafr Kila, sells olive oil soap at Souk El Tayeb, the market where Beirut hipsters flock every Saturday for organic produce.

The region, one of Morocco's poorest, lies close to Marrakech, a popular tourist destination with luxurious hotels, fancy shopping centres and a historic souk.