Souq often used as in the Grand Socco and Petit Socco of Tangiers. In the sub-continent, a different corruption, 'chowk', is often used in place of souq. The term is often used generically to designate the market in any Western Asian city, but may also be used in Western cities, particularly those with a Muslim community. Documentary sources point to permanent marketplaces in Middle Eastern cities from as early as 550 BCE. A souq was originally an open-air marketplace. Historically, souqs were held outside cities at locations where incoming caravans stopped and merchants displayed their goods for sale. Souqs were established
Souk Erbaa (Sfax) It is crossed in its middle by Souk El Attarine that is composed of two old Souks: Souk El Hannatine in the east, and Souk Erbaa Esghir in the west. It is composed of two rows of small shops, with a ceiling made of stone and plaster arches. It is linked to Souk El Balghajine by a small eastern alley that used to be called "Farkha" during the 9th century, and that has two doors: the first in Souk Erbaa while the second is located in Souk El Balghajine (also known as Souk El Okba). Souk Erbaa is composed of