{"id":53605,"date":"2023-06-22T08:28:23","date_gmt":"2023-06-22T07:28:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/?p=53605"},"modified":"2026-01-29T14:32:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T14:32:00","slug":"kermans-grand-bazaar-a-guide-to-irans-most-iconic-market","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/kermans-grand-bazaar-a-guide-to-irans-most-iconic-market\/","title":{"rendered":"Kerman Grand Bazaar"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The bazaar of Kerman<\/a>, a desert city located in the southeast of Iran, is one of Iran\u2019s most interesting bazaars to visit. Considered by UNESCO the second largest bazaar of the country, it is Kerman\u2019s main tourist attraction and also the city\u2019s beating heart. Made of several bazaars built over centuries, it reflects rich architecture and artistic traditions of ancient Persia. In this article, found out why you shouldn\u2019t miss your chance to visit Kerman\u2019s Grand Bazaar during your trip to Iran<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why you must see Kerman\u2019s Grand Bazaar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Anything can be found in bazaars in Iran<\/a>. There are busy crowded places, where locals and tourists come to do part of their shopping. But Kerman\u2019s bazaar brings the experience on a level higher, as it\u2019s one of Iran\u2019s biggest and largest bazaars. It\u2019s a cluster of narrow alleys, high cellar courtyards, encompassing caravanserais and bathhouses<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Kerman's
From Persian carpets to intricate metalwork, the Kerman Grand Bazaar<\/a> offers a wealth of unique souvenirs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If Kerman\u2019s Grand Bazaar is so large, it\u2019s because of its location. Indeed, the city of Tabriz<\/a> was located on a strategic crossroad between the West-East and North-South merchant roads, making the city, and its bazaar, a major commercial hub. This has left an influence on the construction and development of the bazaar and the plan of the bazaar itself \u201cproves its important role\u201d, explains the UNESCO website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not yet recognized as a World Heritage site, Kerman\u2019s bazaar is on the Tentative List to become a UNESCO site as the complex is one of Iran\u2019s most beautiful bazaars and a \u201cmasterpiece (that) proves the man’s creativity\u201d. With the 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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600 years of history at Kerman\u2019s Grand Bazaar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The construction of Kerman\u2019s Grand Bazaar started 600 years ago, under the Timurid era, a Persianate Turco-Mongol empire that rules 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\u2019s bazaar. Over the centuries, various parts were added, most of which under the Safavid era (1501 \u2013 1732), giving the bazaar the blend of various architecture we now know.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Kerman's
A feast for the senses, the Kerman Grand Bazaar is a must-visit destination for any traveler.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Like other Iranian bazaars, Kerman\u2019s Grand Bazaar is constituted of several areas. The most famous is the Ganj Ali Khan complex<\/strong>, which is the heart of Kerman\u2019s bazaar. Built around a square, the complex has a stunning Safavid architecture with delicate plater and tile works, as well as paintings that display the daily life of people under this dynasty. Inside the complex is a caravanserai, a bathhouse, and a mosque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Another important area is Chahar Souq<\/strong>, that marks the intersection of the two main bazaar alleys and was thus once the busiest point of the city. Dating back to 400 years, it is beautifully decorated. Arg Bazaar<\/strong> is another major market, with beautiful high ceilings where was once played music to announce the market\u2019s closure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Then comes the Vakil Complex<\/strong>, that contains a bazaar, a caravanserai, a mosque, and a bathhouse, considered as one of the most beautiful from the Qajar era<\/a> in Kerman. Eventually, Ekhtiari Bazaar<\/strong> is another most see of Kerman\u2019s Grand Bazaar. It\u2019s the oldest part of the bazaar, and also contains a mosque, a caravanserai, and a bathhouse now turned into a cosy teahouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s famous in Kerman\u2019s Grand Bazaar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Strolling into the alleys of Kerman\u2019s Bazaar, make sure to get your hands on some local specialties. Kerman is well-known for its spices, coming from southeast Iran and India, and for local cumin. Pistachios cultivated in the region are also among the best in the world. Once famous for its carpets<\/a>, during the 17th century, Kerman remains a great place to find antic pieces. It\u2019s also well-renowned for copper, coming from the Sarcheshmeh copper mine in the region, that you can find in the Mesgary bazaar. Don\u2019t miss tasting some local sweet while in Kerman\u2019s bazaar, such as Kolompeh (walnut and date cookies), Qottab (pistachio and walnut pastries), and Komach Sehen (date-filled pie).<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Kerman's
Shop for handmade jewelry, pottery, and other crafts made by local artisans at the Kerman Grand Bazaar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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How to visit Kerman\u2019s Grand Bazaar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kerman\u2019s Grand Bazaar is located in the center of the city, starting from the Arg Square and going until Mirza Reza Kermani Street. Its main entrances are the Arg Gate and the Mosque Gate, that were once the city\u2019s gates.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Kerman's
Experience the hustle and bustle of daily life in Kerman at its iconic Grand Bazaar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The bazaar opens every day from 9 A.M. to 9:30 P.M., except on Friday and on national holidays, when all shops are closed. The best moments to visit the bazaar are either in the morning, when merchants start to open their shops and the market starts being busy but isn\u2019t too crowded yet, and after 5 P.M., when it is full of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You can wander into the alleys to explore Kerman\u2019s Grand Bazaar, but the best way to visit it is to hire a local guide, that will show you amazing places you may not have discovered otherwise!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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