Form and Function in Two Traditional Markets of the Middle East: Souq Mutrah and Souq Waqif

Mark David Major and Heba O. Tannous
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Mark David Major: Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
Heba O. Tannous: Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 17, 1-21

Abstract: This paper presents some of the findings of a study comparing the form and function of two traditional markets on the Arabian Peninsula: Souq Mutrah in Muscat, Oman, and Souq Waqif in Doha, Qatar. Globalization and rapid urbanization characterize both Doha and Muscat, which share similar historical origins as coastal settlements despite stark differences in topography; Oman is mountainous, whereas Qatar is flat. We investigate the urban morphology, land use and function of the two souqs using several representational techniques typical of morphological research, including space syntax analysis. The purpose is to develop a deeper understanding of (1) the evolution of space and form in these marketplaces over time, and (2) the possible implications for their functioning as urban places. The analysis demonstrates the critical importance of the contextual relations at the macro- and micro-scale of the urban environment for understanding the complex nature of these souqs as places today, helping to deepen our knowledge about traditional markets in the Middle East.

Keywords: land use; markets; morphology; topography; urban studies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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