Overview:

Souq Al-Mubarakiya is an ancient market in Kuwait City. Located in the heart of Kuwait’s old downtown, the market dates back to the 1950s and is recognized as one of the oldest places in Kuwait. The market is well known for its authentic atmosphere and traditional food stalls, as well as a wide variety of shops selling jewelry, fabrics, and antiques. Souq Al-Mubarakiya also houses a bank, a post office, and several eateries. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Kuwait
Prominent Features:

1. Traditional Markets: Souq Al-Mubarakiya is an iconic traditional market located in the heart of Kuwait City. 2. Middle Eastern Cuisine: The souq is home to several food stalls offering traditional Middle Eastern dishes like shawarma and freshly made flatbreads. 3. Souvenirs: The Souq is also home to many souvenir shops selling handmade items like traditional pottery, jewelry, decorative items, spices, and more. 4. Historical Site: It is believed to be one of the oldest trading posts in the Arab world, with some of the stalls in Souq Al-Mubarakiya dating back to the 16th century. 5. Renewal: The Souq was restored to its former glory in 2008 after the liberation of Kuwait City by the GCC Coalition forces. 6. Architecture: The area features the traditional European-style storefronts with sand-colored buildings made of teak and other local woods. 7. Flea Market: On Fridays, it transforms into a vibrant flea market, where visitors can find a range of products such as furniture, antiques, and other second-hand items. This national monument of Kuwait portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Souq Al-Mubarakiya is a traditional market situated in the heart of Kuwait City. Souq Al-Mubarakiya is one of the most famous and oldest souqs in Kuwait that has existed since the 18th century. It was originally named “Mubarakiya” after Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah, the ruler of Kuwait from 1896-1915 who had founded the market. Mubaraka was renowned for his generous hospitality, and his souq was the hub of activity in the city, selling a variety of goods from the Middle East, Europe, and India. Many goods of trade were exchanged at Souq Al-Mubarakiya such as spices, coffee, tea, perfume, fabric, jewelry, weapons, and more. With the rise of modern technology and shopping malls, the souq slowly lost its former glory. However, it was later restored and refurbished in the 1980s as a historic site and preserved its original form. Today, the souq is bustling with shoppers searching for traditional items, ranging from gold jewelry and perfumes to spices, incense, souvenirs, and carpets. It is a popular tourist destination, and many people from Kuwaitis and around the world come to visit this historic market. You must visit one of these historical places in Kuwait on your Kuwait tour

Interesting facts:

1. Souq Al-Mubarakiya is the oldest souq in Kuwait. 2. It dates back to the 18th century when Kuwait first became a trading hub. 3. Souq Al-Mubarakiya is divided into several sections, each selling different items. They range from spices, to handicrafts, to jewelry. 4. Souq Al-Mubarakiya is a popular tourist attraction, with both Kuwaiti locals and foreign visitors coming to shop for traditional items. 5. The souq is also home to over 50 historical buildings, giving it a unique and picturesque atmosphere. 6. In 2016, the souq was restored and redeveloped to modernise its facilities, while still keeping its traditional and historical elements. 7. Every Saturday, Souq Al-Mubarakiya hosts a popular farmers' market, where local farmers of Kuwait and neighbouring countries come to sell their produce. Visit one of the famous monuments of Kuwait with your friends and family.