Al-Madina newspaper

SOUK Okaz in Taif is considered one of the three famous historical markets in the Arabian Peninsula. The other two were Majna and Dilmajaz.

The Arabs used to visit Souk Okaz for 20 days from the beginning of the lunar month of Dul Qaada before moving to Majna where they spent the last days of the month. Later, they would head to Dilmajaz where they would spend the first eight days of Dul Hijjah. After that they would take part in the annual Haj pilgrimage.

The market got the name Okaz for different reasons. According to Laith Bin Muzaffar Al-Kinani: “It was called Okaz because the Arabs used to gather in the place and provoke each other by talking about the greatness and valor of their tribes.”

According to other historians, the souk got its name because the Arabs used to meet there to discuss various issues. They also confronted each other with strong evidence to support their claims.

They met at the place for consultations on pressing matters that concerned them as well as to resolve issues and conflicts pertaining to not only trade but also to poetry recital, concluding contracts and treaties and raising grievances.

With the participation of a large number of princes, government officials, academics and men of letters, the 12th edition of Souk Okaz festival kicked off recently. The opening ceremony was held under the support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.

The festivities were officially opened by Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, who is also adviser to King Salman. This year’s Souk Okaz is distinguished for the variety of new programs and activities and participation of different organizations including the Authority for Culture, the Authority for Entertainment and the Authority for Sports.

This is the ideal way of displaying creativity and development and the right method for reform while highlighting the historic and cultural roles of the Kingdom. We have been able to revive a cultural event that was buried in history books. A number of government officials have worked hard to realize this marvelous objective.

The first Souk Okaz festival was launched in 2007 and was the result of concerted efforts made by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal. During the last 10 years the site of Souk Okaz in Taif has become an outstanding tourist center. The annual event now attracts a large number of tourists from different parts of the world.

This landmark event preserves the fragrance of history and the geography of the place and projects its real value. It is an important annual event that contributes to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s economy and creating more job opportunities for its young men and women.

It has also contributed to reviving a number of activities that used to take place in the region from time immemorial. Souk Okaz will certainly contribute to projecting the Kingdom’s cultural dimensions.

Today Taif is not just that traditional summer resort. It is witnessing the development of a new city where Souk Okaz will become its throbbing heart. Prince Sultan Bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), has unveiled that the construction of infrastructure projects for the new city would start within a few months.

The SCTH chief has also pointed out that the King Salman Project for Cultural Heritage with Souk Okaz being its central part aims at showcasing the Kingdom’s cultural depth. He has also emphasized that Saudi Arabia is a land of civilization and history.