Souqs

Sub Section: Forts & Castles Archaeology Traditional Souqs

      The traditional Arabic market place is called the souq and these are found in many of the towns throughout the Sultanate. One of the oldest preserved souqs in Oman is in Muttrah, on the Corniche. Gold and silver jewellery is found in abundance as well as numerous wooden carvings, ornaments and spices. Muttrah souq is a maze of pathways leading in and out of each other. 'Household' goods make up the bulk of the souq, but browsing through some of the smaller shops may result in a lucky find. Bargaining is a must, however. Gold and silver are well priced and mainly sold by weight. Good buys are silver khanjars (the traditional Omani dagger, worn by men) and incense burners.

Nizwa souq hosts a lively cattle market early each Friday morning where cows, goats and sheep are auctioned. The obstinate behaviour of the animals often provides great amusement for the spectators. There is an abundance of local handicrafts and produce in the covered souq. Silversmiths can be seen hammering patterns into the hilts of khanjars and women sell the birka, a glittering, embroidered facemask worn by local ladies.

Sinaw souq is best visited early in the morning on weekends. It has similar ware to Nizwa souq, including a cattle market. Some of the silver shops sell the old silver Bedouin jewellery, but you have to look hard. This is actually the new souq, the old one being situated to the rear. The old one is now abandoned.

      Ibra souq is open to all, as long as you are female! It is a fairly recent innovation, opened in 1990 and is held on Wednesday mornings. It is the only souq in Oman which lends itself totally to the needs of women. Lotions, cosmetics, powders, textiles, perfumes and henna are amongst some of the items on sale.

      In Muscat or most of the big cities all around the world we find the old markets still exist despite the spread of giant shopping malls. Al Dhalam (darkness) Market in Muttrah is one of the most popular bazaars in Muscat. It has been named after darkness because of the crowded stalls and lanes where the sunrays do not infiltrate during the day and the shoppers need lamps to know their destinations.

      The name of the market has been drawn specifically from the part that extends from Al Lawatiya Mosque to Khour Bimba where the place is really full of stores and stalls and the narrow area of lanes does not allow the sunlight to enter.

      In the past the market was built from mud and palm leaves, which suit the high temperatures and the hard climate conditions at that lime.

      The market was a source of supply for Omanis where they can buy their needs in the sixties when life requirements were simple than today. Most of the goods were imported, in addition to local products like textiles, fruit, vegetables and dates.

      The market becomes more crowded and active during Eid seasons when Oman is come from all over the country to buy garments and jewelry.

      Al Dhalam Market in Muttrah is considered popular, social and economic record that reflects Omani features in the different walks of life.

      Muscat Municipality has renovated and decorated the market to maintain the popular style and it also paved the ways and lanes to afford the shoppers and tourists all comfort.

Herirtage attractions:- Forts & Castles Archaeology Traditional Souqs

Tourism:- Welcome To Oman Regions eco-tourism Heritage attractions Entertainment Wildlife Articles Visa Tourist guide