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The Top Markets and Souqs in Amman

Root through the markets in Amman to discover delicious, seasonal produce
Root through the markets in Amman to discover delicious, seasonal produce | © Shaun Stanley / Alamy Stock Photo

Bustling markets and souqs brimming with treasured lamps and magic carpets have long been a rather stereotypical image associated with the ‘Eastern World’. In reality, mall culture is huge in the Middle East. But in recent years a number of innovative and ground-breaking versions of the traditional markets and souqs have also cropped up in and around Amman. Here is a roundup of the top ones.
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Nour al Barakah

The Nour Al Barakah Saturday Market exists to bring people with disabilities and the community together by providing young adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to mingle with peers in a safe, recreational and structured environment. The market sells locally made products to implement a permaculture built on the ethic of caring for earth and for people. Nour al Barakah is a weekly market operating year-round.

Farmers Market Amman

All produce bought and sold at the Farmers Market Amman is sourced from farms outside the capital and is guaranteed to be organically grown and free of chemicals and GMOs. Taking place every Friday at the Orthodox club, the market also sell handicrafts from an assortment of artisans around the country.

Friday Market

The Friday Market, or Souk el-Joumea, is a large second-hand clothing market near Ras el-Ayn on the edge of downtown. The market is vast, so if you want to make it all the way around you may want to reserve at least half a day. If you have a keen eye, you’ll find a few gems every time you visit, from shoes to wedding dresses and everything in between.

Flohmarkt

The Flohmarkt is Amman’s answer to the traditional flea market. Held sporadically throughout the year, it is essentially a jumble sale where families set up stalls and sell off unwanted (sometimes valuable) belongings. You may find anything from film cameras to old Egyptian straw baskets, but go early to avoid disappointment and to seek out a bargain or two.

Souk Jara

Souk Jara is an open-air handicrafts market held every Friday just off Rainbow Street in Jabal Amman. As you’re strolling down the aisles of vendors, you will come across a large variety of locally produced goods including antiques, handicrafts, soaps and various condiments.

Souk el-Khodra

Souk el-Khodra, or the vegetable market, is the perfect weekly destination for all your fresh fruits and vegetables. Much of the produce is locally grown and the prices are substantially more affordable than most supermarkets in Amman. Take a stroll through the souk and enjoy the abundance of fresh seasonal produce available while listening to the melodies of the traders songs, enticing you to their stalls.

Souk el-Atareen

Here you will find a collection of apothecaries selling a surprisingly large variety of herbal remedies for any aches and pains, as well as spices for cooking.

Souk el-Sagha

Souk el-Sagha is essentially the gold market in Downtown Amman – fulll of beautifully crafted gold jewellery. In fact, many famous jewellery makers in Jordan started in this market. Make sure you use your best Arabic skills to bargain a good deal.

Souk el-Bukharia

This market is effectively an open-air haberdashery and will satisfy all your needs. Vendors trade in everything from lace trimmings to colourful, kaleidoscopic fabrics and all for affordable prices.

Souk Mango

Souk Mango is one of the oldest markets in Downtown Amman. Here you will find many dress shops and bridalwear, as well as stalls selling bedding and towels. It may not be one you’ll visit regularly but it’s still worth taking a stroll down occasionally.

About the author

Sahar Esfandiari is an Iranian-born, London-based arts and culture writer with a particular focus on the Middle East. She is currently completing an MA degree at SOAS, University of London.

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