The old tower doesn‘t always have give way to a new one. The transformation of the cities around the Mediterranean under the conditions of global economic interests might homogenise the lifestyles of certain population groups, while others might be marginalised. But, as a journey around the Mediterranean demonstrates, the local characteristics are specific. The standardised new buildings along the Bou-Regreg River are only several hundred metres from Rabat‘s Medina. Small businesses flourish in the market‘s narrow alleys. None of the suburban shopping malls have succeeded thus far in replacing the market‘s central role as an economic factor and a social arena for all classes.