Tunisia, the historical land located along the Mediterranean coast in the North-West African region, is recognized for its picturesque beaches; extensive, sweltering deserts; archaic ruins and traditional souks. Home to numerous spectacular sights reflective of the past, Tunisia is believed to be a vibrant country, attracting millions of tourists around the globe each year.

Carthage, an ancient superpower known for its economic and political influence throughout the Mediterranean Sea (now located at a short distance from the capital city of Tunis) was where the Phoenician merchants of Tyre entered the historic land for the first time. The region was the capital of a giant empire in ancient Roman history, playing home to a cultural mishmash created by the likes of the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, Turks, and Europeans. It was here that St. Augustine studied, taught, and wrote his most celebrated work: the Confessions; and it was here that ancient Islam found its domicile.

Located in the old part of Tunis referred to as the Medina (UN World Heritage Site) the souks are home to a wonderful array of objects that are unmatchable in terms of both beauty and distinction. Exploring the coffer of goods available at a Tunisian souk, ranging from ancient souvenirs to modern novelties (and almost everything that falls in between), is indeed an experience worth cherishing. Moreover, most featured products are very reasonably priced and visitors are often shocked to see the level (and power) of the relentless bargaining that inherently permeates the deals being conducted in the markets. It’s safe to say that with a little awareness of the art of bargaining, a tad bit of humor, and a keen vision, one can easily grab even highly priced masterpieces at amazing rates.

Upon entering the Tunisian souks, one is sure to feel a complete transformation in their surroundings. From the loud calls of shopkeepers and the multi-lingual bargaining exchanges, to the sights of crowds navigating around the narrow streets and artisans hammering away on their ornaments, the souks are sure to give new meaning to the terms hustle and bustle. However, it is not as chaotic as it might seem at first. Most of the souks in the traditional part of the medina have been systematically organized into streets or sections specializing in specific areas of interest; often carrying unique names pertaining to the kinds of products they specialize in. So, typically, you might be browsing woolen caps known as chechias in the Souk des Chechias; upon turning a corner, you could land yourself in the 13th-century old Souk el Attarine - also known as the perfume-makers' market – which is widely recognized for selling fragrances and essential oils; and after buying some unique perfume, you could march yourself over to the Souk de la Laine to observe the traditional hand weaving process in all it’s glory. As random as the arrangement might seem, in truth, it is far from that. Historically, the locations for different professions’ operations had a lot to do with the rules followed in most Muslim cities of the time. The “clean” professions’ souks – so as to say – were located near the great mosque, the Zitouna, while specialists in the “unclean” professions (like dying or metal work) had to set up shop further away. Thus, it’s no coincidence that the mini-souks are organized so meticulously.

As one might imagine, the Tunisian souks are by far the best place to spend all or at least most of your shopping money. While the souks are surely known for some specific products better than others, one can buy virtually anything of interest in the cobbled pathways of old Tunis. In fact, most first-time visitors find the extensive variety of commodities on sale mind-blowing.

One of the most popular features of the souks is the range of jewelry that is available. Most pieces are historically relevant to the culture of Tunisia, and in that, are definitely one of a kind. In fact, much of the jewelry pieces on sale are exclusive to the medinas of Tunis, and are undeniably worth buying – whether you plan on using them for adornment purposes or as symbolic souvenirs. One of the most enticing features of the jewelry souks are the authentic Arab-Berber bracelets and necklaces. While they tend to be heavy in weight, the bracelets and necklaces are alluring in the way they vary in some being ornate and old-fashioned to others appearing perfectly modern in their primitive signature designs. Many of the old necklaces have been re-strung with the original silver pieces, in addition to glass beads, coins and the exotic coral (which tends to add to the price). Highly reputed shops even show buyers silver stamps to prove authenticity. Even though these original pieces are quite beguiling (and often a little expensive), it’s always a good idea to check out the copies of the original jewelry that can be found, in plenty, all around the souks. While they are just as beautiful, the copies tend to be lighter in weight, thus making them more wearable. These pieces are naturally cheaper, and often make great gifts to buy for your family and friends back home. And if you’re interested in some gold-digging, you must visit the Souk des Orfèvres, a market renowned for selling Tunisian high carat gold at competitive rates.

Aside from the stunning jewelry, the Tunisian souks are also famous for their remarkable collection of pottery and ceramics. Andalusian pottery and earthenware is highly popular. Handmade and hand-painted with intricate designs, aside from the individual pieces on sale, the collections also include dinnerware, tableware and tea-sets. The likes of these ceramic tiles, bowls, salvers, containers and jugs are surprisingly eye-catching (for the kind of basic products that they are!) and serve well as superb souvenirs. These manifestations of basic ceramics and pottery are also fascinating in the way their colors and designs echo the region they come from: while tones of yellow and green are representative of the region of Jerba (the clay of which is used in creating what is called “practical” pottery), earth tones and primitive designs mark objects from Sedjane and the use of white and blue allows for a touch of the land of Nabeul.

After you’ve bought some beautiful pottery for your homes, there is also an extensive variety of carpets to choose from - ranging from camel hair alloucha, margoums and fine silk to colorful klim and Berber – and all at reasonable rates. The quality is determined by the number of knots per square meter, while the marvelous patterns account for the beauty of a piece. Aside from the unique Tunisian carpets which are definitely worth dishing out some cash over, the souks also deal in traditional wall hangings, including the likes of the multicolored ornamental rugs from the urban city of Gafsa.

The Tunisian souks are also well-known for the quality of the woodcraft that is on sale. The goods are considered to be very durable, requiring only a regular polish of oil to help them retain their mint condition. A visit to the souks also gives one the opportunity of buying rare, hand carved olive-wood – products of which include salad bowls, lamps, kitchen items, and much more.

Other interesting items to look for in the Tunisian markets include calligraphic copper/ brass trays and personalized ashtrays. The prices of the trays vary depending on their weight and design while the ashtrays are comparatively inexpensive. To add a personal touch, you can even have your name engraved in Arabic upon them. Also, gracing the ranks of the souks as one of its dominant features, you will find leather goods - including belts, sandals, bags and jackets. However, the Tunisian leather goods should always be checked for purity and quality, so that one may not be ripped off.

As you might have figured already, the souks are undoubtedly a treasure chest of collectibles with wonderful products that one can’t find anywhere else. From traditional Tunisian costumes, gilded seraglio outfits, genuine woolen blankets and embroidered shawls, antiquated coins and stamps (which are highly collectible) to fossils, seashells, minerals, African beads, traditional flutes and bagpipes, handcrafted dolls, attractive “Sidi Bou Said” birdcages and assorted fragrances (orange blossom and geranium seem to be popular ingredients), the souks are overspilling with goods just waiting to be bought; only after being bargained over profusely.

While the souks are surely home to a great variety of products that you won’t find elsewhere - especially at those bargain prices we keep mentioning - the experience that comes from roaming the cobbled streets while sipping mint tea under the warm African sun, is as valuable as anything you could possibly purchase. From the vibrant colors permeating the atmosphere, to the sounds of bustling activity, the Tunisian souk is a shopping haven of sorts - giving visitors a much-needed break from the dreary monotony of their everyday lives. It’s safe to say that, in the crowded alleys of the Tunisian souk, shopping in itself really is an art.