Omdurman Mart
Established in the days of the British Colonial Era in Sudan, Omdurman Mart was, and still, a great pillar in the economy and heritage. Known colloquially as “The Grand Market”, it’s arguably the most traditional market in the whole country.
At first instance, a few shops popped up randomly here and there in the 1880s before the rise of Mahdi. Nonetheless, things got better as al-Khalifa, the successive ruler of Al-Mahdi, regulated the market, putting everything in order. It is said that butcheries and vegetables shops were the first to be established in the market as it was highly demanded and slightly supplied at the time.
The influence of The Omdurman Mart did not cease after the Mahdist Revolt as many intellectuals and politicians discussed their political and intellectual issues in the “Agha Café”, a special café in the market. Unfortunately, the Café did not continue so long since it became a small booth for electronic gadgets.
Being an element of the modern history of Sudan, the Omdurman Mart experienced a vast diversity in the nationalities of vendors as numerous foreigners (e.g. Syrians, Indians, Turks, and Englishmen…etc.) used to sell and buy there. Nowadays, however, it is mostly occupied by Sudanese families who passed down all the secrets of trade to the younger generation. Such business acumen, derived from experience and common sense, is never gained through universities nor institutes; rather, through the connection between ancestors and successors. In addition, good manners were a part of this tradition as they always manifest kindness, integrity, and friendliness to other vendors as well as customers. The level of integrity might go beyond that as they do not issue nor cheques nor bills because they trust their customers, and, as a result, their customers put their trust in them.
The traditional value of Omdurman Mart, allegedly the largest of its kind in Sudan, is evident in the traditional products, including but not limited to leather-made sandals, Misbahas, swords, traditional clothes, and local rope wooden beds called “anagrayb”. It means that crafts production is still appreciated there. To understand the structure of Omdurman Mart more clearly: every category or type of service or product is sold mainly in a section of the market. For example, the antiques market, which is specialized in selling the antiques.
One of the common of crafts is tanning, a profitable industry in the “antiques Market”. The skins of crocodiles, serval cats, and other animals that are being used for producing souvenirs and antiques. The antique market also offers the visitors a wide range of products including: abanos wooden walking and decorated canes — you might stumble upon a mace if you’re lucky- and abanos statues for the office or home, African Dashiki Shirts, traditional musical instruments, ivory keychains, and etc.
Note: you ought to buy all of your gifts and souvenirs from here as you’ll never find a better price elsewhere.
Speaking of traditional products, Sudanese Women in the market sew and sell the taqiyah (i.e. rounded skullcap), an essential element of traditional Sudanese clothes. On the other side, the jalabiyas, the national costume for Sudanese men, are made of cotton and polystyrene. People often buy tailored jalabiyas from the Market, although a few of them might go for the ready-made ones. The national costume is never complete without wearing turbans and scarfs, especially in family gatherings and religious occasions. For women, they often wear a toob, a garment that covers the whole body except the face and palms.
We cannot speak of Sudanese Fashion without mentioning jewelry as it’s the ladies’ most valuable interest. Prices vary depending on the karat (golden purity) and the type of adornment. The Gold Market, which is a section in Omdurman Mart is the right place for that.
Bazars are everywhere in Omdurman Mart. They include all essential spices and vegetables in Sudanese cuisine. For instance: cumin, sweet rush, cinnamon, ginger, okra, Fenugreek, common purslane, and Corchorus, to name a few, and of course you cannot leave the “Spices Market” without getting some unique Sudanese Perfumery and Aromas. We pass by colorful spices pleasing to the eye which have special indescribable aromas. Just like other Arab Nations, Sudanese people appreciate the smell of burnt Bakhour (Incense), and they enjoy it while drinking black coffee, which is made by the tea ladies.
Omdurman Mart is also one of the major stations in the wheat supply chain to the bakeries.
In spite of all mentioned positive aspects of the market, still, there are challenges to be resolved. First thing is the lack of e-payment. Most of the stalls and booths do not support ATM cards or mobile banking, so you’d rather draw a reasonable amount of cash from your account.
In conclusion, Omdurman Mart reflects a various number of products, heritage, and services that you’ll never regret on visiting it.
Written originally by Elbara Mohamed, and edited by the Girentiya Post Staff.
References:
[1]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InWu9rtgyzM
[2]https://youtu.be/bQJPkxtXjz0
[3]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJhK0AiTDZU
[4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5c0A-bUuPs
[6]https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%A3%D9%85_%D8%AF%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86
[7]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tft7-kULSb0
[9]https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%82%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A8
