Souk Okaz
Souk Okaz is a souq, or open air market, near Ta'if, in Saudi Arabia. It was the largest and best known souq in pre-Islamic times.[1] Today it is a popular tourist destination.[2]
History
Souk Okaz was a seasonal market which operated for two weeks each year during the month of Dhu al-Qi'dah.[1] It was active from approximately 542-726 CE.[1] It was more than a market, it was an important center where Arabs would meet to formalize tribal rules, settle disputes, pass judgments, make agreements, announce treaties and truces, hold sporting competitions and races, poetry competitions, and hold religious gatherings.[1] It was especially important for poetry competitions, which served to formalize rules of Arabic language grammar and syntax.[1] It was destroyed by the Kharijites in 726.[1]
The location of Souk Okaz was disputed until historian Muhammad bin Abdallah al-Blahad rediscovered it.[1]
Modern Souk
A modern souk has been recreated at the location of the historic souk.[3] Each year's souk honors a different poet.[3] The souk covers 14 million square meters of land.[4] In modern times, as in the past, there are lectures, sporting competitions, poetry, artwork, and items for sale.
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Hariri-Rifai, Wahbi; Hariri-Rifai, Mokhless (1990). The Heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. GDG Exhibits Trust. pp. 252–254. ISBN 9780962448300. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
- ^ "Souk Okaz". Saudi Tourism. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
- ^ a b "Souk Okaz". Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA). Retrieved 8 May 2015.
- ^ Abdullah, Naheel (January 11, 2015). "Historic Souq Okaz to kick off Thursday". Saudi Gazette. Retrieved 8 May 2015.