IRAN: World's biggest and oldest bazaar in Tabriz sells finest carpets

Record ID: 314006

  • Title: IRAN: World's biggest and oldest bazaar in Tabriz sells finest carpets
  • Date: 23rd December 2008
  • Summary: TABRIZ, AZERBAIJAN SHARGHI PROVINCE, IRAN (RECENT) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF PEOPLE IN STREETS OF TABRIZ
  • Embargoed: 7th January 2009 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: Lifestyle
  • Reuters ID: LVAC3U4JSFLXKW338EZFS84KPLA8
  • Story Text: Tabriz, in the north west of Iran, is home to one of the oldest and largest roofed bazaars in the world.
    Tabriz, the capital city of Azerbaijan Sharghi province, in Iran's north west, is home to one of the world's oldest and largest enclosed shopping bazaars.
    Covering one square kilometre, the bazaar is the largest registered in Iran and is said to be the world's widest brick complex. Tabriz Bazaar also trades in some of the finest Persian carpets in the world.
    The precise date of the original construction is not clear but documents show that from as early as the mid 15th century travellers and historians have been visiting and writing about it. The present buildings on the site are thought to be from the 1750's and the Zand dynasty (A.D. 1750-1794).
    "Its history dates back to the centuries after Islam, around the end of Zand Dynasty and Qajar Dynasty," Historian, Ehsan Ensafi said.
    The bazaar is significant not only for its fine rugs but also for its architecture. The main structure has two roofed buildings with several smaller connected areas specialising in a specific guild and craft.
    The smaller bazaar areas have a brisk trade in a variety of goods ranging from shoes, to spice, textiles, silverware, jewellery and carpet.
    "There are various kinds of carpets produced in Tabriz, so its market has more economic splendour in comparison with other markets," Alireza Heydarpanah, a carpet seller said.
    Carpet making is the main trade in Tabriz and is found in the best known part of the the bazaar, which is called Mozafaryeh.
    "There are about 20 sub-bazaars here and the most famous of them, Mozafaryeh, is well known for carpet trade. It can be said that the most precious carpets in the world are exported from here," Ensafi said.
    "I think Mozafaryeh is the centre of carpet trade in Iran. The bazaar is important for its reputation and history. Mozafaryeh is the first place that tourists to Tabriz want to visit," said Vahid Yakhchian, a shopkeeper.
    Alongside many ancient mosques and schools in the centre of the city, tourists consistently find Tabriz Bazaar with its high brick domes and arches, to be one of the most attractive parts of the city.
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