Najran: Traditional markets embody the spirit of heritage and culture, reflecting life’s social and economic pulse while showcasing daily living patterns, customs, traditions, and the values and principles that once shaped these communities.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Najran’s old traditional markets have preserved a living memory of history, narrating the stories of past generations and the evolution of Najrani society, where people once gathered to exchange news, share stories, and build social connections. The Saudi Press Agency conducted a tour to highlight the cultural and historical significance of several markets in Najran, particularly in the alleys of the historic Aba Al-Saud neighborhood. During the tour, SPA met with members of the generation that lived through that era and experienced its lifestyle, customs, and traditions. Ali Mubarak Al-Saqour recalled, “Life at that time was simple; we used to walk or ride animals for transportation, and seeing a car was extremely rare. There were only a handful of them, and their owners were well-known. Some sales transactions were carried out through bartering and mutual exchange.”
With the urban development that Najran has witnessed, like other cities in the Kingdom, these traditional markets have secured a prominent and permanent place, maintaining an attractive heritage character that reflects the architectural style of the region’s mud-brick houses. They draw significant interest from visitors and tourists, offering a variety of goods, including the Janabi market, leather products, heritage items, silver handicrafts, traditional clothing tailors, old kitchen utensils, and various handicrafts.