Tehran Grand Bazaar
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The Tehran Grand Bazaar is a historical market situated in Tehran, Iran’s Capital. Throughout its history, in addition to shops the Grand bazaar as one of the remarkably Tehran Tourist Attractions has contained banks and financiers, mosques and guest houses. Traditionally, the Tehran Grand bazaar was split into corridors, each specialising in different types of goods, including copper, carpets, paper, spices, and precious metals, as well as small traders selling all types of goods. Today, modern goods are available as well, in addition to the many traditional corridor traders that still survive.
The area around Tehran Grand Bazaar has been settled since at least 6,000 BC, and while bazaar-like construction in Iran as a whole has been dated as far back as 4,000 BC, Tehran’s bazaar is not this old. It is hard to say exactly when the Tehran Grand Bazaar first appeared, but in the centuries following the introduction of Islam, travellers reported the growth of commerce in the area now occupied by the current bazaar.
The Tehran Grand bazaar is still an important place of commerce for Tehranis, Iranians, travelling merchants and increasingly a good Tourist sight to wander. However, much of the trade and finance in the city has moved to the north of the city, leaving the bazaar somewhat decreased in importance. Still, in addition to the traditional goods on sale, the market for watches and local jewellery is apparently growing, most likely for the benefits of tourists.
As is in keeping with the market spirit, tourists are encouraged to haggle. The bazaar is busiest around midday, and between 17:00 and 19:00.