Heritage Souq Al-Majlis in Shaqra
The Heritage Souq Al-Majlis in Shaqra is one of the heritage sites in Shaqra Governorate in Riyadh Province, in the center of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its history goes back more than two hundred years.
Location of Heritage Souq Al-Majlis
Souq Al-Majlis is located west of the Main Mosque in Shaqra Governorate, adjacent to its mihrab and minaret, and it is the main market in Shaqra City. Within the market’s perimeter is Sheikh Ibn Hanti School, known for graduating many scholars, in addition to other diverse landmarks.
Expansion of Heritage Souq Al-Majlis
Historically known as Al-Souq Al-Kabeer or “Al-Maqfah,” as the Bedouins call it, the market was expanded whenever needed. Over time and with the city’s development, additional shops were attached to both sides of its entrances, bringing the total to about seventy shops, operated by small traders, brokers, and retailers. As the market became crowded with sellers, the number of shops increased to more than one hundred in 1941.
Hlewa Heritage Market
Over time, the market became famous and filled with sellers and auctioneers, which led to the construction of another nearby market: Hlewa Heritage Market. It has a wide open yard dedicated to selling livestock and goods brought from the Bedouins and from distant or neighboring countries.