Q Life Magazine Q Magazine (US) May 2016 | Page 54
| Issue 2
Souq Waqif:
The Social Heart of Doha
M
uch like a bazaar, a souq is
an open market. And Souq
Waqif in Doha has served people
for centuries as the place to trade
wool and animals for other goods
and daily necessities. Over time, the
souq fell into disrepair and risked
ruin before a decision to preserve
the historical site in 2004. The souq
was then completely renovated and
restored according to traditional
Qatari architectural techniques.
| Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar
As one of the last historical souqs
still standing in the Gulf, Souq
Waqif sees swarms of tourists
daily who come to shop, dine, and
experience a cultural tradition.
Locals also come to purchase
traditional goods.
Get lost in the labyrinth of alleyways
and you’ll find anything from spices
and rugs to traditional clothes,
cashmere, pets, and perfume.
| Traditional rugs at Souq Waqif
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| Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar