Tchak Tchak Tchak
That’s the sound of the coppersmiths at work as you approach Khan Al Nahasin, the copper market in Aleppo. Tchak Tchak Tchak. Your footsteps on the cobblestones echo their rhythm.
The Aleppian khan or souk dates back to the 16th century when it was the epicentre of copper trade in the Syrian city, its environs and parts of the Middle East. Located some 800 metres away from Aleppo’s Citadel, it is made up of upper and lower parts that share similarities. A series of small shops and tiny workshops line up the souk, a traditional sight among shop keepers of the same trade.
Upper and lower parts of the souk
We stop and watch a young craftsman at work, his young dexterous hands tapping away with a nail and hammer, creating intricate designs and geometric patterns.
Young craftsman at work
There are two kinds of copper with which they work. The red copper is mainly used in making cooking utensils such as pots and pans of varying sizes. The yellow copper is used in ornamental pieces used for decoration in the home.
Among what looks like bric-à-brac or unfinished pieces, you can find ornate incense holders, Arabian coffee pots and traditional coal irons at bargain prices.
Khan Al Nahasin offers an experience far removed from popular tourist sights and well worth the visit on a trip to Aleppo.
I love this post! I’m so fascinated with metal working, creating such beautiful things out of sheets of copper. 🙂 Great photos!
Thanks Krista! It’s an amazing sight at this souk when you see the people working. It’s as if you’ve stepped back in time.
[…] Souk el Nahasin in Aleppo is the coppersmiths market in this ancient metropolis in Syria where an old craft is still practiced. The article was written in a style inspired by watching the video footage taken at the time. Some of the photographs have a metallic look and feel designed to transport the reader back in time. […]