For generations, the Old Market Bethlehem has linked Bethlehem’s religious visitors with its local economy. Pilgrims traveling to the Church of the Nativity would pass through the market, purchasing supplies, food, and devotional souvenirs.

In addition, many of the market’s stone arches and vaulted ceilings date back to the Ottoman period, reflecting the city’s layered history. Traditional shops are still run by families who have traded here for decades, passing down skills like spice blending, embroidery, and olive wood carving.

At the same time, the souq is more than a marketplace. It is a living cultural hub where conversations flow as easily as goods change hands. For example, stopping at a shop often leads to stories of Bethlehem’s past and its enduring resilience.