Old markets shaped Kuwait's economy in the old times -- researcher

By Montaha Al-Fathli (with photos)

KUWAIT, Sept 9 (KUNA) -- Despite its small area, Kuwait had a large number of markets that had shaped its economy since its establishment in the past, particularly in late 19th century and early 20th century.

One of the main markets, in the past, was the traders' wholesale market, located near Al-Seif Palace, said cultural researcher and writer Mohammad Abdulhadi Jamal.

Imported products like rice, seeds, spices, dates, and clothes were sold in bulk at that market by traders to other merchants, who in turn would sell them in other markets in Kuwait, he told KUNA.

Nearby was a market of vegetables and water, another for pearls and carpets, called Al-Bader market, and a third for imported fabric, called Qaysariyat Al-Awadhi, he said.

There were also markets specialized in selling watches, rice, dates, and meat, neighbored by a yard to keep the traders' camels and sell seasonal products brought by desert convoys like truffles, wool, and "yiqit", sour dried milk, he added.

Jamal said that after Kuwait signed a protection treaty with Britain in 1899, ships came more regularly to the Kuwaiti shores, carrying different kinds of goods.

That spread stability in Kuwait, boosted trade, and increased the local and external demand on imported products, therefore expanding the markets, he pointed out.

During the rule of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, new markets were established, and by the rule of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, markets became more integrated andspecialized, he said.

The researcher said that the Kuwaiti old markets used to be open, however ceilings of African wood and leaves of palm trees were later built to protect them from the sun, rains, and dust.

After that, tin ceilings were used instead, he said, adding that the shops in the markets were rented without written contracts as verbal obligations were considered sufficient.

The government played a main role in organizing and monitoring markets and guards protected them, especially during the nights when shops were closed, he noted.

Copyright Kuwait News Agency 2008.