Saturday, April 6, 2013

Afghani and Turkish Souks of Jeddah



Jeddah afghani souk from Susie Khalil

Special thanks to Alicia Ali and Nomad Tours for organizing this fantastic outing.   

18 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing! I love the photos, and especially the teapots are exquisite! I don't think I remember seeing those when I was in Saudi. I also always wanted one of the wooden decorative doors.
    I had gone with my husband to an antique souq in Riyadh, and it seemed it was mostly western people in that area. I asked him why Saudi's aren't buying these items, they are so beautiful and historical. He replied, that to us, it isn't that old.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kristine - You are most welcome! It was such a wonderful and interesting day in Al Balad. I was actually overwhelmed with all that I saw - I loved the teapots too. They are so cool looking! Even if they aren't that old... !

      Delete
  2. A haven for exquiste shoppers...i love the vibrant colours of the rugs, rings and light..wish i knew about this place when i was there. Thanks susie for posting x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Hamd - I was very tempted by many of the things I saw there, but I'd like to go back with my husband because he knows how to haggle and I don't. I would probably get ripped off...

      Delete
  3. Looks like a fun market. I really like the rugs and colorful clothing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Gaelyn - The colors and patterns were amazing - sensory overload. I had a hard time choosing! I just got a couple of really nice baskets and my husband told me when I got home with them that I could have paid half of what I paid for them!

      Delete
  4. This is great! I have been to the afghan carpet shop that you have pictured here -- and it is great. Are the turkish goods and the woven baskets in the surrounding streets?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Claire - We walked down one street and into many different shops along the way, so I would say they were all on the same street over a several block area.

      Delete
  5. What a gorgeous photo essay! I enjoy your blog always, but this one of the souks is very special.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jennifer - Thanks for taking the time to let me know how much you liked this post. Much appreciated.

      Delete
  6. I am swooning, Susie!!! Delicious photos! A feast for the eyes!!!

    Wendy from Canada

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Wendy - You described it perfectly: a feast for the eyes!

      Delete
  7. It is an amazingly colorful place. But do women get to shop there?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Marcia - Anyone can shop there. Shopping is a major past time of women here.

      Delete
  8. Hi Susie!
    I absolutely love your blog and this part was just marvellous!!! Unfortunately I haven´t read it until now..../ Birgitta, Finnish ex-pat in Sweden

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Susie,

    Can you tell me exactly where these souk are located? Or at least which neighborhood?

    Mariel

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mariel - Here is a link to a map of the approximate location of the souk: http://goo.gl/maps/3Ku7J

      Delete
  10. Oh wow!! I haven't even seen these before, really beautiful!! Mashallah!!

    ReplyDelete