Spices for sale in the market at Ankara, the capital of Turkey. The town originally prospered as a trading city under the Hittites before 1200 BC because it was at the crossroads of the north-south and east-west trade routes. Today there is a busy bazaar, where merchants sell all kinds of goods including spices.

The spice market in a covered bazaar (souk) typical of any such market from Morocco eastwards. Emissaries from Western civilizations once travelled vast distances in order to track down the aromatic wares sold in such markets.

Sacks full of colourful spices in Marrakesh, Morocco. Spices have been used for thousands of years, with the spice trade initially developing in the East. They are now widely available throughout the world. Some of the best known spices are cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and cardamom, and they are used to enhance the flavour of many different foods.