Diplomatic Bazaar brings products from around the world to one venue

AMMAN — Colourful textiles, traditional crafts and seasoned foods from all over the world were showcased in the 51st Diplomatic Bazaar on Saturday.

The proceeds of the annual event, which took place at Al Hussein Youth City, are entirely allocated for supporting Mabarrat Um Al Hussein, a home for orphaned and underprivileged boys established in 1958 by the late Queen Zein Al Sharaf to provide them with an environment of welfare.

Over 50 diplomatic missions in Amman exhibited products of their home countries, mostly handmade items, to thousands of citizens and members of international communities in the Kingdom with interest in both cultural diversity and philanthropy.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, HRH Princess Basma highlighted the annual contribution of several diplomatic missions in the event as an embodiment of “shared humanitarian values” that help provide better lives for boys at the mabarrat.

“The bazaar represents partnership and collaboration among accredited diplomatic missions in Jordan, and it is an integral pillar of supporting the aims and activities of Mabarrat Um Al Hussein and the families in need,” she said.

In a tour of the bazaar’s booths, Princess Basma also commended the role of Jordan’s private sector in supporting the full-day activity.

Representative of the Moroccan mission to Jordan Lahssan Abdul Khaleq said the “wide” participation of diplomatic missions in the country is part of their commitment to social responsibility, commending the mabarrat’s role in protecting children.

Meanwhile, Dalia Dahdaleh, bazaar coordinator, cited the event as a means for developing services to orphan children, adding that the magnitude of participation is a reflection of participants’ passion for helping those in need.

Representing Turkish participants, Fulia Abdul Hamid said the bazaar is a chance to take part in a “good cause” and to introduce some Turkish products to local consumers.

She said silverware, handmade ceramics, tea kettles and textiles were the most popular products from Turkey.

Meanwhile, the booth of Peru showcased several types of foods, including cakes, cookies, herbs and pickles.

“These are typical homemade foods in Peru,” said Riva Sharpain, who represented the South American country.

The exhibition’s spacious hall and the outdoor food court were packed with visitors.

Visitor Mohammad Musa said the bazaar is “the kind of event you want to mark on your calendar and make sure to show up”.

For the past four years he has been keen on bringing his wife and three children to the bazaar, he told The Jordan Times, adding that there is “something for everyone”.

For Samantha Lewis, an American studying Arabic in Jordan, Lebanese jewellery and South African flowers were the highlights of her visit.

“It would be a great idea if more diplomatic missions could participate,” she said.