A strategic location in the heart of the capital: Riyadh’s Souq Al-Zal was established 125 years ago and has become an open-air heritage and folk museum.
Knowledge Affairs – Special
Traditional markets in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are primarily a popular cultural heritage phenomenon. Most of the items they display reflect Saudi heritage, while also presenting customs and traditions that directly represent a rich heritage and a culture whose elements are deeply connected to memory and history.
Among the ancient traditional markets in Riyadh is Souq Al-Zal, established in 1901 CE (1319 AH) in the historic Al-Dirah district. It is a major part of the commercial area surrounding Qasr Al-Hukm, which is full of Saudi authenticity and history. The market covers an area of 38,000 square meters.
Souq Al-Zal is considered the leading destination in Riyadh for tailoring and selling luxurious bishts, traditional men’s clothing, and other heritage garments. The Al-Ahsa bisht is one of the market’s most prominent products, followed by the Syrian, royal, and Tabuk styles. The market also offers hand-embroidered shemaghs, a wide selection of traditional carpets and floor coverings, as well as archaeological items, rare coins, old utensils, antique musical instruments, record players, decorative objects, and old toys. These items bring back memories and serve as keepsakes that people can purchase and preserve in their traditional form. The market resembles an open-air museum that reflects the old folk traditions of Riyadh’s residents. Souq Al-Zal also hosts regular auctions for antiques, swords, daggers, prayer beads, and other items. In addition, the market is bustling with enthusiasts looking to buy authentic oud, incense, saffron, and distinctive oriental perfumes.
Market Geography:
Souq Al-Zal in Riyadh represents a distinctive image of Saudi heritage. It is located in the city center near Qasr Al-Hukm and is surrounded by Al-Masmak Palace, Al-Thumairi Street, and Imam Turki bin Abdullah Grand Mosque. This location gives the market a distinctive character that cannot be found elsewhere in Riyadh.
More specifically, it lies between Tariq bin Ziyad Street to the south, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulwahab Street to the west, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Ibrahim Street to the east. The market is closely connected to Riyadh’s commercial and economic activity.
The High Commission for the Development of Riyadh undertook a project to reorganize the market’s infrastructure, remove the remains of collapsed mud-brick buildings surrounding it, and carry out paving and lighting works along its internal walkways, where active commercial shops operate. It also standardized shop signs and improved the facades and roofs of the internal walkways.
The market derives its importance from its strategic geographical location in the center of the capital. It is also known for its regular public auctions, where antiques and rare goods are displayed, making it a favorite destination for collectors of historical items.
The market is a prominent historical landmark that preserves its heritage identity and traditional buying and selling practices. These traditions reflect the heritage and vibrant character of Riyadh, the capital. The market has also become a tourist destination visited by people from outside the city.
Spatial Dimensions:
Souq Al-Zal in Riyadh includes Sheikh Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh Mosque and is home to Dukhna Square. The square’s design was based on creating a visual connection between architectural elements and service institutions, making it one of Riyadh’s important public squares, both historically and in modern times.
The market also hosts a variety of folkloric and traditional events. It serves as a cultural heritage site and an attractive gateway to the past. Serving Saudi coffee to guests has also become an important part of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and history. The market contains numerous cafés that host various activities, including walks through its passageways and opportunities to watch lighting displays projected onto its old buildings and walls.
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