JEDDAH: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal yesterday announced plans to develop Souk Okaz, located 40 km north of the summer resort of Taif, into a cultural and intellectual center.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the historical site of the souk, the governor said the development plan for the site would be announced during the inauguration of the Souk Okaz festival.
“After the opening day, people from Taif and outside can see a replica of the big project for the development of Souk Okaz,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted Prince Khaled as saying.
Jeraidy Al-Mansouri, secretary-general of Souk Okaz, said the Saudi leadership has given utmost importance to the historical market, which dates back to 500 B.C. “There is no historical place in the Arab world similar to Souk Okaz that had given so much importance to creativity,” he said. “It’s a valuable treasure,” he added.
“Prince Khaled is obsessed with Souk Okaz because he knows its cultural value. It will play a big role in the future as an intellectual and cultural center spreading its light all over the world,” Al-Mansouri said.
Earlier, Taif Gov. Fahd bin Muammar briefed Prince Khaled on the works being carried out at the site of Souk Okaz to hold various cultural programs during the festival.
The opening of the festival will feature an operetta by celebrated Arab artists and singers. There will also be art exhibitions, lectures and, of course, souks. “This place has huge tourist potential as it is associated with the ancient souk where poets from different tribes in the Arabian Peninsula used to compete,” said a citizen.
“Since the market offered so many cultural activities it helped to preserve and protect the Arabic language, produced fine poetry and encouraged talented poets to produce more,” said another Saudi.
The market includes a special area for selling traditional food and has a location for children’s activities. Men can enjoy cultural events taking place in different tents, while a tent will be set aside for women.
Handicrafts and perfumes made from the famous flowers of Taif will be on sale. The tents where the activities take place bear the names of the most famous Arab poets during the pre-Islamic and Islamic periods.
