The Tabriz Bazaar is one of the largest covered bazaars in the world and one of the most vibrant historical markets in Iran, which has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In this article, we will tell you about the sights and different sections of the bazaar, and get acquainted with its architecture and history. Stay with us.
he main bazaar of Tabriz is a place with a history as long as the history of East Azerbaijan. Every brick of it has been designed by skilled and creative architects, and each passage and caravanserai tells stories that add to the charm of Iran's history. It’s rare to find someone who isn’t captivated by the scent of spices, the designs of carpets, and the hustle and bustle of the Tabriz Bazaar. If you're planning a trip to Tabriz, make sure the first place on your sightseeing list is the Grand Bazaar of Tabriz. The incredible experience of visiting one of the most fascinating attractions in East Azerbaijan is unforgettable and thrilling. Join us as we explore more about this historical complex.
The covered Tabriz Bazaar, with an area of over one square kilometer, is the largest interconnected brick structure in the world. It consists of 5,500 shops, 20 passages, 25 caravanserais, and 35 courtyards, schools, baths, mosques, and inns. This arrangement, with all sections connected together, shines like a gem among Iranian bazaars. The bazaar, which is one of the sights of Tabriz, was listed as a national monument in 1975 and, in 2010, was registered as part of the Silk Road and the largest vaulted structure in the world in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
In general, the functions of the Tabriz Bazaar include gathering, distribution, and retail trading. Various items are sold here, including handmade carpets, leather shoes and bags, herbal and medicinal products, spices, and fabrics. The bazaar maintains the atmosphere of traditional markets, with no advanced modern devices like mobile phones or computers. The Tabriz Bazaar is located on the Silk Road, which historically contributed to its prosperity. The bazaar was built at the site where the old city gates were located, which once marked the city's limits. After a major earthquake in 1193 AH, the then-governor of Tabriz, Najafqoli Khan Dombali, ordered the reconstruction of the bazaar. Many travelers and historians, such as Ibn Battuta, Marco Polo, and others, have praised the prosperity and grandeur of the Tabriz Bazaar. Throughout history, it has been the largest center of trade in Tabriz, with 25 to 35 percent of Iran's commercial transactions taking place through it about 150 years ago.
The Tabriz Bazaar was built in such a way that its outer sections harmonize with the city's fabric and resemble regular buildings. In addition to its vastness, the importance of the Tabriz Bazaar lies in the architects' mastery of using bricks and earthenware tiles, creating diverse spaces. The red, yellow, and orange bricks are arranged with a special order, showcasing the beauty and splendor of Iranian architecture. Architecturally, the bazaar is covered, and it is the only structure in the world made entirely of brick as a continuous unit, making it one of the largest vaulted markets in the world. One of the interesting features of this bazaar is the vents located at the center of its arches, allowing hot air to escape; in some parts, no vents are installed to prevent drafts. The thick walls of this structure also help retain heat in winter.
Various Sections of the Tabriz Bazaar
The Tabriz Bazaar is truly remarkable, with 35 courtyards, 19 corridors, 2 four-way intersections, 31 markets, 7 market alleys, 20 caravanserais, 3 shrines, 5 passages, 29 mosques, 2 alleys, 5 museums, 8 gates, 2 libraries, 4 schools, 6 baths, 2 bridges, a traditional gym (Zoorkhaneh), and a bathhouse. This diversity makes the Tabriz Bazaar even more intriguing. The bazaars and caravanserais are mostly three stories: the basement for storage, the second floor for trade, and the third floor for resting. Below are some sections that are noteworthy.
Passages
The main passages are interconnected through secondary passages, and caravanserais and courtyards are built between them. At the intersections of these passages, there are three-way and four-way junctions decorated with brick vaulted arches. Some of the main passages include the Old Bazaar, the Shoemakers' Bazaar, the Safi Bazaar, the Friday Mosque Bazaar, and others. These roofed passages, built to protect against the cold and rain, have ceilings that reach 5 to 6 meters in height.
Timchehs refer to spaces with large, sturdy entrance doors, brick or domed ceilings, and were open during the day and closed at night. Compared to caravansarais, timchehs were more luxurious, and more expensive goods were bought and sold there. For this reason, timchehs had caretakers and guards known as "Oda Bashi" in Tabriz. The traditional bazaar also has several famous timchehs, the most important being the Amir Timcheh, Mozaffariyeh Timcheh, Sheikh Kazem Timcheh, Ooch Timcheh-Lar (Haj Sheikh Timchehs), Haj Mohammad Qoli Timcheh, Mirza Abolhasan Timcheh, and Sherebafan Timcheh.
There are several caravansarais in the Tabriz Bazaar, from the large Amir Caravansarai to the Haj Abolhasan and Haj Mirza Mohammad Caravansarais, which were thriving in their time. These structures consist of an area for unloading goods and the pack animals, rooms, chambers, and warehouses. The courtyard of the caravansarais served as a resting area for the market, and fresh oxygen and air were brought into the market through the vents in the dome above. The Mirza Abolhasan Caravansarai is a large complex consisting of a big courtyard, a small market called Kolchi, and shops arranged around them. Its western entrance, built 30 years ago, has a simple double iron door that is 2.6 meters wide. A positive feature of this caravansarai is the presence of several large and beautiful trees in its courtyard. In the late 1940s to early 1960s, it was the main center for trading dried fruits, especially almonds and walnuts, with shop owners conducting business with Germany and the former Soviet Union.
