MIA Park hosts a version of the famous Souq Al Hamediya

Khadiza Begum

Content Writer

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A small version of the famous Souq Al Hamediya — the biggest souq in Syria situated in Damascus — has been set up at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park on the sidelines of “Syria Matters” exhibition in celebration of MIA’s 10th anniversary.

A major attraction for Syrians and tourists alike, Souq Al Hamediya is an important historical souq dating back over a hundred years and comprises hundreds of stalls selling all kinds of items from clothes and perfumes to spices and textiles to antiques and souvenirs.

The MIA version of the souq provides visitors unique Syrian shopping experience with a sampling of goods that can be found in the well-known Damascene souq, thus complementing and adding value to the ongoing exhibition.

Located just beside the museum where “Syria Matters” exhibition can be viewed, the souq welcomes visitors to a wide array of Syrian products that can be found in more than 30 stalls of Syrian vendors. Some of the items that can be bought at the souq are clothes, embroideries, antiques, furniture, carpets, lamps, Syrian glass, Arabic coffee pots, swords, toys, food, nuts and sweets.

One of the stalls offers Booza, which is pounded ice cream famous in the Arab world and reminiscent of Bakdash – a renowned ice cream parlour in Al Hamediya Souq frequented by both locals and foreigners. A traditional juice seller wearing native costume also adds to the authentic ambience of the souq.

Just outside the souq are tables and chairs where people can conveniently sample the food they purchased from the market in the already pleasant weather.

Open from 2pm to 10pm every day until December 23, the souq introduces visitors to the prominent Souq Al Hamediya in the ancient walled city of Damascus which has not been affected by the civil war.

Exhibition

Meanwhile, visitors can see more than 120 objects at the “Syria Matters” exhibition at MIA’s Special Exhibitions Gallery until April 30.

Presented as part of MIA’s “commitment to safeguarding the rich culture that has been tragically lost in the civil war,” the exhibition sheds light on Syria’s rich architectural and cultural history with objects displayed dating back as far as the country’s early pre-Islamic period up to its contributions to modern history.

Visitors to the exhibition are taken on a journey through time and space featuring immersive and innovative digital renderings of Syria’s key heritage sites including Damascus, Aleppo and Palmyra, much of which was left in ruins because of the seven-year long civil war.