The common sight of the camel and his rider, above, is seen at the Souk Okaz in Taif. Left below, Britons David Walker and his friend Craig at the Souk. Center, American Michael Word and his friend Maher with a group of Saudis. Right, an artisan working on handicrafts. — SG photos Saleh Fareed TAIF — For Hamad Al Otaibi and his family visiting Souk Okaz every year is a must to get a glimpse of poetry sessions, performances of music and traditional dances, display of Bedouin handicrafts and of course, lots of shopping. As he was walking into the famous Souk, the 56 year-old Al Otaibi said: “I want my kids to see the most famous of annual fairs anywhere on the Arabian Peninsula. I always bring them here not just to see the beautiful architecture, heritage and traditions of the various provinces, but to experience what the Arabs used to do at this economic and cultural meeting center.” He described the event as a destination for ancient Arab intellectuals and poets and people passionate about culture and literature. “It is a great thing to keep such a very important cultural and heritage period of the Arabs,” he said. Souk Okaz, located approximately 40 kms north of Taif and in its 7th year, was inspired by the Arabs' past and represents cultural debates, poetry reading, folkloric and pop music shows, traditional cuisine and crafts. The Souk Okaz Festival was revived in 2008 by Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal under the aegis of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. Prince Khaled is a renowned poet himself and has said, "Poetry is the history of the Arab because Arabs in the past were depending on poetry, more than any other literary form, to express their emotions.” American Michael Word, who is currently working as a teacher for King Abdullah Air Defense Academy, said, “From the time ‘ve been living here, I have seen many signs all over the city promoting the event and decided to go and take a look along with my Saudi friend.” “What I know is it is a century old event, it has been re-done, it is a very modern and it is a beautiful mixture of old and new.” “I think every expat in Saudi should visit this Souk, not just to see the beautiful architecture, heritage and traditions and culture, but to experience the activities organized at an old Arab market. This is such a unique chance to interact with people from all over the Kingdom,” he said. The American teacher bought an old stick and jokingly he said, “I bought this stick to gently re-direct my students.” His friend Dr. Maher Al Saadi of King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital noted that he brought Word just to see the atmosphere of Souk Okaz and also to show him an old Arabs' Souk. “Also I want to him be aware of our cultural folk dances and other heritage activities,” he said. Britons David Walker and his friend Craig from BAE System said they too are here for the first time to see the Souk. “We are here to enjoy a unique cultural feat offered by Souk Okaz through the various events. It is truly a great atmosphere and hope we will learn more about this event,” said David. Craig added, “I have heard about the folk music and dance and I am looking forward to see various folk dances of Saudi Arabia.” The festival, which is the re-birth of an ancient Arabian festival dating back to Pre-Islamic times, allows the residents and merchants of the region the necessary security to travel. Traders brought goods via camel and donkey to the Souk Okaz. Bedouin crafts such as rugs, camel hair tents, sheepskins, pottery, tools, jewelry, perfumes, produce and spices were sold. Included in this colorful spectacle of the Souk were poets and Qur'an reciters who came to participate in contests. Speaking about the history of Souk Okaz, Mohammed Al Hamdan from the information center said Okaz is the most famous ancient market in the Arabian Peninsula. It got its name from what Arabs used to do there — they bragged about their own achievements and ancestors. The market is first recorded in 500 B.C. The Quraish, a leading Arab tribe to which the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) belonged to, came up with the idea of having a place where Arabs could gather and be united. “The market began when pilgrims arrived in Makkah and went on for four months. The Arabs had specified those particular months during which they agreed that they would not use weapons or initiate wars. To them, this was a good idea since it would guarantee a safe environment for trading and other activities,” he elaborated. While walking around the Souk, the cultural area includes a special area for selling traditional food and has a location for children's activities. Men can enjoy cultural events taking place in different tents, while women can also enjoy activities in a tent assigned to them. There are also handicrafts and perfumes made from the famous flowers of Taif. Visitors today to Souk Okaz can enjoy a unique cultural background through series of lectures, seminars and events that brings to mind the glorious Arab past and heritage values. Due to the big attendance expected this year, organizers the Souk Okaz festival announced that the festival has been extended this year to two weeks unlike previous years when the festival was held for eight days only.
