Al-Hamidiyah Souk

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Al-Hamidiyah Souk (Arabic سوق الاحمدية) is the largest and the central souk in the Syrian capital Damascus.

[edit] Introduction

A souk is the commercial market in an Arab city, although many, such as Al-Hamidiyah Souk, fulfill many additional functions rather than merely trade and commercial. The souk has Hamams, banks, financial centers and even sometimes it was used as a mosque.

The souk snakes along the old quarter of Damascus, plus it has many markets and shops within it. Some, specializing in gold others selling hookahs, carpets, spices and food.

The souk was also one of the treasures featured in Around the World in 80 Treasures presented by Dan Cruickshank.