Brook Street Market
A colourful and festive market for traditional Zulu hats, bags, and household products.
Overview
Brook Street Market is a truly colourful experience that runs alongside the iconic Badsha Peer Shrine. Beneath the shaded roof, you will find stalls boasting brightly coloured pinafores, traditional Zulu hats, shoes, bags, and a wide variety of household products.
The Badsha Peer Shrine: Your guide will point out that the market’s location is intrinsically linked to the Badsha Peer Shrine, which pays tribute to a Muslim saint who arrived in Durban in 1860. The strong working relationship between the traders and the Badsha Peer Mazaar Society is a powerful example of community coexistence. In fact, the Mazaar Society donated a portion of the market’s current shelter in 2000, which helped catalyse its redevelopment.
Key Facts
Historical Coexistence: The Brook Street Market area is historically unique because it is one of the only locations where three different religious denominations — Christian, Muslim, and Jewish — are buried alongside one another, highlighting Durban’s diverse heritage.
Annual Ceremony: Your guide will explain that since 1943, an annual week-long veneration ceremony and banquet has been held for Badsha Peer, culminating right next to the market. Trading is suspended by mutual agreement during this time to honour the function.
Traditional Products: The market is a key source for authentic Zulu hats and attire, making it a great place for you to find unique souvenirs on the tour.
Visit Bovine Head Market
Experience this unique market firsthand with our local community guides.
Warwick Junction Precinct
Included in Public & Private Tours
Q &A
Q: How do I visit the Brook Street Market?
A: Book our Markets of Warwick Walking Tour! This inspiring market is a key stop on our route, offering you a direct view of this unique blend of culture and commerce.
Q: What is the Brook Street Market known for?
A: It is a colourful and festive market known for selling traditional Zulu hats, colourful attire, household goods, and local meals in its food court.
Q: What is the significance of the Badsha Peer Shrine?
A: The Shrine is adjacent to the market, paying tribute to a Muslim saint. The surrounding area is historically unique for its burials of three different religious denominations, a fascinating story our tour covers.
Q: How does the market interact with the Shrine?
A: There is a very good working relationship between the traders and the Shrine Society, which even donated part of the market’s roof in 2000.