Souk El Tayeb, Beirut

Most experienced travelers will tell you that the key to understanding the culture of a city is with a visit to the local market. Even a quick tour of the stalls provides the sort of insight into a foreign way of life that makes traveling so worthwhile.

In comparison to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, the Souk El Tayeb in Beirut can hardly be considered a traditional marketplace. However, its mere presence speaks volumes about the progress Beirut has made since the outbreak of war in 2006.

As Lebanon’s first farmers’ market, the Souk El Tayeb is not just a place where merchants go to hawk their wares at tourists and passersby. The focus is on artisanal products - organic when possible - all produced by local farmers, bakers, and cooks.

Just as important as the quality of their products is `their emphasis on community and peace. Since 2004, these “united farmers of Lebanon” have been dedicated to their “responsibility towards earth and men, beyond any religion, confession, race and color.”

While most markets nearly disappeared after the war, the goal of the Souk El Tayeb has always been to uphold Lebanese culture and tradition when it seems threatened the most. If this is a sign of things to come, then the future is bright for Beirut indeed.

For more information, visit their website at www.soukeltayeb.com.

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by Trafton Kenney
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