Traditional Bazaar of Kashan
The traditional bazaar of Kashan is one of the most important and beautiful tourist attractions in Kashan, which have more than 40 historical monuments, including several Timcheh(s) (Plaza), Mianchal bazaar, Ab anbar, mosque, school, Imamzadeh, caravanserai and bathhouse. Bazaar of Kashan is one of the most important tourist attractions of the country and therefore, it was registered in Iran national heritage list in September 1976 under number 1284. This bazaar is not only a great place to visit in terms of architecture and decorations; you can also buy first-class handicrafts and souvenirs.
Where is Bazaar of Kashan?
Baba Afzal St, Kashan, Isfahan.
The traditional bazaar of Kashan continues from the middle of Baba Afzal Street to Darvazeh Dolat.
Access Route to Bazaar of Kashan
Kashan bazaar has two main entrances, one is located on Baba Afzal Street and the other is located at Darvazeh Dolat, and therefore it is accessible from both streets.
Baba Afzal St, Kamalolmolk ak Square, Kashan
Abazar St, Darvazeh Dolat, Kashan
If you are on your way to Kashan bazaar by public transportation, the nearest bus stop to the bazaar is located in Kamalolmolk square.
Introduction of The Bazaar of Kashan
Kashan bazaar consisting more than 40 historical monuments is one of the most spectacular tourist attractions of Kashan. Besides, due to the various shops, Kashan is considered a suitable place for daily shopping and souvenirs.
Kashan bazaar is smaller than other bazaars in Iran and you can easily visit and shop in it. Similar to all historical markets, this bazaar is made up of different sections, each section is dedicated to the activity of one specific guild, and for this reason, you will see coppersmiths in one part and the shoemakers in the other part. The most important capital of carpet sales and carpet trading is Aminoddole plaza, and you can find copper dishes and decorations in coppersmiths’ plaza. Other goods such as rose water and distillations, pottery, and handicrafts are some of the important wares in this bazaar.
This historical bazaar is not only to sale various goods, but also ceremonies such as Muharram mourning with a special passion and glory is hold here. From the sixth day of Muharram to the day of Ashura, every day about 70 to 80 groups go to Aminoddole Plaza beating their chest. These groups move from Darvazeh Dolat, coppersmiths’ bazaar, Pa-nakhl and Gozarno bazaar and finally reach Aminoddole Plaza. The first mourning group is Chavush Aza, which starts one day before the beginning of Muharram and informs people about the beginning of this month
History of Kashan Bazaar
Kashan bazaar was built during Buyid and Seljuk period; but it reached its highest glory in the Safavid period, especially during the time of Abbas the Great, when many tourists visited this bazaar and did business. This bazaar also keeps its glory during the Qajar period. But after that, it gradually declined. The current bazaar of Kashan was built on the remains of the old bazaar, and it is actually the work of the architects of the Qajar period, especially the time of Fath-Ali Shah, who built it in its current form.
Architecture of Kashan Bazaar
Kashan bazaar has different parts like any historical markets; however, its main structural elements are: the passageway and the quarter, which are long routes with shops on both sides. Sara (inn), which is a middle courtyard with connected cells around it. Timcheh (plaza) is a small covered space for supplying a special type of product and has impressive decorations compared to other parts of the bazaar. Charsuq or Chaharsu, which is called the intersection of two main routes and has different architecture and detailed interior decorations.
