Embark on a journey through history, culture, and commerce in Rasht Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar of Rasht, the capital city of Gilan Province, is the largest open-air market in Iran. This traditional bazaar, a key attraction of the city, features several squares and caravanserais. The architecture of these ancient structures adds to the site’s charm. Fresh local foods including fish and native vegetables fill the air with their enticing scents.
Each part of the bazaar represents various aspects of the local culture, making it highly attractive. Spanning an area of 24 hectares, Grand Bazaar of Rasht hosts 14 caravanserais dating back to the Qajar and Pahlavi periods, interconnected by alleys, IRNA wrote.
Shopping at the bazaar offers one of the most intriguing experiences in a trip to Rasht. Here, a diverse range of goods, from agricultural products to various types of fish and foodstuffs, awaits. Moreover, the pleasure of visiting the old caravanserais should not be overlooked.
The Grand Bazaar of Rasht comprises various sections, including:
Taqi Bozorg Caravanserai: Constructed in 1903, this caravanserai is situated on the southern side of the Taqi Koochak Caravanserai and the rasteh of jewelers (rasteh refers to a series of shops in the same occupational group).
Taqi Koochak: This caravanserai is located on the northern side of Rasht Bazaar, adjacent to Haj Morteza Mosque, and connects to the Taqi Bozorg Caravanserai.
Sa’adat Taqi: Situated near the Grand Square of the bazaar, Sa’adat Taqi plays a significant role in the urban market. Its history dates back to the Qajar period, and it was previously considered one of the important commercial centers of the city.
Mohtasham Caravanserai: Built concurrently with other caravanserais, it is located on the northwest side, with the Golshan caravanserai to the west and the Herbalists rasteh to the east.
Chinichian Caravanserai: In the northwest section of the bazaar, the Chinichian Caravanserai was built by the Chinichian brothers. This historical site offers a glimpse into the past and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Malek Caravanserai: It is another notable caravanserai in Rasht built during the Qajar period. This bazaar-style structure was used for the export of rice to Russia and sending silk to Kashan and Yazd, making it an important hub for trade in the region.
The Grand Bazaar of Rasht is a vibrant and bustling market, drawing in tourists with its array of scents and colors. Local food items and snacks, such as Kolucheh (a type of cookie) of Fuman and Reshteh Khoshkar (a type of crispy sweet), can also be found throughout the market. For those interested in handicrafts, the market also offers a variety of options to explore and purchase.
The market’s vibrant and welcoming ambiance attracts countless visitors annually regardless of whether they have any shopping plans. As such, it is highly recommended that you visit this lively and bustling market when exploring charming Gilan Province.