Discover Mahabad’s best-kept shopping secret: Tanakura Market—where genuine European brands, leather coats, and trainers sell for prices that’ll make you do a double take. Perfect weekend escape for bargain hunters!
Tanakura Market in Mahabad is a well-known shopping hub in western Iran — a place where distinctive garments and foreign-brand items are sold amid the bustling alleys of the market. You will find everything from European coats and jackets to branded shoes and trainers. Despite the name “Tanakura,” the market offers not only second-hand goods but also many stock items (new or like-new pieces), most of which are authentic. Read on for more information about Mahabad’s market.
Address: West Azerbaijan Province, Mahabad County, Mahabad city — Ostad Hejar Square, Shora Boulevard, Khabarnegar Boulevard, next to Mahabad passenger terminal.
Tanakura Market is one of Mahabad’s notable sights in West Azerbaijan Province; it sits right next to the Mahabad passenger terminal on the western side of the city.
Mahabad lies near the cities of Bukan, Sardasht, Piranshahr and Miandoab, and it is easily accessible via several intercity routes.
By private car: To reach Mahabad’s stock market from Tehran by private vehicle, you would cover roughly 645 kilometres, a drive of about eight hours under normal conditions.
By plane: There is no direct air service to Mahabad itself. You can fly into Urmia from certain cities and then take an intercity taxi to Mahabad. The distance from Urmia Airport to Tanakura Market in Mahabad is about 130 kilometres.
Tanakura in Mahabad — with a history spanning over thirty years — is one of the most well-known and popular markets in western Iran. For years, it has been a favorite shopping spot for people seeking unique, authentic items that remain affordable. The goods at Tanakura Market are often second-hand clothing imported from abroad; however, not all items are worn out — many are comparable to new ones. Before being sold, items are carefully washed and disinfected. Additionally, not all stock at Tanakura is second-hand: some items come from reputable brands.
Contrary to popular belief, the shops in Tanakura’s stock market are well-organised, varied and neatly categorised, offering everything from men’s and women’s clothes to bags, shoes, sports equipment and more. Another important feature of the Mahabad market is the wide variety of goods: you can find clothing for all four seasons at any time of year — so don’t be surprised to see high-quality winter garments available even in summer.
Tanakura Mahabad attracts shoppers not only from Mahabad itself but also visitors from neighbouring cities such as Sanandaj and Kermanshah, because it is possible to find distinctive pieces from well-known European and American brands.
The market includes numerous shops specialising in trainers and branded footwear, where you can find everything from sports trainers to leisure sneakers. Many of these vendors stock well-known labels, and prices—especially for stock or second-hand items—are typically much lower than retail.
The importation/trade of Tanakura goods into Mahabad dates back to 1989 (1368 in the Iranian calendar). Initially, the trade took shape around Mangoran Square, where some merchants from Zahedan and Iranshahr began importing these goods. After a while, their activities shifted to areas near Haji Saleh Shateri Mosque and the Yergu Bridge.
Following a large fire in the early 1990s (early 1370s SH), a significant portion of Tanakura Market in Mahabad was damaged. After the incident, the market’s location changed: the wholesale section moved to the current Noor market area, and the retail section relocated near the central passenger terminal of Mahabad.
The history of Tanakura trade in Mahabad is intertwined with the popular TV series “Years Away from Home” (Oshin). This series was broadcast by Iranian national TV in the 1980s and featured a character, Mr. Tanakura, who — with his wife — set up a profitable second-hand clothing business. At the same time the show was aired, street vendors in Mahabad who had recently started selling second-hand goods promoted their wares by claiming they were the Tanakura clothes from the Oshin show. This marketing tactic proved popular with the public, and from that time the term “Tanakura” stuck as the common name for this type of clothing market.
Mahabad’s stock market, in addition to its great variety of goods, offers reasonable visitor facilities.
Several restaurants and cafés operate around the market, providing good options for resting and refuelling.
Other facilities include readily accessible restrooms.
The market parking lets visitors park their vehicles securely while they shop.
For prayer, you can use the prayer room inside the nearby terminal.
Branded clothing — including mountaineering jackets, leather coats, waterproof raincoats, trainers, and hats — ranks among the market’s most popular items.
In addition to clothing, branded hiking boots, leather bags, and backpacks are best-sellers. Beyond apparel and footwear, the market also offers items like household appliances, sunglasses, watches, health and cosmetic products, snacks, ski equipment, and more.
The market offers a delightful variety of vendors — from cozy stalls to well-established shops — all showcasing a wide range of goods. The merchandise is often refreshed, and many traders focus on specific categories, making it easier for shoppers to find what they're looking for. It's a lively and welcoming place that invites visitors to explore and enjoy.
Address: West Azerbaijan Province, Mahabad County, near Qareh Dagh village.
Distance from Tanakura Market, Mahabad: about 35 km (roughly a 50-minute drive).
Kani Barazan Wetland lies to the northeast of Mahabad and covers approximately 900 hectares. It is recognized as Iran’s first official birdwatching site and is a habitat for species such as flamingos and white-headed ducks; however, visitors’ reports suggest that you should not necessarily expect large flocks on every visit.
In recent years, Kani Barazan has faced environmental threats including illegal hunting, overgrazing by livestock, unchecked harvesting of aquatic forage and the encroachment of settlements around the wetland. According to visitor accounts, the access road is partially unpaved and there are no restaurants or supermarkets close to the wetland.
Address: West Azerbaijan Province, Mahabad, east side of Seyyed Nezam Street.
Distance from Tanakura Market, Mahabad: about 5 km (roughly a 10-minute drive).
The historic Mirza Rasul Bath is one of Mahabad’s attractions, dating back to the late Safavid and early Qajar periods. The bath is known for its attractive architecture and decorative interior and exterior features, including two large domes with skylights in the center and periphery and three smaller domes. The plan of the structure is essentially square, and the hot pool (khazine) is located in the warm room.
The building is registered on Iran’s national heritage list and, following restoration, was converted into the Mahabad Anthropology Museum. Visitors can view a collection of more than a thousand cultural and historical objects, including traditional costumes, copper and ceramic utensils, old household tools and historical coins.
Address: West Azerbaijan Province, Mahabad city, Mahabad–Piranshahr road, beside Mahabad Dam Lake.
Distance from Tanakura Market, Mahabad: about 5 km (roughly a 10-minute drive).
Mika’il Garden, also known as Park Mellat, is one of Mahabad’s popular green spaces and is located a short distance from Mahabad Dam Lake. A scenic stream flows through the park, boosting its charm.
Facilities at Mika’il Garden include a snack stand, restrooms, and a children’s play area. Historically, the park featured the Pardi Sovar historic bridge; although the original structure no longer exists, a symbolic commemorative footbridge has been built in its memory.
Address: West Azerbaijan Province, Mahabad city, Mahabad–Piranshahr road.
Distance from Tanakura Market, Mahabad: about 5 km (roughly a 15-minute drive).
Mahabad Dam Lake, with a history of over 50 years, was built by Yugoslav engineers. The dam is approximately 47.5 meters tall and about 700 meters long, located near central Mahabad.
The proximity of roads to Sardasht and Piranshahr makes the dam lake easily accessible. Mahabad Dam Lake is suitable for recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and camping; food stalls and café-restaurants around the lake enhance the visitor experience.
If you have visited Tanakura Market, Mahabad, or have additional insider tips, feel free to share your experiences with other readers.
