Pasar Siti Khadijah: A Waning Legacy?

For visitors to Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Pasar Siti Khadijah is often at the top of the must-visit list. Widely described by the media as a symbol of Kelantanese identity, the market is a vibrant representation of the state’s cultural and economic heart.

Named in 1997 after the first wife of Prophet Muhammad SAW—Siti Khadijah, a respected businesswoman in her own right—the market was previously known as Pasar Besar Kota Bharu, and before that, more fondly among locals, as Pasar Pusat Buluh Kubu when it first opened in 1986.

One of the most distinctive features of Pasar Siti Khadijah is its octagonal layout, allowing multiple entry and exit points that contribute to its dynamic, almost labyrinthine feel.

Inside, visitors will find no shortage of goods—fresh produce, traditional snacks, herbs, dry goods, and textiles are among the many offerings. However, there is limited variety, as many traders appear to sell near-identical items. A noticeable absence of price tags makes comparison-shopping a challenge.

While the market holds on to its legacy with charm and nostalgia, signs of wear and neglect are increasingly evident. Parts of the structure show age-related damage, and the sight of traders sitting on the floor near open entrances—once perhaps a symbol of grassroots commerce—now feels more like a quiet plea for revitalization.

(All images featured here were captured during the “In Search of Malaysia” Nationwide Photowalk in Kota Bharu, on 12 July 2025.)