Syria

The Souks

Souk Al Hamidiyeh

Souk al Hamidiyeh, is the most important Bazaar Street of the old city. It runs 500 meters from east to west and ends at a Roman archway before the Umayyad mosque. Most of the souk is arched over with high iron ribs with corrugated metal. This bazaar has been rebuilt several times, most recently in the 13th century. It is built on the site of an ancient Roman fortress. Some of these remains can still be seen as you walk through the souk.

The Hamidiyeh is a souk for general goods where a lot of souvenirs can be bought. Women's clothing (gallabiyas),  gold lame toreador pants, nargilehs (hubble-bubble pipes), jewelry, chessboards and inlaid mosaic boxes are the most popular among tourists. 

Souk Midhat Pasha
This souk is often known as Souk al Taweel. It is parallel to Souk al-Hamidiyeh and runs from Bab Sharki to Bab al-Jabieh. It was built in 1878 by the governor of Damascus, Midhat Pasha. The most interesting vestige in this souk, is the Arabic style house known as Maktab Anbar. 

Souk Al Bzouriyeh
This is the souk that extends from Souk Midhat Pasha to the Azem palace. It is famous for its small spice and soap shops and for the al- Nouri bath--one of the few baths remaining from the 12th century. Also located there is Khan Asaad Pasha.

Souk Al Harir
This souk which is situated near the Umayyad mosque was built by Darwish Pasha in 1574. It joins with Al Hamidiyeh on one side and with souk al Khayateen the other end. The mausoleum of Nur Eddin Zengi is located between these two souks.