Beqaa popular markets expand amidst worsening economic conditions

In a feature published today, As Safir daily highlighted the booming and expansion of open popular markets in the Beqaa area as a way to counter the deteriorating economic conditions.  Bazaars have been known for decades in the eastern Lebanon region and visiting them has become a common tradition and a weekly outing for many families, the newspaper noted. Al Marj Monday Souk for example, is considered one of the most ancient marketplaces in Beqaa (over 90 years old). Scrutinizing the development of this phenomenon, As Safir outlined that the origin of souks can be traced to earlier markets for trading in livestock. Gradually, these markets developed into a full fledged agricultural market displaying a variety of domestic produces, mainly potatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, apples, pears, quince and many other fruit items. Today’s business has further expanded to cover additional merchandises such as fabrics, clothes, home accessories, dairy products, traditional medicine, groceries, foodstuffs and mouneh products. The newspaper went on to note that the recent Syrian refugee crisis and its negative fallbacks on Syrian households has favored such markets which now thrive with Syrian buyers and sellers who find in such bazaars an opportunity to mitigate their harsh living situation. Presently, the newspaper concluded, refugees represent over 70% of total visitors.

As Safir, February 16, 2016