Mukhtar Al Souq The truth from the market, for the people
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Mukhtar's Market Tours

The Damascene abaya
Types and prices, from $10 to $800

Episode date: Length: 1 min 36 s Page published: · Last checked:

In Damascus's Midhat Pasha market, known for traditional crafts, shemaghs and agals, the Mukhtar asked about the men's abaya, or bisht: its fabrics, its embroidery, and why prices vary so much.

The short answer

In September 2025 a Damascene abaya in the Midhat Pasha market cost between $10 and $800. A $10 abaya here is worth about $40 abroad, a hand tailored Japanese wool abaya about $245, and one embroidered with real gold thread up to $800.

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How much is an abaya?

The tailor said summer abayas start at $10, and "a $10 abaya here is worth $40 abroad". A hand tailored Japanese fabric abaya is about $245, and one embroidered with real gold thread reaches about $800.

What are summer abayas made of?

Three grades: polyester, a polyester and wool mix, and the top grade, Japanese wool. Embroidery is by hand, in imitation gold, silver or gold thread.

And winter abayas?

Three types too: lama, baby lama, and imitation camel hair (wabar).

Is the abaya Syrian?

The tailor said there are famous tailors in Saudi Arabia and Al-Ahsa, but the abaya's roots and old craft are Syrian, and Syrians are stronger at tailoring.

Questions people ask

How much is a men's abaya in Damascus?

In September 2025 it ranged from $10 to $800 in the Midhat Pasha market, depending on fabric and embroidery.

What is the best fabric for a summer abaya?

Japanese wool is the top grade, then a polyester and wool mix, then polyester, the tailor said.

Where can I buy an abaya in Damascus?

The Midhat Pasha market in Old Damascus is known for abayas, shemaghs, agals and traditional crafts.

We ask sellers in the market and record every price with its date, in US dollars and new Syrian pounds. How we work

The Mukhtar Al Souq team: produced by (the show on his site) · written by Ahmad Nahas, Mazen Shbib, Ranim Shabani and Dania Halbouni · edited by Abdulrahman Al-Nassar and Abdulrahman Mulla · graphics by Wael Fayyad