Tabriz Bazaar 

In ancient countries, bazaars were considered the main pillars and the beating heart of a city. They served not only economic purposes but also social, cultural, educational, and even political functions. In the past, every city had its own bazaar, and each neighborhood had its own market. Although Iran is a developing country with various modern shopping malls in every city, traditional bazaars still play a crucial role as the economic pulse of cities, overseeing the buying, selling, and distribution of goods. Fortunately, this has allowed current bazaars to maintain better health compared to other historical structures, especially in major cities like Tehran and Tabriz. Iranian bazaars have a unique and somewhat standardized system, with each bazaar consisting of rows, caravanserais, and other sections that transform them into ancient superstores. Initially, bazaars were quite simple, but as cities expanded, they gradually evolved and grew. Some are small, while others are vast and sprawling. Ultimately, it is the bazaar that controls the city's economy, and the city defines the bazaar's dimensions.

The Unique Features of Tabriz Bazaar

The Tabriz Bazaar is recognized as the largest covered bazaar in Iran and the world, located in Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province. It spans an area of approximately one square kilometer and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in August 2010. In ancient times, when the Silk Road passed through Iran, the country played a strategic role in connecting Asian countries to Africa and Europe, leading to significant prosperity for both the city and its bazaar. The bazaar was rebuilt about 300 years ago in 1193 AH after a devastating earthquake and underwent further renovations in 1975. Many famous travelers, including Ibn Battuta, Marco Polo, and Jean Chardin, have visited this bazaar and praised its vibrancy. At that time, it was one of the most bustling markets of its era. With around 5,500 shops, 35 caravanserais, 25 teamchehs (small bazaars), 30 mosques, 20 main streets, 11 corridors, 5 baths, and 12 schools, the Tabriz Bazaar is recognized as the primary center for trade among the people of Tabriz. Overall, bazaars are among the most important attractions in any Iranian city, and Tabriz stands out as a unique gem in this regard. Trade in Tabriz has thrived, and since the 13th century, it became a center for British trade through the Silk Road and Istanbul, especially during the reign of Abbas Mirza of the Qajar dynasty. After the 13th century, this trend continued, with Tabriz's trade surpassing that of Tehran, the capital. Europeans sold mirrors, silk, and various fabrics to Iranians in exchange for silk, weapons, tobacco, dried fruits, dyes, wax, and other Iranian products.

Location and Structure of Tabriz Bazaar

The core of Tabriz is designed in a quadrilateral shape, with the bazaar located at its center. To the east lies the Ali Qapu (the Qajar royal palace complex), while the Mehran River flows to the north, connecting to the bazaar via wooden bridges. In other words, the river separates two parts of the old Tabriz bazaar. The width of the bazaar's passageways is about 4 to 5 meters, and the ceiling height ranges from 5 to 6 meters, which is shorter than the ceilings of bazaars in the desert regions of the country. This shorter ceiling height is due to the cold climate of this mountainous city.

Features of Tabriz Bazaar

Most teamchehs and caravanserais have three levels: the ground floor for storing goods, the second floor for trade and work, and the third floor for rest. Similar to other Iranian bazaars, there are domes at the intersections of rows and caravanserais, with the largest dome belonging to the Amir Teamcheh and the most beautiful being the Mozafarieh Dome. The main streets of the bazaar are covered public pathways without entrances, serving as the main thoroughfares. Some bazaars, which include both teamchehs and markets, may have their own doors and specific names.

Teamchehs in Tabriz Bazaar

Teamchehs are spaces that often arise from the intersection of bazaars and streets, featuring domed ceilings and large, sturdy doors that are locked at night and during holidays, guarded by a caretaker. Each teamcheh has four functional areas: a public space for storing goods, a basement for inventory, a ground-floor shop for trading, and an upper floor for resting.

Caravanserais 

Caravanserais were places where merchants would unload and keep their goods and pack animals. Surrounding the caravanserais were numerous rooms or shops that served as trading spaces. In the center of each caravanserai, there was a platform where a designated person would conduct transactions. Each caravanserai also had a water source to provide for merchants, workers, and even the animals. Ventilation openings in the domes allowed fresh air to circulate, acting like lungs for the bazaar.

Saras

Saras are open courtyards that are smaller than caravanserais. In the past, goods without pack animals were unloaded in the saras. Surrounding the saras were two or three-story buildings, with the top floor designated for merchants to rest overnight, functioning like modern hotels.

Corridors

Each non-main part of the bazaar, such as saras, teamchehs, and caravanserais, is connected to the main bazaars by corridors, often named after the teamcheh or sara they lead to.

Bathhouses in Tabriz Bazaar

In the past, it was customary for caravans arriving at the bazaar to first stay in the caravanserai and then visit the bathhouse for cleanliness before heading to the mosque for prayers. Consequently, many historical bathhouses exist in Tabriz Bazaar, such as Khan Bath, Qazi Bath, and Mirza Hassan Bath.

Schools and Mosques

Another important aspect of the bazaar in ancient cities was its religious, ideological, and educational functions. Tabriz Bazaar is home to around 12 religious schools, including Sadiqieh, Jafarieh, Akbarieh, and Talebieh. There are approximately 30 mosques in Tabriz Bazaar, notable for their architecture, featuring impressive domes, intricate stucco work, and beautiful tile decorations.

Marketplaces 

Marketplaces are smaller markets adjacent to the main bazaar, each dedicated to specific trades. Although many of these trades have merged over time, some notable marketplaces include:

•  Amir Bazaar
•  Glassmakers' Bazaar
•  Carpet Bazaar
•  The famous Tabriz Carpet Bazaar, known as Mozafarieh, has historically been a hub for trading high-quality carpets.

If you plan to visit Iran and Tabriz, make sure to explore the Tabriz Bazaar. You will undoubtedly find great souvenirs for your family. Our team at Sana Persian is ready to assist and provide information throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming you to Iran, East Azerbaijan, Tabriz, and the beautiful Tabriz Bazaar!