JORDAN-SOUK BUKHARIA Amman's oldest souk thrives despite competition from modern malls

Record ID: 407340

  • Title: JORDAN-SOUK BUKHARIA Amman's oldest souk thrives despite competition from modern malls
  • Date: 14th January 2015
  • Summary: AMMAN, JORDAN (JANUARY 14, 2015) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF SOUK BUKHARIA SIGN READING (Arabic): "SOUK BUKHARIA, THE OLDEST MARKET IN THE KINGDOM. ESTABLISHED IN 1942" VARIOUS OF PEOPLE SHOPPING IN SOUK MAN TALKING TO A VENDOR VARIOUS OF WOMEN SHOPPING VARIOUS OF MOHAMMAD BUKHARI, ONE OF THE OLDEST VENDORS AT THE MARKET, WORKING AT HIS STORE (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) MARKET VENDOR, MOHAMMAD BUKHARI, SAYING: "It was established in 1942 in Amman's square (square of al-Husseini mosque opposite the current location of the market). Afterwards, when buildings were constructed, this market was established and it moved from that location to this location. But basically, it was established in 1942." BUKHARI IN HIS STORE (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) MARKET VENDOR, MOHAMMAD BUKHARI, SAYING: "In the beginning, the market was a meeting point for everyone because they could find everything they wanted: needles, thread, gifts and toys and many other things, so it was a meeting place. Those who came from outside Amman used to ask their relatives to take them to the Bukharia market. The Bukharia market was a main thing in Amman, a meeting place for everyone, where they found everything." MAN TALKING TO A VENDOR VENDOR IN SHOP SELLING HARDWARE AND IRONMONGERY ITEMS IN SHOP VARIOUS OF WOMEN SHOPPING ORNATE LANTERNS HANGING WOMEN LOOKING AT GOODS ON SALE (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) MARKET VISITOR, AMER BANI AMER, SAYING: "Souk Bukharia has a heritage and a reputation and we have always known that it has items which we cannot find in other malls. It's an enjoyable place to shop." WOMEN AND VENDORS IN HABERDASHERY VARIOUS OF ROLLS OF RIBBON ON DISPLAY MARKET ALLEY KNIVES ON SALE VARIOUS OF NECKLACES ON SALE PEOPLE IN MARKET
  • Embargoed: 29th January 2015 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Jordan
  • Country: Jordan
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA123A09545WK0K7UUNH7BJ9I1J
  • Story Text: Amman's oldest market doesn't stock the latest gadgets or high tech consumer items. But it attracts a loyal following and regular visitors from out of town to its shops stacked high with more traditional offerings.
    Souk Bukharia was established in 1942 by members of the Bukharia community, who settled in Amman after leaving their Bukhara homes in Uzbekistan at the time of the Russian revolution in 1917, market vendor Mohammad Bukhari said.
    The market was set up by Bukhara merchants, who used to gather to trade outside, in the central square of al-Husseini mosque. It later moved to its current location, which is home to 21 stores.
    "It was established in 1942 in Amman's square (square of al-Husseini mosque opposite the current location of the market). Afterwards, when buildings were constructed, this market was established and it moved from that location to this location. But basically, it was established in 1942," said Bukhari, who has been working in the market for 50 years.
    The father of five said the market was well known for its wide range of goods and was a must-see site for Amman's visitors.
    "In the beginning, the market was a meeting point for everyone because they could find everything they wanted: needles, thread, gifts and toys and many other things, so it was a meeting place. Those who came from outside Amman used to ask their relatives to take them to the Bukharia market. The Bukharia market was a main thing in Amman, a meeting place for everyone, where they found everything," he said.
    The market's shops and alleyways are piled high with goods ranging from decorative lanterns to rolls of ribbon.
    Amer Bani Amer, one of the market's loyal shoppers, said although there were a number of shopping centres in Amman, shopping at downtown's Souk Bukharia was special.
    "Souk Bukharia has a heritage and a reputation and we have always known that it has items which we cannot find in other malls. It's an enjoyable place to shop," he said.
    Whilst the souk faces stiff competition from west Amman's upscale malls, it still manages to attract regulars who like the hardware and haberdashers, and visitors who browse the aisles looking at bright beaded necklaces and ornately decorated daggers.
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