Souqs

A souq, souk, or bazaar is a marketplace in the Arab world and in many Muslim-majority regions. The term comes from the Arabic sūq meaning market, and it is used across North Africa and the Middle East, with similar concepts found in Persian and Turkish-speaking areas. Souqs can be open-air or covered and are often part of a city’s historic core or a dedicated market quarter, sometimes organized by narrow lanes or specialized streets.

Typical features include pedestrian-only lanes, arched entrances, and rows of stalls or small shops. Bargaining is common, and prices are frequently negotiable. Goods sold in souqs range widely: textiles, spices, dried fruits, cosmetics, leather, pottery, jewelry, metalwork, perfumes, carpets, and foodstuffs; livestock is still sold in some traditional markets. Many souqs also host specialized districts for gold, clothing, electronics, or crafts, and some merchants offer services such as tailoring, repair, or restoration.

Historically, souqs have served as economic and social hubs, linking regional trade routes with urban life. They often grew around caravanserais, mosques, and city gates, and many were organized under guilds or waqf endowments. Architecture frequently features arcades, courtyards, and shaded walkways, designed for climate and commerce. Notable examples include the souqs of Marrakech, the Khan el-Khalili complex in Cairo, and Doha’s Souq Waqif, among others.

In the modern era, many souqs remain important cultural and tourist destinations. They balance tradition with contemporary commerce, adapting to new goods and regulations while preserving historic interiors and the bargaining culture that characterizes many of these markets.