Isfahan Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar in Isfahan

• History of the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan
• Architecture of the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan
• Attractions of the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan
• Access routes to Isfahan Grand Bazaar

One of the most attractive parts of any trip is going to the city markets, buying handicrafts and getting souvenirs specific to that city. One of the most special markets in Iran is the Isfahan Bazaar, which is a manifestation of culture, art, architecture, beauty and charm.

History of the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan

The Grand Bazaar of Isfahan or Qaysariyeh Bazaar extends from Naqsh-e Jahan Square to the Grand Mosque, which was built during the Safavid era and connects Naqsh-e Jahan Square to the Old Square, which is a relic of the Seljuk era. This market was the most magnificent market in Iran during the Safavid era, offering the best goods. The Qaysariyeh Bazaar was two-story, with shops on the lower floor and office work on the upper floor.

In this market, there were mosques, baths, Tekiyes, scientific schools, Timchehs and numerous houses, many of which still stand. The interesting thing about some of the rooms in this bazaar is that some of them have been working for generations to offer a specific type of product since four centuries ago and have not changed their profession over the years.

Architecture of the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan

The architecture of this bazaar is a combination of architectural and engineering art. The coherent and dense complex of the bazaar is illuminated by skylights in the arched ceilings, and through this, air also flows through the bazaar. The brick facade inside the bazaar, the arched windows with wooden frames, skylights on the ceiling and the charm of the art and architecture of the Safavid era will keep you busy for hours.

One of the architectural wonders of this bazaar is its narrowness, which makes the air inside the bazaar about 10 degrees cooler than the outside air in summer and between 5 and 8 degrees warmer than the air outside the bazaar in winter. Another interesting point is that the design and architecture of the bazaar does not allow dust and terrible storms to enter the bazaar and acts like a safe haven.

Attractions of the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan

The Grand Bazaar of Isfahan has various guilds, handicrafts and traditional crafts, timchehs, sarahs and shops. The most artistic handicrafts of Iran and Isfahan, including calligraphy, inlay work, enamel work, turquoise and copper, as well as various goods such as gold, gas, sequins, various sweets, spices, medicinal herbs, cashmere, clothing, antiques and stationery can be found in this bazaar.

After touring the bazaar, we suggest continuing the route to Hakim Mosque, Sadr School, Jarchi Mosque, Harunieh, Ali Minaret and finally Atiq Square and end your tour of the Isfahan bazaar by visiting the Grand Mosque of Isfahan and go to the cafes and restaurants of Isfahan that are available on this route. Such as Haj Mahmoud Shafaat Biryani, Jarchibashi Restaurant, Nesf Jahan Restaurant, Daisy Saray Bazaar, Naroon Cafe and Qeysariyeh Gallery Cafe.

Access routes to Isfahan Grand Bazaar

One of the best routes to visit Isfahan Bazaar starts from the Qeysariyeh Gate and reaches Qeysariyeh Bazaar and Qeysariyeh Square. At the square, you can turn right, pass the Samovar Market, and then go to the Shahi Assarkhaneh. After the Assarkhaneh, go to the Zargarha Bazaar and see the Malek-ol-Tojar Timcheh or Saray Malek. After the Zargarha Bazaar, you can visit the Chitsazha Square. Then continue your way north until you reach Dar Al-Shifa Bazaar. In short, if you want to reach Isfahan Bazaar directly, the best access route is from Naqsh-e-Jahan Square and enter from the Qeysariyeh Gate.