Tourists looking for souvenirs over 50 years old head for the “Heritage Market” at the old airport here which offers a variety of traditional costumes, old silver ornaments and traditional veils or burqa which women wear leaving only their eyes exposed. The market is frequented by Westerners living in Jeddah and foreign tourists who want to learn about the Kingdom's heritage and buy interesting souvenirs. Ibrahim, who has a small shop, says that the market dates back more than 50 years, pointing out that in his shop he showcases different articles, including traditional costumes from different parts of the Kingdom, as well as cooking pots made of copper and old rings, anklets and bracelets made of silver. Badr, who works as salesman in one of the shops in the market, said “Most of the customers are young Saudis who want to learn about the heritage of their forefathers. The market also attracts Westerners working in the Kingdom and foreign tourists.” He said the shop sells a variety of old veils whose prices range between SR100 to SR1,200, pointing out that the age of the veil determines its price: The older it is, the more expensive. He said that old silver necklaces can sell for as much as SR1,500, adding “Many Saudi youth look for old swords whose prices can reach SR20,000”. Ahmad Al-Rashedi said that in his shop he has a variety of old guns, daggers, swords and coins, adding that German tourists are especially interested in heritage souvenirs.
