Souks are markets in the Middle East where merchants sell a variety of products, including handicrafts and artwork. They have existed for thousands of years and may be partially enclosed with narrow streets. Negotiations with shopkeepers are common, and a visit to a souk is a great way to immerse oneself in local culture.
In the Arab world, a souk is a market, which may be held in a designated commercial district or in an open-air location. The souks are an important part of life in the Middle East and their merchants carry a huge assortment of products, from carpets to vegetables. Many people who visit Middle Eastern countries like to take trips to their souks to immerse themselves in the local culture and buy handicrafts such as wood carvings, carpets and jewellery. The term “souk” is also sometimes used to describe a specific stall or cart in a market.
Markets have existed in the Middle East for thousands of years. Most of the major souks probably started out as informal gatherings of merchants in open spaces, slowly developing into a more formal marketplace. Ancient souks may be partially enclosed, with features specifically designed to facilitate trade, such as alcoves for setting up stalls or even small display cases that can be closed and locked for the day. Some souks even have partial ceilings to protect shoppers from the elements, along with narrow streets that don’t allow access for cars, making the souk very pedestrian-friendly.
The commercial district is usually bordered by workshops, with residences further afield. Everything from glasses to meat can be found in a souk, with traders coming to the market from the surrounding area to sell their wares. Many Middle Eastern countries have long traditions of art, and beautiful examples of artwork of all shapes and sizes can be found in these markets, often at very reasonable prices.
Traditionally, the buyers of a souk have to negotiate with the shopkeepers to reach a price. Negotiations can be drawn out which can be confusing for Western visitors, used to paying the marked price and moving on. Especially for large items such as carpets, customers should sit down with the shopkeeper and be offered tea and snacks while the price is discussed. Price negotiations may also include a fee for storage or delivery. The first deal of the day should be especially lucky and sets the tone for the rest of the shopkeeper’s working day.
If you happen to travel to the Middle East and have the opportunity to visit a souk, you definitely should. Some regions have particularly famous markets with a long and interesting history, and a souk is a great place to gather mementos from your trip. You may want to find a local guide to ensure you are educated on local cultural norms so that you have an enjoyable day at the market.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
