This market is named after the well-known poetess from Balkh, Rabia Balkhi. Rabia Balkhi Market is important to the livelihood of many women sole breadwinners. The entrepreneurs became self-sustained through selling handicrafts, local food products, daily commodities, etc. Here is also a sewing learning center for young girls.
Rabia Balkhi market was recommended by a shopkeeper when I asked about where to buy local handicrafts. It was established in 2011, and reconstructed and augurated in late 2024. This is the second women entrepreneur business center in Mazar, and the other one is Khadija Al-Kubra.
The roads are wide, and spacious pavements to walk on in Mazar. Walking from Martryr Masood Square took longer than I thought. When the auto-rickshaw stopped by the green gate, I confirmed with him again. He affirmed it is the market. I thought it was a bazaar type. Construction work was ongoing around the garden complex while visiting, but I peeked through the window and saw neatly arranged studios, so it wasn’t empty.
On the other side of the market, women were busy making mandu. Shops were open, and women of all ages were chatting and laughing on the benches. I was invited into a clothing shop where the owner showcased some of her art pieces. A customer was telling the shop owner about the new dress style. I told the group that I wanted to buy handwoven textiles. Among the group, a woman in her fifties showed me her shop which faced the garden. Decorative tunic tops, handmade purses, and shoes represented the Afghani culture.
All the women wore abayas, some in vibrant colors. When I asked what’s their favorite style of Abaya, they all nodded when one said Dubai style. When I ordered a plate of mandu from a female vendor, college girls came over and shared the table with me. Two young sisters in a glittering purple abaya joined us with their newly born children.
Since girl’s education is terminated by the Taliban, this place serves as an important space for young women in the neighborhood to learn sewing. Although sewing is not their dream, it is a livelihood skill for the situation now. In Fatimah’s words, “The current government is brutal and inhumane.” She felt hopeless and mentally distressed.” Fatimah is one of the young girls I made friends with here. She comes to Rabia Balkhi almost every day to learn sewing. When asked how’s her sewing skills, she laughed by just saying it was ok.