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Grand Bazaar of Isfahan
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Grand Bazaar of Isfahan
Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, the Beating Heart of the City
Grand bazaar of Isfahan, known as Qeysarieh Bazaar, is of the oldest markets of Iran. This bazaar, located in the north of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, used to be one of the most important commercial centers in the Safavid era. It is close to the touristic sites of Isfahan and easy to access.
The main urban structure of Isfahan is based on bazaar. So, this place has preserved its importance as the beating heart of the city since long past. The unique architecture and various shops of this bazaar are two important factors that acknowledge the high importance of this center. It is also a good place to exchange with people and get to know their culture. Strolling through the bazaar, you will find some exhibitions that display the handicrafts of Isfahan. So, it is the best place to purchase souvenir.
Grand Bazaar of Isfahan in the Viewpoint of Jean Chardin, the French Tourist
Grand bazaar of Isfahan is well described in the travel log of Jean Chardin, the well-known French tourist and merchant. He travelled to Iran in the 17th century contemporaneous with the Safavid era, and stayed five years in Isfahan.
Being familiar with trading, he became well-known among merchants and salesmen of the bazaar. Later, he found his way to the court so that Shah Abbas II titled him as “the merchant of the king”.
Chardin made many references to the prosperity of Isfahan bazaars in his travel log. Above all, he believed that the international trade that were made especially with European countries, was of the strong points of Safavid government.
According to the texts of Chardin and some historical documents, bazaar of Isfahan reached a higher prosperity in the reign of Shah Abbas II. Because at the time, Shah Abbas ordered on developing the bazaar so that all merchants could trade in this place. So, different parts were added to this bazaar, and each of them were dedicated to s career. Among them we can mention the market of coppersmiths, bookmakers, carpenters, woodturners, ironsmiths, jewelers, engravers and glaziers.
The History of Grand Bazaar of Isfahan
With a rich historical background, Isfahan has splendid bazaars having remained since different eras, from the Deylaman to the Safavid. So, they have gone through historical ups and downs like the other monuments.
There is no information available regarding the exact construction date of the first sections of Isfahan bazaar. However, the historical resources reveal that the first construction of the bazaar was formed in the Deylaman reign.
A majority of beauties of Isfahan belong to the Safavid era. In this era, a collection of sections, guilds and mazing halls were formed. As a result, the beautiful bazaar of Isfahan was developed and got easier to access from different parts of the old texture of the city.
Grand Bazaar of Isfahan at a Glance
Grand bazaar of Isfahan is a two-story construction. The upper floor is dedicated to official affairs and the first floor is home to different shops. This bazaar is like a core that includes branches a high number of which are active.
The ceiling of this historical bazaar is dome-shaped and has a skylight at the center. Strolling through the hallways, you can find caravanserais, religious schools, mosques and baths; constructed for the use of citizens and travelers. Some of them are still in use like mosques and religious schools. On the contrary, baths and caravanserais have changed to cultural, historical and commercial centers.
Qeysarieh Gate, a Splendid Symbol of Grand Bazaar of Isfahan
Qeysarieh Gate is of the most spectacular and famous parts of the historical bazaar of Isfahan. This gate, having decorated with the paintings of Reza Abbasi, dates back to the Safavid era. These paintings depict the battles of Shah Abbas the Great.
Qeysarieh Gate used to be a three-floor construction. Today, the upper floor has been destroyed and just two floors have remained. The destroyed floor used to be a place to inform people of the time by playing music in a special way. This place was so-called Naqareh Khaneh.
Qeysarieh Bazaar
Passing through Qeysarieh Gate, you reach the luxurious bazaar of Qeysarieh. This bazaar has been the most prosperous part of Isfahan bazaar since being formed in the Safavid era. This bazaar, characterized by high ceiling and brick doom, used to be a sumptuous place for the Safavid-era merchants.
Owing to the presence of wealthy inflectional merchants in this place, the architectural delicacy having applied in this part is richer than the other parts. So, we recommend you keep your head up and enjoy the artistic attractiveness of this bazaar’s ceiling.
Malek al-tojar Timcheh
Malek altojar Timcheh is one of the unique sections of Grand Bazaar of Isfahan. This place is divided to Sarai Malek, Timcheh Malek and Baharband. Timcheh is connected to the bazaar via an entrance located on its eastern side. This entrance is in the shape of a hallway flanked by shops.
A Variety of Handicrafts in Grand Bazaar of Isfahan
Grand bazaar of Isfahan offers a variety of handicrafts since long past. All these handicrafts are produced by Isfahan artists. As a result of such various crafts, Isfahan was considered as a member of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
It is interesting to know that you can find each of the handicrafts in a special part of the bazaar. You can also watch the process of producing these crafts. For example, if you are looking for copper containers, you should head for coppersmiths’ markets. In addition, Qeysarieh Bazaar offers stone ornaments and dyers’ market offer stunning beautiful rugs.
Strolling Through the Maze of the History in the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan
On your trip to Iran, don’t forget to visit the roofed historical bazaar of Isfahan. This bazaar, lying in Naqsh-e Jahan Square, is of the most popular sites among tourists. 1001 Nights Tours include this bazaar in all classic and combined tours. To know about the details of these tours, click here. You can also click here to study interesting articles about the other attractions of Isfahan.
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