Important and famous sarais such as Sarai Gorgi-Lar, Sarai Mirza Mahdi, Sarai Khan, Sarai Haj Mohammad Qoli, Sarai Amir, Sarai Omid, and Sarai Kochechi-Lar exist in the Tabriz Bazaar. These consist of small units with open courtyards, and goods used to be unloaded in the open spaces. Sarai Gorgi-Lar was originally related to Georgian and Armenian traders who sold Russian-made household goods there. The name "Gorgi-Lar" is believed to be based on this history.
The hallways of the Tabriz Bazaar, such as the Khoni Alley (Qanli Dalan), Mirza Mohammad Alley, Mirza Mahdi Alley, etc., connect the sarais, caravansarais, and timchehs to the main market. The names of these hallways are often derived from the associated timchehs and sarais. Regarding Khoni Alley, it is said that in 1263 AH, a man named "Chap Allahyar," the leader of the Tabriz Lotis, along with 27 others, killed Haj Rjabali Darugha in this alley at the Karim Nilfroush shop. The reason for the murder was Darugha's statement that Tabrizians were without honor. Since then, the alley has been known as Qanli Dalan or the Bloody Alley. Today, it is mainly used for selling medicinal herbs and spices.
In addition to 12 religious schools, the Tabriz Bazaar has around 30 historic mosques, such as the Jameh Mosque, Hajjatol-Islam Mosque, Mofid Agha Mosque, and Maqbara Mosque. These mosques are adorned with stone columns, domes, and intricate plasterwork. Mofid Agha Mosque, registered as a national monument, dates back to the Qajar era and was registered in 2003. The Maqbara Mosque, also located in the market area, was established during the Safavid period. This mosque features nine large stone columns and is known for its beauty. After a severe earthquake in 1915, the mosque's roof collapsed, and its restoration was overseen by Mirza Mahdi Qazi Tabatabai. One of the main reasons for the placement of the Shahid Qazi Tabatabai's tomb in this mosque is his role in the restoration of the mosque.
The Khan Bath, Qazi Bath, Mirza Mahdi Bath, and Nobar Bath are among the notable public baths in the Tabriz Bazaar. The Nobar Bath is one of the most magnificent architectural works from the early Qajar period and remains a shining example of the city's historic buildings. It was registered as a national monument on November 22, 1999. The Khan Bath, located in the historic Qara Baghi neighborhood of Tabriz, is one of the numerous old baths in the ancient city. This bath features large sections with stone columns and brick arches, along with a beautiful and lush garden outside that adds to its charm.
The traditional Tabriz Bazaar is large and consists of many sections, making it impossible to visit all of them in one or two days. Therefore, some of the main attractions of the bazaar are highlighted, so that if you visit the first city, at least you can explore the most significant parts of the bazaar.
1.Mozaffariyeh Caravanserai
Dating back to the Qajar era, this caravanserai is one of the most famous parts of the Tabriz Bazaar. The dome of Mozaffariyeh is one of the largest in the bazaar. It was built by Haj Sheikh Mohammad Ja'far Qazvini, and each of its two floors contains 26 shops selling Persian handmade carpets.
This is one of the most famous mosques in Tabriz, dating back to the Seljuk period. Though it was destroyed in the famous 1193 earthquake, it was rebuilt during the Qajar era. The mosque is located at the end of the bazaar, near the southern side of the Talebiyeh School.
The shrine of Imamzadeh Jamal, a descendant of Imam Musa Kazem (PBUH), is located near the Talebiyeh School. This shrine features several courtyards, a dome, and a mosque.
This is one of the most famous schools in the Tabriz Bazaar, where notable scholars like Allameh Tabatabai, Allameh Jafari, and Allameh Amini studied. The school is also home to a library with over 30,000 reference books and 350 manuscripts.
Bazaar of Shoemakers (Bashmaqchi Bazaar)
The Shoemakers' Bazaar, a part of the larger Tabriz Bazaar, is famous for its leather shoes, which have been renowned throughout history. Many shops in this area still produce and sell high-quality shoes.
Quran and Calligraphy Museum
Located in the Shah Tahmasp Mosque, this museum houses valuable Quran manuscripts, examples of calligraphy by famous Tabriz artists, and a collection of metal plaques, ink boxes, and more.
Haj Ali Restaurant
Situated in the Bukhchi Bazaar, this nostalgic restaurant has become a part of the Tabriz Bazaar's identity. Known for its delicious kebabs and traditional setting, it has been a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
This introduction covers just a portion of the Tabriz Bazaar's grandeur and diverse attractions, making it a must-visit when exploring the historical and cultural depths of Tabriz.
