Taif Central Souq

Taif Central Souq, known as Souq Al-Balad, is an old traditional market in the centre of the city of Taif in Makkah Region. It is in the historic central area, close to the Abdullah ibn Abbas Mosque. It consists of a network of narrow pedestrian lanes and passages lined with small shops.

The market grew up in the heart of old Taif, which was once surrounded by a wall. It was the place where farmers from the surrounding villages and mountains sold their produce and bought their supplies. Old buildings in the Hijazi style, with wooden windows, still stand in the vicinity. In recent years its lanes and shopfronts have been improved while its traditional character has been retained.

Visitors find the products for which Taif is known, such as honey, local ghee, rose oil and rose water, and seasonal fruit including pomegranates, grapes and figs, along with spices, incense, perfumes, traditional clothing, fabrics, gold and silver jewellery and utensils. The souq is the centre of traditional commercial life in Taif and a place that preserves part of the city's urban and social identity.