Province
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Jambia Sauq
| The people of Najran are eye-catching. Their bright, multicolored, sarong-like izars, topped by black embroidered jackets, are a colorful contrast to the desert-adapted plain white Saudi thawb |
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The region is famed for its honey, and often you can discern the beekeepers by the garlands of sweet-smelling flowers about their heads.
Over time, Najran has developed a distinctive and fascinating style of its own. Handicrafts, folklore and dancing all thrive here as a natural part of daily life, including the small daggers that are part of the national dress.
Najran is one of the last places in Saudi Arabia where you can still find an authentic, hand made jambia (traditional dagger) at the jambia souk in Aba al Saud. Other handicrafts include gold and silver jewellery, textile weavings, leather goods, wood carvings.
Folklore performances are popular at special events, as is reciting of stories and epic poetry, with a local favorite being tales about Bouzad Al-Hilali, a legendary inhabitant of the ancient city of Al-Ukhdud.
Traditional dancing is also popular and includes Razfa (for men, performed during religious feasts and marriages); Dance of the Horses (a war dance); Zamel and the Dance of the Drums (Tabel, Al Maraf'e); Al-Zurfa, Al-Mathlootha and Al Sharah.
King Fahd Park has a performance area where official parties are entertained by troupes performing traditional folklore.
Souq al-Nisa'a is the women's souq and is the only one of its kind in the province. It sells a range of items including clothing, toiletries, spices, incense and perfumes and some household objects.
Souq al-Jambia, or Souq al Khanajer, is the only souq in the kingdom that specializes in the locally made daggers. Because of the significance of the jambia in Najrani culture, this small souq of around 20 traders is an essential part of any itinerary. The proximity to traders grinding and selling flour in a nearby shop adds interest.
Souq al-Kharrazeen specializes in leather goods; Souq al-Tamr has seasonal dates; Souq al-Hadadin sells ironware.
Souq al-Shabi in Aba al Saud has been renovated relatively recently, with a number of shops all selling largely popular items. Particularly appealing are the colorful hand woven baskets and handicrafts.
Souq al-Ethnain, the Monday market, is now formalized on a site near the Ibn Mahdi Palace. Souq al-Sabet is the Hubuna Saturday market. |
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