Culture & Education | Sunday 8 July, 2018 5:06 am |

TAIF, Saudi Arabia: Visitors have been attracted by the camel caravans roaming the Jadat Okaz Market in Al Taif governorate this week.
The caravans are a simulation of trade routes back in the old days, which flocked to the historic Saudi market from the Levant, Yemen and Iraq.
The Jadat Okaz market hosts a number of activities that reflect the daily life routine of those who lived in the past, offering modern visitors a unique experience to explore how life used to be.
The souk, considered the one of the oldest Arab markets in history, witnessed several heritage activities and events that reflect the Saudi civilization along with the kingdom’s keenness to convey the market’s cultural significance in general.
The market is rich with shops for handicraft products, souvenirs and popular local food. It also includes photography booths that let visitors put on traditional Okaz clothes to pose for pictures.
Nevertheless, the wonderful set up of Arabian tents in the market as well as its rich poetry program have succeeded in attracting Saudis and expats alike.
Handicrafts and local food pavilions have succeeded in attracting the largest number of visitors. While many families enjoyed the “Okaz youth” tent which hosted several activities for children.
It allowed the children to interact with characters inspired from the past and introduced them to activities they carried as part of their daily routines , like manufacturing jewelry, trade, storytelling and poetry. The tent also hosted a number of theatrical performances for children.
Visitors also interacted with folk and musical groups that toured the avenue, representing popular heritage from various parts of the Kingdom.
Their performances also included chanting of poems, delighting the audience even more.