Much has been written about Tartu, its commerce less so, and even less about market trade. Yet the market has played a significant role in the life of the city. So that today's residents of Tartu could appreciate the changes in the local market trade and for market workers to have grounds to remember the past – this compelled us to write about the Tartu market. Time urges us to hurry, as there are fewer and fewer who could assist in this work. Through the following texts and pictures, we will take a glimpse into the past and present of Tartu's market trade, its people, sales booths, and goods.

Ülo Kard 1988