I’ve seen auctions on TV. These auctions mainly sold paintings or cars. I am aware of cattle auctions in Scotland, but goat auctions? I had to go see it for myself. Yes, I’m Omani, and no, I have never been to Nizwa on a Friday morning at 5am for an experience I will never forget.
I packed my camera bag and headed out at 5am. I originally planned to leave for 4am (which I recommend you do if you’re staying in Muscat) but I needed the extra hour of sleep. I got to Nizwa fort (which is where the goat market auction takes place) at around 7am. You could feel the thrill, the buzz, the incredible and energetic vibes as you approach the fort. The line of cars was as far as the eye can see. It took me a good 15-20 minutes to find a parking spot. Nevertheless, I walked across to the auction site, and almost like a door had opened, a wave of noise hit me. The energy at 7am lingering in the air was extremely thrilling. It was every man for himself. Swarms of people in every direction, tourists and locals trying to get a glimpse of the goats being sold. “10 RIALS, 20 RIALS, 25 RIALS, 40 RIALS SOLD!!!”. Even kids were taking part in the auction.
The way it works is, in the centre of the goat auction market spot, the auctioneers, with their goats, walk round in a circle as potential buyers form a sort of circular human wall. As the goats walk past, the buyers quickly squeeze the back of the goat, checking if they’re up to their specific standards. This check is done within seconds, which goes to show that the buyers really do know what they want. If the goat isn’t up to their standards, they wait for the next one, but if they are, then the negotiations begin. Their conversations are typically drowned out by everything else in the area. Shouting, discussions and even the goats having their own discussions.
This goat market auction takes place every Friday, and only on a Friday. It all kicks off at around 8am and finishes at 10am, but that’s not all that takes place. Inside the souq, you will find men selling a variety of different things like vegetables, spices, sweets, honey, rifles, knives and so much more. The atmosphere unintentionally replicates something from those markets in the olden days.
If you’re into photography, this event will definitely full up your SD cards. The locals WANT you to take their photos. A variety of faces and personalities wanting to speak to you and get their photos taken.
I really recommend coming to the goat market auction. It’s quite fascinating.
