I spent this afternoon winding in and out of the Flea Market at Yaffo. Open-air markets always interest me, but this mad jumble of old junk shops, genuine antiques, garish clothes, eateries big and eateries small and sidewalk displays of every imaginable object just entrances me.
I get a particular kick out of the history attached to the place. if you have the patience to read through a report by the Israel Antiquities Authority, you will find that under the shouk are remains dating as far back as the Iron Age, going through Crusader fortifications, Early Islamic pottery, Byzantine winepresses, Ottoman irrigation, and cannon belonging to Napoleon’s army. I have taken the walking tour presented by Yona Wiseman twice, and have loved every minute. I just don’t get tired of the romantic, tawdry, odorous, noisy, colorful Shuk HaPishpishim - flea market.
The Clock Tower, set just outside the Flea Market, is a popular rendezvous. It was built in 1906 for a despotic sultan, but nowadays serves mostly as a gathering place. I met my friend Linda there, and we started our walk through the market.
Lovely post. Chag sameach!
Thank you, and chag sameach to you!
Would the ancient typewriters start clacking, would the shot glasses and tea cups on the shelves tip towards each other in silent salute?
What a great image!
חג שמח
Wonderful post! I felt like I was walking thru Yaffo with you…the detail was so vivid, and the photos were great! Thanks for sharing and hag sameach!
What a lovely and so descriptive posting! I love the flea market in Yaffo as well..
Thanks for a great tour of Yaffo, and the shakshuka recipe from the Doctor himself! Hag Sameach, belatedly.