A souq is an open-air marketplace or commercial quarter in Middle Eastern and North African cities. Historically, they were held outside cities at locations where incoming caravans stopped and merchants displayed their goods for sale. Later, due to the importance of marketplaces and the growth of cities, the major locations of souqs shifted to urban centers. Souqs are traditionally divided into specialized sections dealing in specific types of product. The main souq was one of the central structures of a large city, selling durable goods.
Located in the district of Al Souq, situated in the center of Doha, Souq Waqif (the standing market) is noted for selling 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. As can be seen, the men wear thawbs (a long white shirt) over loose pants, and a loose headdress, a ghutra, which comes in white or red and white. Females wear a long black dress known as an abaya. They cover their head with a shayla and conceal their face with a burqa.
About the stamps
The first two stamps are issued on December 21, 2005, to mark the 11th GCC Stamp Exhibition - Doha 2005.
The last stamp was the first carrying the image of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, who became Emir of Qatar on 25 June 2013.
References
Souq - Wikipedia
Souq Waqif - Wikipedia
Sender: Javed Zeaullah Syed
sent from Doha (Qatar), on 11.05.2015
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