Bustling Kerman Grand Bazaar, a vibrant hub of commerce and culture
The Grand Bazaar of Kerman, a desert city located in the southeast of Iran, is one of the country’s most interesting bazaars to visit. Considered by UNESCO as the second largest bazaar of the country, it is one of the main tourist attractions of the city as well as its beating heart.
Comprised of several bazaars built over centuries, it reflects the rich architecture and artistic traditions of ancient Persia. In this article, you will see why you shouldn’t miss your chance to visit Kerman’s Grand Bazaar, surfiran.com wrote.
Anything can be found in Iranian bazaars. They are busy crowded places, where locals and tourists come to do their shopping. But Kerman’s bazaar takes the experience to a higher level, as it’s one of Iran’s largest bazaars. It’s a cluster of narrow alleys, high-cellar courtyards, encompassing caravanserais and bathhouses.
From Persian carpets to intricate metalwork, the Kerman Grand Bazaar offers a wealth of unique souvenirs.
Not yet recognized as a world heritage site, Kerman’s Grand Bazaar is on the tentative list to become a UNESCO site, as the complex is one of Iran’s most beautiful bazaars and a “masterpiece [that] proves man’s creativity”. In time, the bazaar has become a real cultural landmark of Kerman, mentioned in many local proverbs and is still as alive today as it was centuries ago.
The construction of Kerman’s Grand Bazaar started 600 years ago, under the Timurid Dynasty, a Persian-Turco-Mongol Empire that ruled over the region in the 15th century. This empire, whose capitals were Samarkand and Herat, was famous for brining Islamic art to its pinnacle, which can be perceived in Kerman’s bazaar. Over the centuries, various parts were added, most under the Safavid era (1501–1732 CE), giving the bazaar the blend of various architectures we know today.
Like other Iranian bazaars, Kerman’s Grand Bazaar is comprised of several sections. The most famous is the Ganjali Khan Complex, which is the heart of the bazaar. Built around a square, the complex has a stunning Safavid architecture, with delicate tile work, as well as paintings that display the daily lives of people under this dynasty. Inside the complex is a caravanserai, a bathhouse, and a mosque.
Another important area is Chahar Sooq that marks the intersection of the two main bazaar alleys, and was thus once the busiest point of the city. Dating back 400 years, it is beautifully decorated. Arg Bazaar is another major market, with beautiful high ceilings, where music once played to announce the market’s closure.
Then comes the Vakil Complex, which contains a bazaar, a caravanserai, a mosque, and a bathhouse, considered one of the most beautiful from the Qajar era. Finally, Ekhtiari Bazaar is another must see of Kerman’s Grand Bazaar. It’s the oldest part of the bazaar, and contains a mosque, a caravanserai, and a bathhouse, now turned into a cozy teahouse.
What’s famous in Kerman’s Grand Bazaar?
Strolling into the alleys of Kerman’s Bazaar, be sure to get your hands on some local specialties. Kerman is well-known for its spices, coming from southeast Iran and India, and for cumin. Pistachios cultivated in the region are among the best in the world. Once famous for its carpets, during the 17th century, Kerman remains a great place to find antique pieces. It’s also famous for copper, coming from the Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine in the region. Don’t miss tasting some local sweets while in Kerman’s bazaar, such as kolompeh (walnut and date cookies), qottab (pistachio and walnut pastries), and komach sehen (date-filled pie).
Shop for handmade jewelry, pottery and other crafts made by local artisans at the Kerman Grand Bazaar.
Best times to visit
Kerman’s Grand Bazaar is located in the center of the city, starting from the Arg Square and continuing until Mirza Reza Kermani Street. Its main entrances are Arg Gate and Mosque Gate, which were once the city’s gates.
The bazaar is open every day from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., except on Fridays and national holidays when all shops are closed. The best time to visit the bazaar is either in the morning, when merchants start to open their shops and the market starts being busy but isn’t yet too crowded, and after 5 p.m. when it is full of life.
You can wander into the alleys to explore Kerman’s Grand Bazaar, but the best way to visit it is to hire a local guide who will show you amazing places you might not discover otherwise.