20. The markets known as "souks" that offer thrilling experiences

When I was young, the weekly markets were a source of great excitement for me. This was because my uncle, older cousin, or younger uncle would visit the nearby town's weekly market to bring back household essentials and vegetables. Since I spent my childhood in a village, people would travel to the neighboring town for the market once a week. This routine was mandatory either weekly or every fifteen days. Back then, those who left for the market in the morning or afternoon would return by the evening bus. We would eagerly wait for their return and rush to the bus stand to grab their shopping bags. There were two main reasons for this: firstly, to see if there were any snacks or treats in the bags, and secondly, to check if they had brought the items we had requested before they left. Overall, the market was a source of excitement for us. Only when it was time to buy clothes for a festival would we be taken along. We would go with great enthusiasm, buy clothes, fill shopping bags with market goods, enjoy masala dosas at a hotel, drink tea, and return to the village. The next day at school, we would proudly share our outing experiences. As we grew older and moved to towns or cities for education, our curiosity and enthusiasm for these markets faded. They seemed trivial, and as we transitioned from childhood innocence to adulthood, we acknowledged that we had become young adults.

While working in Libya, I was posted to a small village called Ghat. There, the weekly market, held every Monday, was referred to in Arabic as "souk." Similarly, in a place called Al Barkat, located 10 kilometers from Ghat, a market took place every Tuesday. Every Wednesday, there was a market in a village called Talat Mia Arba, on Thursdays in a place called Avinath, and on Fridays in a town called Ubari. These markets were collectively known as "souks." People from nearby towns would come there to buy goods, clothes, groceries, and vegetables. Almost everything needed for a household was available there, and most of the items were sold by Egyptians. Therefore, they were called "Masharatis," which means merchant in Arabic. As Egypt was one of the cradles of the world's earliest civilizations and the Egyptians were knowledgeable in various arts, the locals referred to them as "civilized people." Since trade was among the many arts they mastered, they had already established trade relations with Rome, Greece, Turkey, and the Middle Eastern countries. Over time, many of them took up this trade as their profession and later migrated to different Muslim countries, where they settled. From then on, traders in the Middle East, Arab countries, or African countries were called Masharati. Such Masharati can also be found in the souks of the modern world.

Many souks have been in existence for centuries and are linked to Libya's historical legacy as a trade hub between Africa and Europe. These souks are crucial to Libya's identity, as they not only define the place but also remind people of the country's long history and traditions. The souks in Libya also function as cultural and social centers. They are not just places for trade but also serve as venues where people meet, mingle, and exchange ideas, making them vital to the local community. In Libya's capital, Tripoli, there are various types of souks scattered around. Some are in open spaces, while others are in large buildings resembling malls. For example, near the main mosque in Tripoli's old city, there's an open market called Souk Al-Turk. There, you can buy textiles, traditional clothing, and embroidered garments, as well as beautifully crafted jewellery, silk fabrics, and handmade clothes, reflecting Ottoman and Arab influences. It offers a vibrant and lively market experience. This place is ideal for finding traditional Libyan attire and souvenirs. In the old city of Tripoli, there's a market called Souk Al-Jreed, renowned for leather goods, metal items, and handicrafts like belts, sandals, and bags. This market has been a hub for skilled artisans producing fine leather products for centuries. On another side of the capital is the Souk Al-Attarine market, famous for perfumes, incense, and traditional herbal medicines. The merchants here have been selling fragrances and herbs for generations. As you enter, the air is filled with the rich aroma of oils and spices.

Located in the heart of Ben Arous, Souk Libya is known for its vibrant market that embodies the passion of Tunisian culture and commerce. As soon as you step into this exciting market, you are welcomed by the sounds, sights, and scents that create a delightful atmosphere. The market is a treasure trove of local handicrafts, where artisans showcase their skills in weaving, pottery, and jewellery making. Each stall offers a glimpse into Tunisia's rich heritage, providing visitors with the perfect opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs. In addition to shopping, Souk Libya is a paradise for food lovers. It captures your attention with stalls filled with delicious street food. Traditional dishes like Brik, a spicy pastry filled with eggs and tuna, and sweet treats like Makroud, semolina cakes stuffed with dates, are also available. Don't forget to savour the local mint tea. While this describes the markets in cities, the depiction of markets in villages is not much different. As I've mentioned before, these souks occur once a week in different villages. The local people and those from other areas where the market doesn't occur go to the nearest market to buy household necessities. Usually, the head of the household comes alone, but during festivals, the whole family visits. To attract customers, merchants shout loudly about their goods for sale. After sunset, all the traders pack up and head to the next village. Overall, the markets in Libya are traditional and provide a memorable experience. -Uday Itagi Photo 1: Bamboo items for sale at the market. Photo 2: The market was held in a large field below the fort in the ghats. Photo 3: Libyan women buying traditional garments.