Saturday Open Market (Souq A-Sabt)

By Zakaria Alghamdi

In southern Saudi Arabia in a city called Baljurashi, there is a Saturday open market. It is more like a small festival, similar to The Farmers Market in Moscow.

In this avenue Baljurashians sell homemade materials, traditional material, light weapons, seeds, natural honey, birds and pets. 

In addition, they use the same street for another traditional events called Ardah, is a traditional dance and it differ from tripe to tripe and from north to south. 

The main item Baljurashians sell is Sahfa, Mesot, and Khafh. Sahfa is a huge plate for one type of a traditional dish called Aysh. Mesot is a specific type of wood and specific shape used for mixing water, dairy and flour to make a delicious dish called Aysh. 

Also, they sell a homemade Khafh to protect from the sun. It is similar to the hat shape. It made of fronds and palms. People put Khafh on their heads 

Furthermore, light weapons like the dagger(Janbieeh), are for designing and cutting simple things, not for aggressive actions, such as attacking. It is a traditional habit to tie Janbieeh around the bottom side of the stomach. 

Also, there are different types of domestic of birds, chickens, turkeys, ducks, rabbits for raising and eating. Sometimes there are wild animals for sale, such as Hedgehog and foxes, but that is rare.

This market starts when the sun raises till the afternoon. There are more customers in summer when tourists start to visit Baljurashi. 

Saturday market is one of the most popular markets in the south of Saudi Arabia. It is the first destination for the tourists. Instead if you come to Baljurashi, definitely visit the market.