The luxurious Merak cigarette was sold in an unusual wood round 50 container. This furniture grade box featured a patented silver metal lid, and a paper label that pictured one of the many pleasures of the Kasbah. The deluxe Merak Cigarette was probably meant for milady's vanity, a bridge prize, or as a sophisticated gift. Merak was the only brand that the Schmidt and Company produced. The word 'merak' comes from the Aarabic Al Marakk, which means 'the loins of the Bear'. Merak is a star in the Ursa Major constellation. The Kasbah or Casbah is closer to home. This old quarter in the city of Algiers is a labyrinth of narrow passageways and mud-brick and stucco houses that rises above the city giving residents a terrific view of the Mediterranean Sea. However, because of a violent history and earthquake damage, the Casbah has fallen upon hard times. Many homes have crumbled into ruin, and now the Casbah is a dingy slum being eyed by developers.