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Souq El Basta draws droves of visitors

By RAYNALD C RIVERA DOHA: Katara has added another attraction to the famous cultural and leisure destination with the opening of 'Souq El Basta' (International Handicraft Market), which offers a medley of traditional handicrafts coming from various countries.

Located on the Katara Beach, the Souq which was recently launched is open from 5pm to 10pm every Friday and Saturday till the end of the year, organisers said.

Over 20 stalls representing countries such as Syria, Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt and Palestine witnessed a significant number of visitors because of the various handicrafts, furniture, perfumes and artworks they offer.

One of the biggest stands in the newly-opened souq is the Pakistani handicrafts stand. It features handicrafts coming from the various provinces of the country. All handmade, the crafts include embroidered dresses and bed covers, khusa shoes, jewellery, tables and chairs and display items.

The Syrian stand teems with mosaic art pieces using marbles sourced from Syria. Apart from those on display, the artists can create pieces from hundreds others in their catalogue.

With careful attention to detail and the use of minute marble tiles, it took four artisans one month to assemble one huge mosaic piece depicting a portrait of the Emir of Qatar.

"We also make tabletops, calligraphic art, vases and images of mosques, flowers, horses, and falcons among others," said Mohammed Katib, one of the four artisans.

Young Qatari entrepreneur Shaima Al Sayegh's Al Shmokh Oud and Perfumes offers a wide collection of Arabian perfumes and Western scents.

"I started four months ago and so far business has been good since we started last week because the perfumes I offer are much cheaper than the ones in department stores but retains the same lasting scent," she said.

The perfumes are made both from local and foreign sources and include white musk, white oil oud, amber oud which is liked by Arabs for its sensational and lasting scent.

Palestinian embroidery by Yousef and Wijdan Al Barghouthi is also attracting more customers for a variety of embroidered products which uses Palestinian artistry.

"All our products speak about Palestinian culture in which the presence of objects such as mountains and grape leaves are predominant in the patterns," said Yousef, adding they also fuse modern patterns in their work.

Some of the products available in their stand are picture frame, mobile phone pouch, key hanger, tissue paper box, and ash tray among others.

Sand art, handmade mobile accessories, bracelets, bangles, miniature dhows, gift boxes, paintings, and traditional clothes are among other goods that can be bought from the souq.

Visitors can also enjoy watching some artisans work on their craft.

© The Peninsula 2011