The streets in the medina are so crowded and narrow that cars (too wide) and even mopeds (too hard to control on steep hills and at low speeds) are impractical. So, centuries later, the donkey remains the preferred transport for delivering loads to shops and houses.

When two donkeys heading in opposite directions meet, everyone else has to get out of the way so they can pass. Sometimes shopkeepers even have to move their displays out of the way to make room.

You can always tell when a donkey's coming up behind you, because of the gravelly cry of "belek, belek" ("Watch yourself!") from its handler, walking through the streets repeating the same single word all day long.