what is a souk

A souk, also spelled souq, is a marketplace that can be found in Northern Africa and Western Asia. In the Arab world, a souk is a market that may be held in a designated commercial quarter or in an open-air location. Souks are typically associated with Muslim countries, especially North Africa and the Middle East. They are often open-air markets, but can also be found in designated commercial quarters. Souks are known for their vibrant atmosphere, with vendors selling a wide variety of goods such as spices, textiles, jewelry, and pottery.