Souk Style - F&T Nov 2016

More documents

Recommendations

Info

MUSCAT, OMAN – MUTTRAH SOUK Muscat’s Muttrah <strong>Souk</strong> may not be as famous as some of the other markets in the region, partly because of its location away from the glitz and glamour of Dubai or the proximity to Europe or Morocco, but it is no less impressive than its more famous neighbours. Staying low-key has allowed Muscat’s souk to keep its centuries old heritage and unique culture; and most importantly, traditional gifts and wares have not been taken over by cheap Asian imports. The Muttrah <strong>Souk</strong> has an authenticity that just has to be discovered. When you first arrive at the grand entrance to the souk, complete with its Islamic-style domed staircase, you would be forgiven for thinking that the souk is tiny because you can see from one end to the other through the roofed walkway. However, there are tens, if not hundreds, of small disconcerting alleyways overflowing with an intoxicating array of small stalls, cafes and obscure meeting areas. Local Omani men can be seen doing their weekly shop in the market, dressed in clean white dishdasha and neatly wrapped colourful masar on their heads. There are thousands of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered deep inside Muttrah, the most impressive of which has to be an Omani khanjar, a Bedouin ceremonial dagger in a hook shape. Before the beloved Sultan Qaboos came to power only royals were permitted to wear these, but now Omani men can often be seen with them hanging from their waists. There are stalls hidden in the souk selling these daggers, some made from golds and silvers, and some from coppers and brass. There are even shopkeepers who can design the khanjar especially for the wearer and have them delivered within a few weeks. Look out for these expertly shaped daggers with their intricately carved designs on the sheath and try to haggle for the best price. Oman is also famous for its frankincense, an aromatic resin or oil that can be added to perfumes and bath products. These nuggets of yellow or green resin are famed across Oman for their medicinal properties, including as an indigestion aid, a flu reliever, and a scar or acne remedy. You might not be familiar with this truly Middle Eastern miracle cure, but the stall owners are. Just follow your nose; follow the unfamiliar scent and you will find. FOOD & TRAVEL ARABIA 55
MARRAKESH, MOROCCO – DJEMAA EL-FNA Djemaa El-Fna, North Africa’s synonymous souk is also possibly the world’s most famous marketplace. This hot, smelly and crowded souk in the middle of Marrakesh is a common feature in every brochure advertising Morocco, along with its packed rows of bright spices in baskets, steaming pots of Moroccan mint tea, and red fez hats hanging from shop walls. There is nowhere else on earth quite like Djemma El-Fna, Morocco’s well-known gem. Set in the old medina of Marrakesh, this symbol of Berber traditions is a cacophony of storytellers, musicians and performers competing to attract the attention of visitors. The place really comes alive at night; this is when the food stalls selling everything from camel stew to steamed snails come alive, and when traditional snake charmers and monkey handlers come out. The smells of cooking food and shisha smoke combine to create a confusing haze as the sun sets over the towering minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. When you set off to explore this confusing system of tall walled lanes and streets you simply cannot avoid basket after basket full of brightly coloured spices and herbs. Sourcing the most fragrant and best tasting spice is to be recommended on a visit to Djemma El- Fna. Haggle for cinnamon, cloves, mint and chilli with the seemingly endless array of stallholders with a wide variety to choose from. Baskets filled with dates and mint leaves are also to be found in abundance, and here’s why. ISTANBUL, TURKEY – GRAND BAZAAR Istanbul’s huge Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s oldest indoor markets, first opened in 1461, and it sells everything that you could ever want, ranging from knock-off designer clothing, traditional Turkish memorabilia, Ottoman antiques, and the latest technology. Travel writers and explorers have been writing about the bazaar for centuries, including in the 17th century when Europeans detailed the town-like design of the market. There were reportedly 67 roads, 7 fountains, 5 mosques, and 18 entry gates inside the bazaar, many of which still exist in some form to this day – although an earthquake in 1894 destroyed much of the structure. There are roads of market stalls lining the impressively carved building, each road with a specific concentration of goods. There are roads of jewellers and gold on Kalpakcılar Caddesi, furniture along Divrikli Caddesi, carpets on Sahaflar Caddesi, leather goods along Perdahçılar Caddesi, and modern designer clothes on Bit Pazarı. The Grand Bazaar is a great place to try your hand at haggling because the sellers overprice their wares, often by more than double the cost price. One of the most popular souvenirs that visitors to the Grand Bazaar search for is a traditional Turkish Eye called a Nazar, a mythical blue eye coloured pendant that comes in the form as a necklace, bracelet, keyring, or photo. Tradition dictates that the amulet protects the owner from the “evil eye”, an ancient legend in which an evil glare from an enemy causes misfortune and injury. Whether or not you believe the legend, the eye makes for a great souvenir to take home as a memento of your visit to Istanbul and its Grand Bazaar. 56 FOOD & TRAVEL ARABIA
Page 1: Souk style What to buy in the world

Souk Style - F&T Nov 2016

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?