RIYADH: Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdul Aziz, president of the “Fahd: Spirit of Leadership” Exhibition, has underlined the importance of Souq Okaz.

“The importance of Souq Okaz today could not be underestimated. Technically and historically it is unique. It’s even poetic, if I may say so,” he said when he visited the Okaz market recently in Taif.

He noted that Okaz is the most famous ancient market in the Arabian Peninsula and today it represents a unique and important tourism landmark in the Kingdom.

The prince added that Souq Okaz is intended for individuals with diverse interests, including intellectuals who are interested in literature, culture and the arts.

He said that the current market reveals the glorious past and the modernity of the present, and invited residents of the Kingdom to visit the market which highlights various activities such as listening to poetry or enjoying the symposiums, lectures and exhibitions as well as diversified activities and programs.

He said that the activities vary to offer visitors knowledge and entertainment rich in content that engenders moral, historical and cultural values among Arabs.

He added that the market brings to mind the authentic glorious Arab heritage, and the visitor will notice a mixture of new technologies with geographical locations.

In comparison to modern malls, the Okaz market does not only offer goods for sale. Visitors had many other things to do besides shopping.

They challenged each other to see who could make the best Arabic poems. They boasted the achievements of their tribes and also attempted to settle inter-tribal disputes and disagreements.

Since the market offered so many cultural activities it helped preserve and protect the Arabic language, helped to produce fine poems and encouraged talented poets to produce more.

It received its name from what Arabs used to do there.