This book investigates the history of Arabian suqs from their pre-Islamic beginnings to the present. Collecting evidence from archaeological ruins, Islamic towns, modern cities, Arabic poetry, philosophical debates, political conflicts, puppet shows and the insights of modern-day market-goers, the book presents new and unforeseen interpretations of the Arabian suq's meaning and its transformation through time and place. The finding that such meaning is tied to ancient trade rituals, where temple and market presented a holistic socio-urban unit, re-questions some instrumental assumptions regarding the value of suq-ness in Arabia's everyday practices. Such a finding, which locates the fadaa/tareeq duality as a central theme in Arabia's socio-urban discourse, emphasizes the importance of lived experiences and poetics as key sources for understanding socio-urban phenomena.

About the Author

Jasmine Shahin is a Dubai-based interior architect and university professor, teaching interior design and architectural history/theory in several institutions. In 2000, Shahin graduated from the American University in Dubai, after which she trained with one of the largest local firms in the Middle East. In 2007, she joined De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, where she received both her MPhil (2010) and PhD (2020) in Architectural and Urban Theory. Shahin has produced several publications and has presented many papers at international conferences. Her academic publications focus on the importance of hermeneutics for understanding the development of historical places in relation to contingent social experiences. She founded NU Design Bureau in 2020, complementing her academic experience with a strong pool of successful projects.

Book Information
ISBN 9781032267982
Author Jasmine Shahin
Format Hardback
Page Count 254
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 400g