In the shadow of the Ali Baba International Market, a celebration of Middle Eastern, North African and Asian cultures unfolded on Wednesday.
An Arabic band performed. A spirited folk ensemble danced. Mediterranean vendors served Lebanese pizza, Persian treats and Filipino dessert.
Beneath a clear morning sky at International Plaza, a “History Here” marker was unveiled, recognizing the Silk Road Cultural Heritage District.
Named after a network of ancient Asian trade routes, San Antonio’s Silk Road is a corridor of small restaurants and shops, extending from Wurzbach Road and Interstate 10 to the South Texas Medical Center.
The corridor includes Silk Road Gallery Antiques, Pasha, the Golden Wok and the nonprofit Center for Refugee Services. Commonly spoken languages are English, Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Hindi and Tagalog.
“If you look at the ancient road, you have everything from Far East Asia to Northern Africa to the Middle East,” said Manny Pelaez, the city councilman (D8), who initiated the creation of the district. “And if you look at all the businesses that are celebrated along this street, and the people who congregate here, it’s the exact same crowd. We’ve got Afghans. Syrians. Lebanese. Saudis. Jews. We’ve got a lot of Chinese families.”
A cultural heritage district is a designated area that celebrates the community’s history, culture and identity. Silk Road becomes the city’s fourth cultural heritage district, joining Jefferson Heights, the Historic Highway 90 Corridor and the Hockley-Clay Cemetery.
From the Silk Road History Here marker: “Since Ali Baba International Food Market opened in 1999, the plaza has become a center for other culinary destinations and shops with the goal of bringing various cultures together.”
Kamran Hajivandi is a founding owner of Pasha Restaurant Group and Baklovah Bakery. Seventeen years ago, he and a partner bought a Taco Cabana and converted it into Pasha Restaurant at International Plaza.
“We saw a lot of potential,” Hajivandi said.
The plaza grew. Ali Baba International Market expanded. Zaatar Lebanese Grill opened. Nara Cafe arrived along with an antique shop, furniture store and bakery.
“The city of San Antonio recognized our impact on the economy and the different cultures we bring to the city,” Hajivandi said. “We feel like we’re a little part of history.”
