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Grand Bazaar - Isfahan

History

The old bazaar of Isfahan dates back to the 11th century during the Seljuk era. Originally, Grand Bazaar was built on the southwest wing of Jameh Mosque and Kohneh Square but later it was expanded to Naqsh-e Jahan Square. This section of the bazaar is also known as Keisaria Bazaar. It is due to to the Keisaria Gate on the northern side of the Naqsh-e Jahan Square. 


The Grand Bazaar which goes around the  Naqsh-e Jahan Square was built at the start of the 16th century. This bazaar has almost 5 kilometers of shopping streets with many arches and corridors. In the past, this bazaar was the centre of the city and it was also a meeting point for the locals. There are many other bazaars in Iran but Isfahan bazaar is one of the largest. Entrance of the Grand Bazaar on the northern side is sometimes referred as the main entrance of the bazaar.

 

Locals passing beside the arches of the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, in the background dome of the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan can be seen
Locals passing beside the arches of the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, in the background dome of the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan can be seen
A stall like shop beside the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan in the Grand Bazaar
A stall like shop beside the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan in the Grand Bazaar
This shop is selling traditional Iranian black chador - this piece of cloth is worn by women when they go outside of their houses
This shop is selling traditional Iranian black chador - this piece of cloth is worn by women when they go outside of their houses
Different flavors of popcorn on sale along with dry fruit
A seller is looking after a customer in his toy shop
A seller is looking after a customer in his toy shop
This door of Grand Bazaar is beside the Shah Mosque in Naqsh-e Jahan Square
This door of Grand Bazaar is beside the Shah Mosque in Naqsh-e Jahan Square
This bazaar is also known as Keisaria Bazaar
If one is interested in hand made crafts, this is the best place to visit in Isfahan
This section of the Grand Bazaar was built at the start of the 16th century
Traditional Iranian decorative items on display
Traditional Iranian decorative items on display
Very elegant looking pots on sale
Very elegant looking pots on sale
In the past, this bazaar was the centre of the city and it was also a meeting point for the locals
In the past, this bazaar was the centre of the city and it was also a meeting point for the locals
Colourful decorative plates
These appears to be the Iranian tiles with the colourful fish designed on them
These appears to be the Iranian tiles with the colourful fish designed on them
Items on sale inside the bazaar

 

There are different parts of the bazaar which are divided to into smaller sections on the basis what they sell. This bazaar with 2 km length is the main connection between the old city and the new one. The Grand Bazaar of Isfahan is a covered market and shop keepers display their products in front of the shops as well. 
The Keisaria Gate of the Grand Bazaar has few paintings on its main gate and one of them shows a polo match being played. In the past, the Naqsh-e Jahan Square was used to host these matches. When compared with the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, the bazaar of Isfahan offers a peaceful space to see the shops and the displays inside.

Decorative pieces (also practical) almost looks like that they were made of gold
Decorative pieces (also practical) almost looks like that they were made of gold
Colourful glass and eye catching designs are used in making of these products
Colourful glass and eye catching designs are used in making of these products
This is the entrance door of the Grand Bazaar beside the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
This is the entrance door of the Grand Bazaar beside the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
Western side of the bazaar passes beside the entrance of the Ali Qapu Palace
Western side of the bazaar passes beside the entrance of the Ali Qapu Palace
A sign in the bazaar explains the types of objects on sale in this section of the Grand Bazaar
A sign in the bazaar explains the types of objects on sale in this section of the Grand Bazaar
Colourful clothes embroidered in the traditional Iranian designs on sale inside a shop
Colourful clothes embroidered in the traditional Iranian designs on sale inside a shop
This is the Keisaria Gate of the Grand Bazaar and it is located to the northern side of the square
This is the Keisaria Gate of the Grand Bazaar and it is located to the northern side of the square
Colourful paintings are created on the Keisaria Gate
Colourful paintings are created on the Keisaria Gate
This large painting show a polo match being played
Entrance of the Grand Bazaar on the northern side
Entrance of the Grand Bazaar on the northern side
Around the square are the shops which are full of magnificent Persian handicrafts
Around the square are the shops which are full of magnificent Persian handicrafts
A beautiful ceiling of the Keisaria Bazaar
A beautiful ceiling of the Keisaria Bazaar
Shops inside the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan
Shops inside the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan
Shop keepers are displaying their products in front of the shops as well
Shop keepers are displaying their products in front of the shops as well
Arches of the bazaar seen from inside
Arches of the bazaar seen from inside