It has been probably over a dozen years since I last ventured to the Doha Souq or to use its correct term – Souq Waqif that is Arabic for ‘standing market’.

So in the company of Sue, our dear friend and landlady for the week, along with leading European Tour photographer, Eoin Clarke, we headed off for a close-up inspection.

The souq is located among a wonderful array of streets and back alleys in the old town of Doha and features traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It is also home to dozens of restaurants and Shisha lounges. Although it dates back at least a hundred years, it was renovated in 2006 to conserve its traditional architectural style.

Doha’s colourful Souq Waqif.

The souq was founded at least a century ago in proximity of the dry riverbed known as Wadi Musheireb.

It was a gathering place where Bedouins and locals would trade a variety of goods,  primarily livestock.

I would have last visited the souq in and around 1999 or 2000 and on my first visit to Doha but then in 2006, the Qatar government launched a restoration program with the purpose of preserving its architectural and historical identity.

Believe it or not but this is photograph made of tiles of a scene back in the 1960s of the Doha souq.

Buildings constructed after the 1950s were demolished whereas older structures were refurbished. The restoration was completed in 2008. Traditional heating methods are employed by utilizing wood and bamboo imported from various areas of Asia.

Hereunder is a selection of photographs from our visit.

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