Manama Souq (Arabic: سوق المنامة) is the old bazaar (souk) of Bahrain's capital, Manama.[1] It lies in the north of Manama Peninsula, in-between the old parts of the city and the Central Business District, to the east of Noaim and west of Ras Rumman. The area also is home to Bahrain's only synagogue.
It is a bustling marketplace with numerous traditional as well as modern shops. The souq (marketplace) is located in the heart of the city, near Bab Al Bahrain. The souq stretches from Isa Al Kabeer Avenue on the east side, Government Avenue on the north and Shaikh Hamad Avenue on the west. One can see and buy all kinds of spices, fabrics, kaftans, thobes, handicrafts, souvenirs, dry fruits, nuts, and any other thing one can imagine.
The crowd as well as the traders in Manama souq consist of Bahrainis as well as expatriates from countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt and neighboring Arab countries of the Persian Gulf. The souq is frequented by tourists from all over the world to experience the traditional setting of the marketplace which has been preserved over the years.
The Gold souk is also worth visiting and all the gold is hallmarked and pure. One can only find 18K and 21K gold items. 10K and 14K are not usually acceptable as 'gold' jewelry. The Bahraini pearls are the only natural pearls in the world today and they are one of a kind. They are not cultured but natural.
The souq is divided into a number of quarters, including:
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