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
Gold Souq Gold Souq A Gold Souq or Gold Souk () is a gold market in arab countries of Arabian Peninsula and particularly in GCC countries. The word "Souq" is mostly used by Arabs for open markets. The term evolved through the expatriates settled in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and spread to other Asian and western parts due to the growing numbers of expatriates in GCC countries. The term is often used to refer to the gold market in Arabized or Muslim cities, but also appears in Western and Asian cities. The world's largest indoor gold souq is located at Dubai Mall,