‘Market of coincidence’ promotes local organic, handmade products

AMMAN — An open market organised “by chance” to promote local products this week offered consumers handicrafts and organic produce.

Fruit, vegetables, handmade miniature cars and planes, shirts, recycled notebooks and other items were on display at the monthly “Souq al Sodfeh” in the “Khordda” yard in Jabal Luweibdeh on Saturday.

Hana Faouri, the organiser of the event, said her work with women from various governorates who make handmade products gave her the idea of opening a market that showcases such items.

Faouri said the market’s name, which means “coincidence”, came from the fact that she and her friends — when holding the souk for the first time in June 2013 — did all the work without preplanning and thought the name would be strange and attractive to customers.

She then decided to make it a monthly event, selecting participants through Facebook after they send pictures of their products.

One of the stalls this month belonged to Shaaban Shahin, who said the vegetables for sale were all organic and from his family farm in the Jordan Valley, which exports produce to Europe, the Gulf and other countries.

“It’s important to have a monthly event where you can buy organic and handmade stuff,” said Raed Ibrahim, a customer.

Ali Masri, who was checking out the goods on display, said there should be more food options next time.

Another stall showcased handmade products such as recycled notebooks, bookmarks, and mug cosies under the “Basmitak Hatalim” (your fingerprint will leave a mark) initiative.

Safaa Obaid, a volunteer at the initiative, said more than 30 customers had bought their products. 

The proceeds are used to support the residents of the Gaza Refugee Camp. 

“The best part about this market is that you get to meet people interested in local handmade and organic products and learn from them, as well as encourage local production,” said customer Nada Jaffal.

The market even gave space for a mystic.

At one stall, Basma Omar used tarot cards to gain insight into customers’ psyches and sold handmade shirts as well. 

Recounting how she got her stall at the event, Omar said coincidence played a part.

She happened to be Faouri’s neighbour, working at a studio close to the site, and so her stall has been a staple of Souq al Sodfeh ever since it started nearly two years ago.