Souk Okaz

Souk Okaz
سوق عكاظ
Stone plaque at the ancient site of Souk Okaz
Map of Saudi Arabia showing the location of Souk Okaz
LocationTaif, Saudi Arabia
RegionHejaz
Coordinates21°28′28″N 40°38′42″E / 21.47436°N 40.64487°E / 21.47436; 40.64487
TypeSouk
History
Founded501
Abandoned745
PeriodsPre-Islamic Arabia
EventsFijar Wars
Site notes
ConditionRestored
ManagementMinistry of Tourism (Saudi Arabia)

Sūq ʿUkāẓ (Arabic: سوق عكاظ [suːq ʕʊ.kaːðˤ]), or Al-Ukadh, is a historical souk at ʿUkāẓ, between Nakhla and Taif, in Saudi Arabia. It was the largest and best known annual fair in pre-Islamic times. Today it is a popular tourist destination.