Syrian Souks: A Shopper's Guide to Bargaining, What to Buy and Where

Welcome to Syria’s souks

Stepping into a Syrian souk is stepping into centuries of trade, craft and daily life. From Damascus’s covered Al‑Hamidiyah arcade to the historic lanes that once formed Aleppo’s great al‑Madīna souq, these marketplaces are where food, fragrances, textiles and family crafts meet conversation and custom. Visitors should expect a mixture of small family shops, artisan workshops and food stalls — and, in some places, visible traces of the country’s recent upheavals.

Note: the condition of markets varies by city. Al‑Hamidiyah remains one of Damascus’s signature shopping arcades while parts of Aleppo’s historic covered souq were heavily damaged during the conflict and restoration has been uneven.

What to buy: authentic Syrian picks

Souks in Syria still offer many distinctive, high‑value items that reflect local craft traditions. Typical purchases include:

• Aleppo (laurel) soap: a signature product made from olive and laurel oil; sought after for its natural ingredients and long curing times. Production and exports have persisted and in some places are seeing a revival as workshops and factories reopen.
• Spices and sweets: ground Aleppo pepper, sumac, za'atar and traditional sweets (baklava, ma'amoul) sold in spice alleys such as Al‑Buzuriyah.
• Damascene inlay & mother‑of‑pearl boxes: finely inlaid wooden boxes, trays and small furniture pieces (often sold in Damascus). These make compact, high‑impact souvenirs.
• Metalware and copper/brass items: coffee pots (ibrik), trays, teapots and hand‑hammered plates; examine joinery and patina to judge quality.
• Textiles and embroidery: silk and brocade fabrics, embroidered shawls and traditional dress fabrics—inspect stitching and dye quality before buying.

Tip: for fragile or valuable pieces, ask the shopkeeper for advice on packing or a soft wrapping for transport.

How to bargain (and respect local etiquette)

Bargaining is part of the souk experience, but it is also a social exchange. Approach haggling as a friendly negotiation rather than confrontation. Practical steps:

1. Start with a smile and brief pleasantries; building rapport matters.
2. Observe first — see how locals buy and what the shop’s typical customers pay.
3. If a price seems high, offer a lower counter‑price (many visitors start around 40–60% of the asking price) and be prepared to meet in the middle.
4. If you genuinely don’t want an item, decline politely. Walking away often leads to a final call from the seller.
5. Small purchases (spices, sweets) have more room for quick bargaining; for larger items (rugs, furniture), expect longer negotiation and possibly tea or a demonstration.

Practical payment note: cash remains dominant in many markets; ATMs and card acceptance are limited and banking restrictions or sanctions have affected payment options in recent years, so bring secure cash and check with your bank about using cards abroad. Always ask whether the listed price is in Syrian pounds or a foreign currency before paying.

Where to shop: souks and neighborhoods worth visiting

Key market areas by city:

• Damascus — Al‑Hamidiyah Souq & Al‑Buzuriyah: central, covered arcade with textiles, brassware, spices and the famous Bakdash ice‑cream stall; convenient for first‑time visitors to experience the Old City.
• Aleppo — Al‑Madīna souq (historic market lanes): historically the largest covered market; many alleys were badly damaged during the fighting and restoration continues in stages — you will still find soap makers, spices and specialised craft shops but expect disruptions and uneven reopening.
• Local workshops & cooperatives: where possible, buy directly from artisans or cooperatives — you pay more fairly and support craft continuity.

Before you go: check local opening hours (many shops close for afternoon rest), ask your hotel or guide for reputable shops, and confirm current local conditions and safety information with reliable, up‑to‑date sources.

Export and customs: antiques and items made from protected materials may be restricted — ask for paperwork on valuable pieces and check export rules with your airline and customs authority before purchase. For sensitive or high‑value items, obtain receipts and any available provenance documentation.