Tajrish Traditional Bazaar, the Footprint of History on the Modern World

Tajrish Traditional Bazaar is of the oldest and most magnificent bazaars of Tehran. In spite of being located in a modern city fiber, this bazaar has retained its traditional structure. Strolling through its hallways, you travel to the history of Tehran.

Most people of Tehran reminiscence this place as the most memorable part of the capital. Because this traditional bazaar is so exciting that delights all visitors. It is an entertainment of Tehran’s inhabitants to hang out in this bazaar even if they are not supposed to go shopping.

Tajrish Traditional Bazaar; a Proper Place for Cultural, Social and Commercial Activities

In spite of being constructed a long time ago, Tajrish traditional bazaar has still maintained its prosperity. A reason for this prosperity is being close to Imamzadeh Saleh Holy Shrine. This shrine, in which many religious ceremonies are held, has a special place among people of Tehran.

This old bazaar is the center of many cultural, social and commercial activities. So, mosques, coffee shops, bathrooms, and religious centers were gradually formed beside shops. Despite being busy, this bazaar is considered one of the most organized beautiful markets of Tehran.

You can find a variety of goods in this bazaar, especially seasonal fruits. In addition, the scent of fresh vegetables spreading in the hallways, reminds you of a village bazaar. This place is the best choice to buy authentic handicrafts and high-qualified Iranian spices.

Tajrish Traditional Bazaar, a Place with More than a Century of History

According to some narratives the construction date of Tajrish Traditional Bazaar dates back to 70 years ago. However, some of the old salesmen say that it is 150 years old. Some old structures of this bazaar certify all the speculations about over-100-year history of this place.

This traditional bazaar underwent development the same time as Tajrish Neighborhood did. At the beginning, Tajrish Neighborhood was a green suburb, and this center was established to market agricultural products. In addition to locals, urban people visited the village bazaar of Tajrish to buy commodities. Simultaneously with the development of the city, this neighborhood flourished and its bazaar became one of the most important commercial centers in the north of Tehran.

The Architecture of Tajrish Traditional Bazaar at a Glance

Around 50 years ago, Tajrish Traditional Bazaar lacked ceiling, and the salesmen had to close their shops when heavy snow fell. The cold snowy winter in the north of Tehran also made the conditions worse. As a result, the salesmen decided to build a wooden ceiling for the bazaar and cover their shops with wooden poles and gable.

In the recent years, this bazaar, especially many of the shops’ tiled inscriptions, has been renovated based on traditional architecture. So, all the shops and the other sections of the bazaar have retained their traditional appearance.

Different Parts of Tajrish Traditional Bazaar

As mentioned, a part of the social lives of people were formed in Tajrish Traditional Bazaar. Therefore, some parts were gradually added to this bazaar according to people’s demands. Today, these parts are considered the identity of this bazaar and attracts many tourists annually. Some important tourist sites located near these parts double their magnetism.

Lower Tekye Tajrish, the Oldest Construction of the Bazaar

Tekye Tajrish is of the most important and oldest part of this traditional bazaar. This hall; surrounded with a few shops in the northern, southern and eastern face; includes a rectangle platform at the center and a two-floor building. The second floor has commercial usage on the ordinary days, when no religious ceremonies are held.

All religious ceremonies are performed in a special way in this place. The central platform is dedicated to Ta'zieh, and the mourners are served by coffee poured in beautiful floriated cups. Unlike most regions of Tehran in which drum is used in the mourning ceremony of Ashura and Tasua, this ritual is held in silence in this place.

Fruit Market, the Harmony of Colors and Sounds

Fruit market is the most popular part of Tajrish Traditional Bazaar. You can find the freshest and rarest fruits in this market. In addition to visual magnificence, 200-year fruit market of Tajrish has high historical value. Because it is located next to Tajrish Historical Tekye and hosts a religious ceremony called Ta'zieh in Ashura and Tasua.

The Most Important Restaurants in Tajrish Traditional Bazaar.

Like many of traditional bazaars, this bazaar includes coffee shops and restaurants. If you visit this bazaar in lunch time, don’t forget to taste its restaurant food, especially delicious kebab.

Recreational Facilities in Tajrish Bazaar

Across from Tajrish Bazaar, you can find a cinema and a cafe restaurant featuring Persian architecture. In the other word, this complex is an integration of tradition and modernity. It is a good choice for the youth to take some rest after strolling in the bazaar. A commercial center, named Arg, lies at the head of Tajrish Bridge and includes an amusement park, store and cinema.