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Sharjahs historic Souq Al Shanasiyah to be revived

The new souq, flaunting traditional designs, will sprawl over nearly 6,000 square metre occupied by 18 stores.

In the 1950s, Souq Al Shanasiyah was a bustling trade hub with merchants travelling from neighbouring countries and farther to do business.
However, with the passage of time its importance waned and gradually, the vibrant market was swallowed up by urban expansion.

Now the historic site is being resurrected, under the directives of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is rebuilding the historical souq at the Heart of Sharjah, the largest historical preservation and restoration project in the region, on the same old foundations on Bank Street discovered after a radar survey headed by professors Hanai Sasaki and Tatsuo Sasaki from Japan.

With technical support from the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information’s Directorate of Heritage and Directorate of Antiquities, the work is expected to be completed by September.

Yousif Al Mutawa, manager of Heart of Sharjah, said the revived Souq Al Shanasiyah will be a heritage and trading landmark, telling the authentic history of Sharjah and increasing trading activities in the area with its new stores.

The new souq, flaunting traditional designs, will sprawl over nearly 6,000 square metre occupied by 18 stores. The ware will include handcrafts, traditional costumes, souvenirs, Islamic prayer beads, antiques, incense, perfumes, dates, and traditional sweets. Restaurants, cafés and parking spaces will provide the modern touch.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com