The souks were not among the preserved historic landmarks as its medieval buildings were too damaged to be saved.
The souks were designed as interconnected open spaces with many access points along long vaulted shopping alleys and arcades.
It is still surrounded with farmland and vegetables are grown which supply many of the souks in the region.
Given the valuable items it sells, it is the only souk whose doors are closed and guarded during the night.
The "souk" comprises several narrow lanes which are lined with open and closed-roof stores.
The city is filled with restaurants, various shops and stores and three gas stations as well as a weekly souk or open-air market.
The souk is a pedestrian market with arcades and numerous shops and sidewalk cafs.
The souk consists of over 300 retailers that trade almost exclusively in jewellery.
