Souq Waqif: A market for all trades
After well-planned projects for restoration, renovation and modernisation of Souq Waqif, the execution of the plans began in 2004. One year later, the Souq, situated in the middle of Doha city, opened for traditional trades, as it used to be, and as a tourist attraction.
General historical data, including aerial photographs and architectural remains proved that before land reclamation, which took place in certain coastal areas in Doha, the Souq was very close to the Arabian Gulf shore and was part of the so-called Wadi Mushareeb.
In the early forties of the last century, the middle parts of the valley (wadi mushareeb) seemed to have been flooded. Consequently, traders, vendors and buyers used to conduct their trades and transactions higher up in the valley while standing rather than sitting or squatting. Thereafter the souq came to be called Souq Waqif (standing market).
The souq is still considered the main source of daily supplies such as rice, dates, flour, sugar, spices, and textiles…. etc, and is also a place for selling building tools and materials, such as wooden logs, reeds and gypsum.
In earlier times, Bedouins (nomads), used to bring to the souq their livestock, dairy, fat and timber charcoal every Thursday and offer them either for barter or sale.
Because of the economic boom and the stability of Qatar in later times, goods from all of Arabia, India and Iraq increased the souq’s commercial activities. It gradually became one of the most vital and active trade centres in Doha.
Historical data also reveal that the first hotel built in the souq was Hotel Bismillah (in the name of God) and Qatari women used to sell their woollen carpets, textiles, jewellery, semi-precious stones, and traditional food on the sidewalks of the souq.
Among other traditional customs which are still practiced in Souq Waqif are donkey rides, and small restaurants serving traditional dishes such as kuftaha and kibab served with traditional bread and sour milk (liben).
In one part of the Souq there are lanes packed with different kinds of birds and domestic animals which one can buy.
A visit to Souq Waqif, whether it is during the day or night, or just to enjoy lunch, dinner or brunch, seems to bridge the present and the past.
The Peninsula
