Kerman Historical Bazaar

Stretching over 1,200 meters through the heart of the city, the Kerman Historical Bazaar—also known as the Grand Bazaar of Kerman—is the longest covered bazaar in Iran and one of the oldest, with roots dating back over 600 years. Built and expanded across multiple dynasties, including the Safavid, Qajar, and Pahlavi eras, the bazaar served as a vital hub on the Silk Road, linking southern ports to the deserts and cities of the north and east. Its architectural layout is a masterpiece of Persian urban planning, featuring vaulted ceilings, windcatchers, caravanserais, mosques, and bathhouses, all interconnected through a network of alleys and market halls. The Ganjali Khan Complex, at its center, is a jewel of Safavid architecture, complete with a square, mosque, mint, and one of Iran’s most beautiful historic bathhouses.

Today, the bazaar remains a bustling center of commerce and culture, where locals and visitors alike shop for copperware, spices, carpets, traditional sweets, and herbal medicines. Each section of the bazaar is dedicated to a specific trade, from the Coppersmiths’ Bazaar to the Gold Bazaar, and the atmosphere is rich with the scent of cumin and the sound of artisans at work. Recognized as a national heritage site, the bazaar is not only a place to shop but a living museum of Persian craftsmanship and urban life. Whether you're wandering through its timchehs (domed chambers), admiring the stucco and tilework, or sipping tea in a centuries-old caravanserai, the Kerman Bazaar offers an unforgettable journey through Iran’s commercial and architectural legacy.