QNA
Doha
Tours to traditional markets, ornate decorations, old wooden doors, and craft shops, offer a visual pleasure, as these places overtly narrate the history of forebears and their stories, especially since the operation of these markets is not only pigeonholed into commercial activities, but rather a source of information to delve deep into the nation’s history and patrimony.
These markets preserve old images and ancient heritage of marketplaces.
Souq Waqif is considered one of the most consequential tourism and heritage landmarks in Qatar. The market boasts of maintaining its inveterate architecture, underscoring Qatar’s interest in its authentic culture and heritage which the country always boasts of them, making it the best preferable destination for tourists from a variety of countries, especially from the GCC states.
Souq Waqif embraces traditional products, heritage clothing, and handmade crafts that narrate the story of a rich legacy, all crafted by skilled artisans who have inherited these trades from their forebears. It also offers a variety of spices and seasonings, which are renowned in both Qatari and Arab traditional cuisines.
At the entry of the market visitors stumble on ancient shops that showcase handicrafts such as box-making, weaving of Sadu rugs, incense burners, horse saddles, ropes, wooden ships, fishing boats, and heritage-inspired models like straw baskets, palm fronds, and traditional folk toys, in addition to jewelry, traditional clothing, and many more.
Researcher in popular heritage Khalifa Al Sayyid Al Maliki said that Souq Waqif is renowned for preserving its ancient architectural style with traditional shops, reminding visitors of the deep-rooted past, affirming that this authenticity has made the market a primary destination for families to behold the Qatari heritage, along with visual pleasure.
Maliki highlighted that the market garners visitors’ attention by reminding them of ancient history, offering a visual pleasure that prompts many to prefer this place for its traditional charm. Visitors are committed to purchasing and acquiring antiques and souvenirs, such as keychains, artwork, decorative pieces, embroidered crafts, bead and thread ornaments, and old Qatari stamps, which encapsulate the essence of life in an artistic form, illuminating the significance and value of traditional markets, not only for tourists but for diverse social groups as well, said Maliki.
He added that the market embraces craftsmen and artisans, particularly those specialising in goldsmithing according to traditional styles. The winding alleys of the market reflect a lively scene of traditional street life, offering the visitors a wide range of artifacts, drawing the attention of foreign tourists, who are particularly drawn to handmade crafts and heritage jewellery.
Strikingly, visitors are eager to capture photographs and purchase souvenirs, such as swords and daggers adorned with silver and copper, along with other items that express the rich heritage and history of the people of Qatar, said Maliki, stating that the shops sell fishing equipment, diving gear, and everything related to the maritime heritage.
“Souq Waqif embraces woven fabrics, rugs, wooden furniture, and glass ornaments crafted in nearby workshops. The air is filled with the scent of spices, where visitors can find a variety of rare Arabic flavours, ranging from whole spices to ground ones, such as saffron, thyme, dried flowers, dried black lemon, and various other types of dates, honey, tea leaves, and coffee beans, which give it a unique character,” he said.
Maliki highlighted that Souq Waqif features shops selling both folk and modern clothing, as well as stores specialising in diverse types of incense and perfumes, with a special section devoted to dried fruits, spices, and more, alongside heritage shops that are spread across different areas of the market, indicating that diversity and richness cater to the varied tastes of visitors.
He expressed hope to converge all heritage-related shops in a specific corner or street, as this would make it easier for visitors to seamlessly locate and access these areas.
Souq Waqif earned significant popularity during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, as it hosted numerous events for countries’ fans, the legacy that was ingrained in the memories of many world countries, positioning itself as a hub for tourists from all nationalities.
The market embodies a vibrant and enduring life prompting tourists to spend long days at the market’s corridors commuting between bird, gold and heritage antiques markets, where visitors capture their experiences in vivid photos shared on social media, as well as through expressive images and text messages that document these special moments.
