UAE | Heritage and Culture

A taste of ancient Arabia

The newly opened Khan Murjan Souk pays homage to ancient Arabia, reviving age-old traditions and architecture.

  • By Amelia J. Naidoo, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:03 June 26, 2008
  • Tabloid

  • A centrepiece of this diverse architectural wonder is a kaleidoscope of colour in the form of one of the longest stained glass ceiling's, 64 metres in length and 4 metres in width.
  • Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
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If you expect to find a Burger King, Starbucks or H&M at the newly opened Khan Murjan Souk at Wafi, you'll be sorely disappointed.

What you will experience is a homage to ancient Arabia, from classic Islamic architecture to its unique bazaar-like stores with their rich colours, intricate glasswork and mesmerising lanterns.

Khan Murjan general manager Dib Bader said that every effort was made to ensure the new souk was authentic.
“Everything is hand-made,"he explained. “Everything is hand-carved. This is what Shaikh Mana Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, who owns Wafi, wanted. We could have done this in
a much shorter time, for much cheaper and we could have made loads of money but he insisted that each stone be authentic.''

Khan Murjan which was opened to coincide with DSS is based on the original Baghdad souk that was designed and built in the 14th century. Bader said Wafi's version of Khan Murjan shared many architectural similarities with its namesake as both souks were built underground.

For craftsman

“Shaikh Mana came up with the idea because he likes antiques and Arabic culture and history. He wanted to encourage hand-made crafts in the region and came up with
the idea of building a souk for craftsman to grow and introduce their products to the rest of the region and international tourists who come to Dubai.''

The souk was conceived four years ago and several trips were made to Middle Eastern countries to source artisans and consult with historians. The result is a cultural and
historical haven for craftspeople and wares which are scattered throughout the Turkish, Syrian, Moroccan and Egyptian themed areas of the souk.

Attractions

Interesting items that catch the eye include a large water wheel and well which was used in ancient Syria, hand painted Turkish tiles, carved wooden Egyptian masharabia (a
ventilation system), a 64-metre stained glass ceiling by an Egyptian artist and ornate Turkish chandeliers. Among the main attractions is Amir Hussain, a calligrapher and leather craftsman who practises the ancient craft of writing elaborate religious texts on leather or carving them on metal, sea shells and sometimes wood.

One of his specialities is making tiny engravings. “I've seen people write on hair but my art is engraving and I've been able to do it on the nib of a pin. It is very difficult because you have to have a hard surface and I do it by hand, not machine."
Another traditional treat visitors can look forward to is the Syrian Moustache Hair Salon. Abdul Rahmmouni, a barber with 14 years of experience, is able to offer customers
a traditional barber service where they can sip on Arabic coffee before their treatment, followed by a shave or haircut using perfumes, implements and techniques used by his
forefathers.

Khan Al Saboun is a soap and beauty shop which only sells chemical-free, natural products made using recipes from 15th century. “There is a book that has been in our
family for 10 generations from which we take the recipes to make our products,"the owner said. So what is the cost of creating this Arabic cultural centre? “This is the question I like the most. To be honest, we don't know. We're still paying for everything, but the value of the souk is priceless to preserve the culture. It's not about the money,"Bader said.

Amazing prizes to be won at wafi

When you spend Dh500 or more at Wafi this summer, you will have the chance to win these prizes: Food Collection: The event offers 12 extravagant banquets prepared by some of the best chefs in Dubai. The winner will to be eligible for a dinner party for ten people every month for a year at Wafi's award-winning restaurants, including, Noble House, Persia Persia, Sevilles and Fire & Ice.

Entertainment Collection: Aimed at families, the event offers a range of activities for a year several passes for Encounter Zone and Pyramid's Lazy River, a year's supply of cinema tickets to see all the latest blockbusters, family dining opportunities in Planet Hollywood, Japengo and Bellucci, plus shopping vouchers worth Dh20,000 to spend
at any children's store in Wafi.

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