The Old Town in Al-Quds has several historical markets embellished with architectural art and ornamentations that indicate different eras. These markets are considered part of the city’s monuments, mesmerizing the visitors and inhibitors.

They were named after the types of products sold in them, or the people and places of a particular time. Of course, the occupation’s Judaizational attempts targeted them as well. In this report, we introduce some of these markets.

Souk Khan El-Zeit:

It was first established by Prince Sayf ad-Din Tankiz an-Nasiri in 1336. The Prince was one of the leaders of the Mamluk Sultanate. It is considered one of the most beautiful markets of Al-Quds that is established within its walls. The name was given to the market after a historical Khan in the early twentieth century that was called ‘Khan El-Zeit’; it was filled with olive-oil presses, and a huge tank (Khan) of olive oil.

This market is considered the main entrance of the Old Town’s markets and it encompasses a group of old shops where shoes, clothes and spices are sold. The Israeli excavations led to the collapse of some parts of the land near the market’s entrance.

Souk Al-Lahameen (An-Nahasin)

The market was built during the period of the Crusades. It is built on 28 columns and is part of the three-part-market which includes Al-Lahameen, Al-Attareen, and Al-Khawajat markets. The market was called ‘Al-Lahameen’ after the shops that sold fresh meat and fish there.

Half a century ago, a huge number of the market’s shops were specialized in blacksmithing and copper-related work, so it was also called Souk An-Nahasin.

Souk Al-Attareen:

Its ceiling has the shape of an arch that dates back to the Mamluk Sultanate. The ceiling also has windows for lighting and ventilation.

This market is under the threat of a tourism scheme that aims to building parks, restaurants and bars there and in other places as well. The occupation had tried tempting the shopkeepers into selling their stores, but it failed.

Souk Al-Qataneen:

It is located to the west of Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa. It starts at Al-Mat’hara Gate all to Al-Hadid Gate. Prince Sayf ad-Din Tankiz founded it, and in the Mamluk era it used to be one of the finest and most crowded markets. It used to also have the finest structure, and used to sell cotton and silk fabrics which were imported from India.

 The market is under the threat of collapsing as a result to the Israeli excavations underneath it. In addition, it is exposed to the risks of depression due to the taxes imposed on shopkeepers and the isolation policy of Al-Quds from its Arab surroundings.

Souk Haret Al-Nasara (the Christian Quarter Market)

It is an old and vast market with beautiful tiling. It includes a number of churches and monasteries, and the Ayyubid Mosque of Omar. In this market, candles, prayer beads and kitchen tools are sold.

Souk Al-Husur (Carpets Market)

It is a small old market where lots of carpet shops used to be. Shopkeepers used to sell all types and sizes of carpets and mats. However, it is very much deserted these days.

Souk Khan Al-Sultan

Khan al-Sultan is located on the way to Al-Silsila Gate. It is attributed to the Mamluk Sultan Az-Zaher Barqouq who renovated it in 1386. It consists of two floors. The first floor used to be a barn for the cattle and reception of goods received from the countryside.

The upper floor used to be a motel for the reception of travelers and merchants. The Khan is currently deserted, and its shops turned to storehouses and homes for some families.