"Souq Wāqif, the “standing marketplace” is the heart of historical Doha and the place founder Nick Steward likes to stay when in Qatar’s capital city. This merchant quarter gives the visitor a taste of authentic ‘khaleeji’ culture and he loves exploring the souq in the evening, when the intensity of the sun has faded away. And you can’t wander around a souq without head-turning wafts of incense and oud, smells so evocative of the region.
Imagine spice stalls, mashrabiyah (the wooden lattice work windows peculiar to the region), winding alleys, the cool of the shade, sacks full of nuts and luban (gum Arabic.) The hum, buzz, sense of anticipation and pleasure of exploring a traditional souq and the rich aromas that follow you everywhere as you wander.
Blood orange, saffron, Omani olibanum (frankincense), myrrh, patchouli, African geranium, oud (Vietnam), guaiac wood, cistus labdanum
Céline Perdriel
