Souk: The traditional marketplace that provides an exceptional shopping experience
Souk is the Arabic word for marketplace. Traditionally they were open-air marketplaces situated in the outskirts of the city for better convenience and accessibility of travellers across the globe. The Souk as everything else in this world has undergone many changes but has managed to adapt to one of the most dynamic retail scenes in the world. Shops arranged along narrow streets gathered according to the goods offered and covered for protection from sun and some even air-conditioned, souk provides an exceptional shopping experience for all.
Here are a few factors that make the souk shopping an exceptional experience:
Astonishing Architecture:
Mostly found in Western Asia and Northern Africa, the structural design of souks were inherited from Islamic art. Gateways defining entrances to souks is an architectural design that has prominently continued to be a part of souks after all these changes over the years. Narrow and clustered streets are one of many distinct features of the souk.
Unique Experience:
In the olden days, souks were a place for gatherings. It’s a place for the celebration of culture and togetherness. Even though this might not be the case now, most souks have managed to preserve this experience to an extent. Stepping into these souks take you back in time and provide a unique experience different from today’s mall shopping culture.
Authentic products:
The products bought from souks might not have a tag or a brand name, but it can be more authentic than the mass-produced goods, especially for the local goods at specific places like perfumes in Dubai, carpets in Turkey and others. Produced and sold by the locals, these goods will be more authentic than the store-bought ones.
Rare collection:
If you enjoy shopping and has the liberty of spending hours for it, the souk is the ideal destination for you. Everything might not be rare, but this is the place you can find rare artefacts and antiquities.
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