The Grand Bazaar of Kashan (بازار کاشان) is an old bazaar in the center of the city of Kashan in Isfahan province. It is thought to have been built in the Seljuk era with renovations during the Safavid period. Like all other bazaars in Iran, it is a main center for storing goods and for economic exchanges. The bazaar is still in use and is a few miles in total length. In the bazaar’s complex beside the main bazaars, there are several mosques, tombs, caravanserais, arcades, baths, and water reservoirs, built in different periods. One of the most beautiful bazaars in Iran, it remains strangely off-the-beaten-path. It lacks the throngs of tourists that fill its more famous counterparts, making it easy to spend hours exploring its miles of hidden alleys and colorful stores without getting lost in the crowd. The Grand Bazaar of Kashan begins from the middle of Baba Afzal Street and stretches to the Darvazeh-Dowlat district.
The historic bazaar in Kashan is full of winding passageways, concealed yards, tombs, and small mosques, all interspersed among stores selling vibrant goods. The marketplace and its network of passageways contain historic treasures like an 800-year-old mosque and historic bathhouses that have since been converted to tea shops. Its stores sell gorgeous goods like traditional rugs and textiles as well as tasty treats, jewelry, and traditional handicrafts. The aroma of herbal spices, the lively chatter of merchants, and the vibrant colors of goods on display create an unforgettable sensory experience.
Though the bazaar’s caravanserai and its stunning kaleidoscope domed roof only date to 1868, the marketplace has been a trade hub for centuries. It’s believed the bazaar first began under the Seljuq dynasty, which was founded in the 10th century. With its labyrinthine alleys, vernacular architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, the Grand Bazaar of Kashan is not just a shopping destination but a living testament to centuries of Persian heritage.
The bazaar has undergone numerous renovations throughout its history, reflecting the city’s evolving architectural and cultural influences. Notably, during the reign of Shah Abbas I in the Safavid era, the bazaar saw significant enhancements with the construction of four spacious marketplaces, creating a hub of activity that continues to thrive today. Despite enduring a devastating earthquake in the 18th century, which caused significant loss of life and structural damage, the Grand Bazaar of Kashan rose from the ruins, preserving its status as a cultural and economic hub. Today, it remains a living museum of Persian architecture and commerce, where each corner whispers stories of the past.
Constructed using traditional materials such as bricks, raw clay, and mud mortar, the structures are adorned with thatch and plaster, with intricate woodwork adorning entrances, arches, and latches. These materials not only add to the bazaar’s aesthetic appeal but also provide durability suited to the region’s climate. The bazaar has an interesting spatial structure, especially at its Timche-ye Amin od-Dowleh section, where a grand light well was built in the 19th century. Commissioned by Farrukh Khan Amin al-Dowleh in the 19th century, this remarkable structure is famous for its stunning skylight, which illuminates the intricate brickwork and decorative motifs below.
It serves as a focal point of the bazaar, showcasing the elegance and sophistication of Qajar-era design. Its dome-covered space not only attracts architectural enthusiasts but also provides a tranquil setting for visitors to pause and soak in the ambiance of this historic gem. Located on the south side of the main artery of Kashan’s bazaar, this two-story building is arranged around a vestibule and a large central space, offering a breathtaking view of Persian architectural ingenuity and exhibits eye-catching ornaments, including brickworks and delicate tilework.
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Like other traditional roofed bazars, it consists of different lines, corridors, junctions, caravanserais, etc. The Timche-ye Sabbagh, which is also known as Bazaar of Haj Seyyed Hassan, is another must-see part of Kashan Bazaar. This Timcheh is an octagonal space with fancy decorations, and it was built during the Qajar Era by the order of Haj Seyyed Hasan Sabbagh.
Timcheh Bakhshi is located near the Mianchal School and mosque, where two major roads in the old city crossed. The Timcheh displays idiosyncratic spatial use of different functions. Activities were allocated on distinct levels, giving it a unique heritage and architectural characteristic which remains intact to date. The carpet trade in the Qajar era led to a profound prosperity that justified the upkeep and development of Timcheh Bakhshi. Despite its prominence, Timcheh Bakhshi never attracted as much attention as its competitors in the bazaar.
The Imam Mosque and School, also known as Sultani Mosque, was built during Fath Ali Shah’e reign. This section is one of the biggest religious schools of the city which is still in use, with 52 rooms, a Shabestan and a grand library.
The stunning construction of Mir Emad Mosque dates back to Seljuk Dynasty and is located by the main square of the mosque. The Mihrab of the mosque is now kept in the Islamic Museum of Berlin.
The Khan Bathhouse was built during the Zand Dynasty and is characterized by the fabulous tilework of its façade. This historical bathhouse is now in use as a traditional teahouse.
Although many stores of Copper line are closed today, copper products are still among the top souvenirs that is sold in this market. The traditional sweets of Kashan, handicrafts, and the aromatic rosewater of Kashan used in Persian culinary, are some of the most famous products you can buy here. But the most precious and amazing souvenir is the world-known Kashan Carpet, known for its amazing colors and high quality of weaving.
In 1976 the Kashan Grand Bazaar was registered in the Iran National Heritage List with register number 1284.
