The Nizwa Souk
is famous for its handicrafts and agricultural products. It is one of the most important in all of Oman. The souq bustles with vendors selling everything from meat, fish, fruits and vegetables to spices, dates, gold, silver and even birds. Nizwa is renowned for its silver jewelry which is considered to be the best in the country.
You will even find an area where old guns are sold.
The Goat Souk
takes place on Friday mornings between 7am and 8:30am. This hyper active event brings together farmers who come to sell their goats and the buyers who want to purchase new stock. This unique ritual has gone on for centuries. I really enjoyed watching the whole event unfold. Great chance to see how the rural Omanis dress and interact. I had read about this popular event and planned my trip to be close to Nizwa on a Friday.
The Goat Souk takes place in a small circular pavilion. There is a raised platform in the middle and a dirt path that circles the raised platform. Kind of like a small circular race track. Goats are lined up ready to be displayed and hopefully sold.
There are people who assist the sellers and actually walk the goats around the rink. They know how to get the best price and know how to haggle for the best price.
Purchasers check the goats before making a bid.
A successful sale and money is quickly exchanged.
Young and Old Watch Intently
The Goat Souk was one of my favourite experiences of my time in Oman. I got a chance to feel the energy of the participants up close and be allowed to photograph the event at the same time. Planning a trip to Oman, be in Nizwa on a Friday morning.
Nizwa - Oman’s original capital
is one of the oldest cities in Oman and it was once a center of trade, religion, education and art. Its Jama (grand mosque) was formerly a center for Islamic learning. Located near the Western Hajar Mountains, and set amid an abundance of date palms, it is strategically located at the crossroads of routes linking the interior with Muscat and the lower reaches of Dhofar thus serving as the link for a large part of the country.
