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The soug (market) was the place for social gatherings where merchants and residents from various social and cultural classes met to exchange goods, crafts, news, and experiences. Omdurman's culture and heritage were enriched by the link between its markets and local and international trade routes.

Besides being a place to buy and sell things, Omdurman market was, and remains, a symbol of social, ethnic, and cultural interaction. Old maps show residential neighbourhoods populated by tribes from different parts of Sudan surrounding Omdurman market. The area also contained a number of smaller markets, such as Soug al Nisaa (women’s market) Soug al Gisaira, and Soug Um Suaigo.

The river waterways and the ports were of economic importance because of their close link with the market, as boats and ships exported goods coming from Kordofan, Darfur and South Sudan. Sorghum was transported from its place of production in the White Nile, Al Jazeera and Blue Nile regions, to Shambat port. Riverside markets were created as a result of the river trade, as well as markets for manufacturing and selling boats. The banks of the Nile also housed community centres and many daily riverine activities.

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Cover Picture © Zainab Gaafar, in Almorada fish market 2020