Souq Okaz evokes the past glory of Saudi city Taif

Riyadh: In pre-Islamic times, the Saudi city of Taif was home to the most famous annual fairs on the Arabian Peninsula. The Souq Okaz took place on what is now a rolling desert plain north of Taif.

Traders brought goods on camels and donkeys to the souq or market. Bedouin crafts such as rugs, camel-hair tents, sheepskins, pottery, tools, jewellery, perfumes, produce, and spices were sold. Included in this colourful spectacle were poets and singers who came to participate in contests.

Modern-day Arabs have had a rare glimpse into this ancient fair as well as a peep into the life of the most distinguished poet of pre-Islamic times - Umru Al Qais - in Taif itself.

The 2009 Okaz Souq, the third such annual event attempting to revive the spirit of the location which dates back to pre-Islamic days, was kicked off in Taif on Tuesday evening.

The opening ceremony featured a play centring on events in the life of Al Qais and a performance by modern-day Singer of the Arabs Mohammad Abdu.

On behalf of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, Makkah Governor Prince Khalid Al Faisal, who himself is an eminent poet, opened the festival.

Reminiscent of the ancient Okaz festival, a galaxy of prominent figures, such as several Saudi princes and ministers, Arab poets, singers, writers, and artists were present.

They included Prince Sultan Bin Salman, chairman of the Saudi Supreme Commission for Tourism and Antiquities; Minister of Education Prince Faisal Bin Fahd; Minister of Culture and Information Dr Abdul Aziz Khoja, and Dr Jeraidi Al Mansouri, secretary of the Okaz Souq organising committee.

A play on Al Qais was performed. A number of prominent Saudi actors were on the stage to portray the life of Al Qais and his Kingdom of Kinda.

The audience was also briefed on the salient features of the Mu'allaqat - the hung poems, so named because they were hung on or in the holy Ka'aba of ancient times. The drama's script was writen by Muhammad Al Othaim and directed by noted Saudi director Dr Hussain Al Musallam.

The audience was enthralled by a musical event led by Muhammad Abdu. Several eminent Arab poets such as Shouqi Bazie from Lebanon, Ali Abdullah Khalifa from Bahrain, Hassan Al Sabie of Saudi Arabia and the Moroccan poetess Ameena Al Meraini presented their poems during the poetic evening.

This year's Okaz Souq consists of a 700-metre Okaz Avenue comprising features reflecting the market's daily life in times gone by. Activities along the new boulevard include some 70 shops selling handicrafts and agricultural and animal products, as well as souvenir gift shops, traditional and modern food stands, coffee shops, while three further sites give visitors the chance to be photographed wearing traditional dress.

Fifteen mature leather hangings separate the different zones of the market outlets.