Alsaray Market, Traditional market in central Baghdad, Iraq
Alsaray Market is a traditional marketplace in central Baghdad with corridors lined by stalls selling textiles, spices, crafts, books, and household goods. The layout follows an old pattern where related items are grouped together in different sections, making it easier for shoppers to navigate and find what they need.
It evolved from a temporary trading post in the fifth century of the Islamic calendar to a permanent commercial center near Baghdad's eastern wall. The introduction of bookstores in the 1800s transformed it into a place where learning and knowledge spread throughout the community.
The market serves as a gathering place where neighbors meet to shop and exchange news about their daily lives. People naturally gather in small groups near certain stalls, creating a social center that connects different parts of the city.
Visit in the early morning when crowds are lighter and you can move comfortably between the stalls without difficulty. The air is fresher at this time and walking through the corridors becomes more pleasant.
Many vendors have run their stalls for generations, building deep relationships with families who keep coming back over decades. This continuity gives the market a personal character that sets it apart from modern shopping centers.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
