By Iyad, Syria Travel Specialist at Syria Link · Published Updated
Overview
Shopping in Syria, especially Damascus, is incredibly amusing because of all the people and street hassle, which creates a scene of variety and affordability for everyone, regardless of financial situation. Souks, or local markets, are where you may get anything you need, from household products and electrical equipment to souvenirs and handicrafts.
What Souks Should You Visit?
Syria's shops have withstood thousands of years of many civilizations. Although there are many different things to buy when shopping at those souks, Syria is best renowned for its gorgeous fabrics and Arabesque furniture adorned with mother-of-pearl. The most well-known ones can be found in Aleppo and Damascus at places like Al-Hamidiyah, Midhat Pasha souq, and Takiyya Suleimaniah.
What to Buy in Aleppo
Al-Madina Souk is the most well-known souq in Aleppo, dating back to the fourteenth century. It has been the world's longest continuously operating covered market since its founding, with retail stores extending for about 13 kilometers.
Souk Al-Saboun contains the largest supply of soap and cosmetics. There, you may buy natural soap that has been produced locally for more than three centuries. The primary ingredient is olive oil, combined with plant extracts and essential oils. Aleppo is also renowned for its cutting-edge malls like Royal Mall.
What to Buy from Damascus
Souk Al Hamidiya — one of the largest shopping districts in Damascus. Rare spices, handicrafts, fashionable jewelry, Damascus steel knives, as well as lovely clothing and footwear in traditional designs are all sold there.
Souk Al Bizuria — a fantastic location for food shopping.
Al Takiyya Sulaymaniyah — they offer exceptionally exquisite gold and silver goods at tempting discounts.
European-style shopping centers in Damascus are also common, including Qassion Mall and Damasquino Mall.
Shopping Norms
The souks are closed on Friday, except for the Christian district, where they close on Sunday. Bargaining is prevalent in the Syrian souk — travelers will need to be at the top of their game because local traders are very proficient. However, most sellers do not have bad intent.
Traditional Syrian Gifts and Souvenirs
- Locally produced valuable and semi-precious stones like mother of pearl
- Lacquered chess sets made of wood
- Gold and silver jewelry
- Hand woven traditional fabrics
- Candy in elegantly adorned gift boxes — authentic sweets, lokum, and baklava
- Antiques from the Saroujah district pawnshops