Al-Hamidiyah Souq

Al-Hamidiyah Souq is the largest and the central souq in Syria, located inside the old walled city of Damascus next to the Citadel. The souq starts at Al-Thawra street and ends at the Umayyad Mosque plaza.

History

The souq dates back to the Ottoman Empire period and is named after the 34th Ottoman Sultan, Abdul Hamid II. It was designed and built by the Ottomans in the mid-19th century along the axis of the city's Roman eastern decumanus. The souq was further expanded in the early 20th century during the last years of Ottoman rule over Syria.

Description

The souq is 600 meters long and 15 meters wide, and is covered with a 10 meter high iron arch. The souq is famous for its wide variety of goods, including clothes, fabrics, spices, traditional artifacts, perfumes, and many other products. It is also known for its Midani soaps and traditional Syrian sweets, such as Baklava and Nabulsi sweets.

Cultural Significance

Al-Hamidiyah Souq is not just a commercial center, but also a cultural and social hub. It reflects the vibrant life in the heart of Damascus, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The souq has been a significant place for cultural exchange, as it has been a meeting point for traders and travelers from different parts of the world for centuries.

See Also

• Souq al-Madina
• Bazaar
• Economy of Syria

References

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