Abu Mohammed Salim 38 prefers to buy the famous Ramadan sweets “Qatayef” only from Al-Zawiya market. He says: “I do not find a taste for Ramadan except here” pointing to the historical monuments and old features that bring comfort and tranquility to one’s self.
Umm Yunus who was accompanying her children to the market shares the feelings of Abu Mohammed she told the PIC reporter: “Every day I go down to al-Zawiya market. I buy watercress dill and my daily needs in Ramadan.”
Abu Rami al-Bitar (one of the most famous traders in al-Zawiya market) said that people are longing for the Zawiya market in Ramadan “because it is a source of history that reminds them of Muslim civilizations and the beautiful old past.” He added: “This market provides everything that people would need which makes it more preferable than others.”
Al-Zawiya market has a number of spice shops that are famous for its aroma these shops were the only ones in the beginnings of the market and later the market expanded to include shops that sell vegetables fruits meat detergents canned foods and more.
Al-Zawiya market is one of the oldest markets in the Gaza Strip. People who fast in the holy month of Ramadan go there not only for shopping but also for performing prayers at the Great Omari mosque in the middle of the market.
Place and history
Al-Zawiya market is located in the center of Gaza City in what is known as the Old City. It is bordered to the east by the Great Omari Mosque and to the south by Omar al-Mukhtar Street which extends from Al-Shujaeya neighborhood in the east to the Gaza Seaport in the west. The market is bordered to the north by al-Wihda Street one of the most famous streets in the city. It is bordered from the west by the Palestine Square which is locally known as “al-Saha” where hundreds of thousands come to visit every day.
Al-Zawiya market is known as one of the archaeological sites established in the Old City. It also represents an architectural and engineering style that suits the climate around. (Some of the market-centric shops still retain ancient architectural monuments).
Al-Zawiya market consists of 18 shops and on the other side there are about 16 other shops all of which have vaulted and intersected ceilings and the length of each shop is about 2.7 meters.
After the expansion of the market the shops within it varied into shops selling spices perfumes vegetables fruits poultry fish meat…etc. and perhaps the most important characteristic of the shops is the aroma in this historic place and the herbs shop which is a haven for some patients.
