Bazaar of Kashan is an old bazaar in the center of the city of Kashan, Iran. It is thought to have been built in the Seljuk era with renovations during the Safavid period.

The bazaar has famous architecture, especially at its Timche-ye Amin od-Dowleh section, where a grand light well was built in the 19th century. 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, plazas, arcades, baths, and water reservoirs that each were constructed in a different period.

History of the bazaar of Kashan

Photo: Apochi

During different periods, this bazaar was noteworthy to many travelers and historians. In a way, they remembered it by various descriptions and definitions. To name one, the author of the book “Zinat ol-Majales” said, “There’s no Bazaar, like Kashan Bazaar in the entire world.”

During the reign of Shah Abbas I, in the middle of the Grand Bazaar, four spacious Bazaars were beautifully and perfectly built and consisted of shops (Persian: Dokkan) and perfect Caravanserais.

During Shah Abbas I and his successor's many visits to the city of Kashan, they would hold celebrations and soirees in the Grand Bazaar and the square connected to the Bazaar. It was one of the first places that nighttime celebrations took place, according to Iran Negin Travel.

Photo: Apochi

Sir Anthony Sherley who accompanied Shah Abbas on one of his trips to Kashan, has also talked about the celebrations held in the Bazaar of Kashan.

Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a French gem merchant, has described Kashan Bazaar to be extremely beautiful, with a big and comfortable Caravanserai, especially the one located near Baghshah- Dowlatkhane.

The Bazaar of Kashan has been mentioned in various books, travel journals, and poetry throughout history.

After an earthquake, in the 18th century, Kashan Bazaar was ruined and many people including shop owners and property owners were killed during this earthquake. As a result, many shops and property owners were considered unbeknown.

One of the oldest attractions in Iran

Kashan’s historic bazaar is one of the best in Iran. Busy but not manic, traditional but with a nod at modern goods, large enough to surprise but not to get lost in, it’s a great place to wander for a couple of hours, especially in the late afternoon when the lanes are full of shoppers. The multi-domed roof of the bazaar dates from the 19th century, but the site has been the center of trade in Kashan for almost 800 years, according to Lonely Planet.

Photo: Hidden Architecture

Two main alleys lead through the bazaar, one known as the 'Main Line', and the other as the 'Copper Line', which lives up to its name for at least part of its length. Step off either of these two thoroughfares, and there's a wealth of caravanserais, mosques, madrasehs, and hammams (public bathhouses) to explore. Chief among the attractions is the fine Amin al-Dowleh Timche, a caravanserai with a soaring, beautifully decorated dome. Dating from 1868, the caravanserai has recently been restored by the Kashani Culture & Heritage Office and is home to carpet sellers and the odd curiosity shop. There’s a tea stand at one of its entrances where you can sit and watch a steady stream of shoppers pass by. An equally popular tea stop is the cozy 19th-century Hammam-e Khan, where three generations of hammami tend to the well-being of their customers – replacing the tea and towels of former times with the tea and talk of today.

The roof of Kashan Bazaar is a structure of a totally different style. Modest sandy domes protect sellers and their buyers from sun heat and provide an amazing view to those who climb on the top. Another notable feature of the Bazaar is the network of water canals – so-called “qanats”, that supply ponds and fountains, making the air inside the bazaar cool and fresh.

Photo: Hidden Architecture

What to Buy at Kashan Bazaar

1. Copper

One of the two main Bazaar streets is called “Copper Line” – and it fits its name. Here you can find lots of different sizes, cezves, pans, and other home utensils.

2. Handicrafts

Iran is rich in traditional handicrafts – jewelry boxes, vases, carpets and table cloths, lamps, and other amazing things.

Photo: Apochi

3. Clothes

From Kashan, you can bring unique mantos and head scarfs. There is a wide choice of colors, ornaments, and patterns.

4. Fruits and spices

Fresh and dried fruits, nuts, spices of the best quality that you can find are on the main bazaar of the city. There is also an old spice mill that still works.

5. Rosewater and sweets

Shops of Bazaar offer the best quality of rosewater and various traditional sweets – mostly biscuits of different kinds.

Kashan Bazaar is located in the city center, between Baba Afzal and Mohtasham streets. Bazaar has two entrances – south entrance at Kamal-Ol Molk Square, north entrance at Darvaze Dolat Square. There are numerous tourist sites around and inside the bazaar: Aminoddole Caravansaray and Soltani Mosque inside the bazaar, Agha Bozorg Mosque on the south-west of bazaar in 5 minutes of walking, historical houses Abbasi, Tabatabaei, Ameri and Borujerdi in 15 minutes of walking, according to Apochi.

Where to stay nearby Kashan Bazaar

Photo: Alchetron

Kashan is a small city, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the cities with colorful hotels, neat and clean motels. Various luxurious, historical, and traditional houses called “Serai” s have been renovated and turned into hotels. Making them the best options to not only enjoy the peace and quiet of Kashan a few more days but to experience staying at a place with historical values. Famous Iranian hospitality is widespread throughout Iran and Kashan is no different. Due to the fact that Kashan is one of the most famous travel destinations, for both Iranians and foreign tourists, you’d better make your arrangements before you leave for Kashan, and as for any other hotel, make your reservations beforehand by Iran Negin Travel. If you intend to come back to Tehran for example or any other close city, that’s also fine, but make sure you’re in Kashan early enough to be able to come back to Tehran or your travel origin, the same day, according to Iran Negin Travel.

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