shuk

Shuk is the Hebrew word for market, referring to a traditional marketplace in Israel and in Jewish communities. The term is cognate with the Arabic souk (or suq) and is used in many languages to designate a marketplace. In Hebrew, shuk can denote an open-air or covered bazaar where vendors sell produce, meats, baked goods, spices, textiles, and prepared foods. Shuks are both commercial and social spaces, where people shop, eat, and socialize.

In Israel, shuks range from large urban markets to smaller neighborhood bazaars. They are often busy and labyrinthine, with stalls arranged in aisles and menus offered by street-food vendors. Shuks reflect local and immigrant cuisines and are popular destinations for residents and visitors alike.

Notable examples include Machane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem, known for its wide range of produce and eateries, and Shuk HaCarmel in Tel Aviv, a historic market near the city center. Similar markets exist throughout Israel and in Jewish communities abroad, where the term shuk is sometimes used to refer to a similar marketplace.

Beyond its primary meaning, Shuk can appear as a surname in various cultures, or as part of place names and organizational titles. The term broadly denotes a marketplace in contexts influenced by Hebrew-speaking or Arabic-speaking cultures.