Syria’s trading heritage spans empires. But while the famed souks of Damascus and Aleppo still bustle with activity, a new shopping experience is being demanded: the air-conditioned souk, commonly known as the shopping mall. Unlike its neighbors, Syria has long been barren ground for shopping malls. The country has, however, undergone something of a retail revolution in recent years and the appearance of foreign goods and international retail chains is one of the most obvious signs of the country’s economic liberalization. Four shopping malls have opened in as many years and the same number are presently under construction. Upwards of six more are on the drawing board. All expect to find a warm welcome from a public which, until 2003, was banned from importing many foreign goods. Syria’s new-found retail spirit has not, however, been without the odd hiccup. The Hejaz Souks project was to transform the central business district
