souq

Souq, also spelled souk or sūq, is a traditional marketplace found throughout the Arab world and in parts of Africa and Asia. The term derives from the Arabic sūq, meaning market. In many cities, the souq historically formed the commercial heart of town, where merchants gathered to trade goods from local crafts and distant regions.

Typical souqs feature covered or open-air passages, narrow alleys, and rows of stalls or shops. Goods are often organized by market districts or by specialized lanes, such as a spice souq, a gold souq, or a textile souq. Haggling is a common, often expected, element of price negotiation, and the atmosphere blends commerce with social interaction, scents, and displays of crafts.

Geography and notable examples: Souqs are widespread across the Middle East and North Africa, with famous examples including Mutrah Souq in Muscat, Oman; the Gold and Spice Souqs of Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Souq Waqif in Doha, Qatar. Historic souqs also operate in cities such as Cairo, Marrakech, Fez, and Tunis, where traditional crafts and ingredients remain central to daily life and tourism.

History and modernization: Souqs emerged in medieval Islamic cities as centers of trade along caravan routes and inland markets. They have adapted to change, with some sites preserved as cultural heritage and tourist attractions, while others have evolved or declined in the face of modern shopping malls and e-commerce. Today, many souqs continue to function as living markets that preserve craft traditions and local commerce.