Hello, I’m Yam, a travel blogger. On this trip, I visited “Muttrah Souq” (also known as Matrah Souq), a historic market in Muscat, the capital of Oman, and thoroughly enjoyed its charm. In this bustling market where locals and tourists gather, I experienced the Arab atmosphere and made various encounters and discoveries. Let’s explore the charm of this souq together!
What is Muttrah Souq?
Oman’s largest market loved by locals, migrant workers, and tourists alike
Muttrah Souq is one of the oldest and most famous markets in Oman. Dating back hundreds of years to when Oman flourished as a trading center, this souq continues to be loved by many people today. With narrow alleys winding like a maze and filled with the distinctive energy and fragrances of the Arab world, just visiting this place makes you feel like you’re in an exotic land.
Access to the Souq
Muttrah Souq is located in the center of Muttrah. It’s adjacent to the blue-domed mosque, the town’s symbol, making it easy to find.
Muttrah Souq is located along the coast of Muscat, near the Muttrah Corniche. It’s easily accessible from the city center by taxi or bus, making it convenient for tourists. The entrance to the souq is along the Muttrah Corniche, marked by a large arched gate.
Atmosphere of the Souq
As soon as you step into the souq, the first thing that catches your eye is the vibrant scene of colorful products lining the stalls. The narrow alleys are crowded with various goods including spices, perfumes, clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts. The merchants call out to introduce their products, and this energetic atmosphere is quintessentially an Arab market.
Getting Carried Away by Friendly Merchants
I was encouraged to try on a complete traditional outfit and ended up purchasing it
As you walk through the souq, friendly merchants call out to you one after another. At one shop, I was recommended a dishdasha (Oman’s traditional long robe) and a scarf. The merchant was very kind, saying, “Try it on, it suits you!” Getting caught up in the moment, I tried it on, and standing in front of the mirror, he exclaimed, “This is perfect!” Swayed by his enthusiasm, I ended up buying the complete set. Although I got a little discount, I had a slight regret thinking it was probably priced for tourists and higher than the local market rate. Nevertheless, it was a very enjoyable experience, almost as if I had become a local Omani.
Unique Sales Presentations
The incredibly friendly merchants of the souq
At another shop, I was recommended a high-quality cashmere stole. The merchant confidently said, “This is genuine cashmere,” while demonstrating by burning the stole with a lighter right in front of me. Letting me smell the burnt odor, he smiled and said, “See, it’s genuine, right?” He explained that animal-derived cashmere emits a distinctive odor when the protein burns, which allows it to be distinguished from synthetic fibers.
Overwhelmed by his assertiveness and unique presentation, I ended up buying this as well. This purchase was also not exactly cheap, but every time I look at this stole after returning home, I remember the incident and smile.
An Encounter at a Spice Shop
A specialty spice shop. I bought Omani blended spices and saffron to take home.
There are many spice shops in the souq, and I was exploring spices at one of them. A young man from the shop approached me and carefully explained the types of spices and how to use them. We quickly hit it off and started talking about various topics. When I asked his name, he told me, somewhat embarrassedly, “My name is Saddam Hussein. My mom was foolish and named me after a name she heard on the news.” I couldn’t help but laugh, but I was surprised that someone could be named that way. My interaction with him became another memorable part of my souq experience.
How to Enjoy the Souq
Having shared my personal experiences, here are some tips to maximize your enjoyment of Muttrah Souq:
1. Explore the Maze-like Alleys
Just walking around is enjoyable enough
The alleys of the souq wind like a maze, and there are new discoveries just by walking around. As you proceed down narrow alleys, suddenly finding yourself in a square or discovering unexpected shops is part of the souq’s charm. I recommend walking according to your instincts without fear of getting lost (although it’s the largest market in Oman, rest assured it’s not large enough to truly get lost in, unlike Ethiopia’s Mercato!).
2. Enjoy Communication with Shop Owners
The shop owners in the souq are very friendly and actively communicate with visiting tourists. Negotiating prices is also one of the pleasures of the souq. By asking questions about products or listening to stories about Omani culture, you can develop a deeper understanding of this place.
3. Enjoy Negotiating
In the souq, price negotiation is common. Initial price offers are often set a bit high, so enjoy the negotiation process. However, understand that as a tourist, there are often cases where you may have to purchase at somewhat higher prices than the local market rate. Rather than trying to force prices down, you might have a better shopping experience if you approach negotiation with the intention of enjoying the interaction with the shop owner.
4. Take Breaks While Exploring
When tired, chill out in the square. The benches near the arch in front are cooled by sea breezes and are also loved as a dating spot by local young people.
While exploring the souq is very enjoyable, you might get tired from the heat and crowds. Small cafes and restaurants are scattered throughout the souq, so it’s recommended to take your time exploring with breaks. Omani traditional kahwa (cardamom coffee) is perfect for refreshment.
Summary
Muttrah Souq in Muscat, Oman, is a wonderful place where you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of the Arab world. In this historic market, you can experience Omani culture up close by enjoying the scent of spices, colorful products, and interactions with friendly merchants. With new discoveries every visit, this souq makes you want to return again and again. If you visit Muscat, be sure to stop by. See you at our next travel destination!
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