All About Isfahan Grand Bazaar (Qeysarriyeh Bazaar)

Isfahan is one of the richest historical and vast cities in Iran, home to many archeological monuments and tourist attractions, some of which have been marked by UNESCO. This grand city is popular for having authentic Iranian architecture, spectacular mosques, sophisticated and luminous bridges, historical bazaars, and vibrant domes. Among these outstanding monuments is the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, titled Qeysarriyeh Bazaar, where you can stroll around in the antique corridors discovering hundreds of Persian handicrafts, colorful spices, fruits and sweets, flashy fabrics, and many more. Isfahan Grand Bazaar is a perfect spot for finding excellent Persian souvenirs and is among the top things to do in Isfahan.

About Isfahan Grand Bazaar

Isfahan Grand Bazaar is one of the most famous historical bazaars of Iran and a top sightseeing location in the city. This large bazaar is also known as the Royal Bazaar. Isfahan Grand Bazaar is a heart of Persian handicrafts and masterpieces that have been handed down from generation to generation.

It is among the largest and most luxurious shopping centers built during the Safavid Empire. Isfahan’s covered Grand Bazaar is several kilometers long, where each section of the market produces and offers a specific product. The Grand Bazaar, of which Qeysarriyeh Bazaar is a major part of it, originally had several entrances.

The Isfahan Grand Bazaar is a magnificent marketplace and an architectural masterpiece, the like of which is found in few parts of the world and is considered one of the most spectacular historical works of Iran.

In this bazaar, you can see shops that have been selling one type of product since the Safavid era until today. These shops have preserved their authenticity and have not changed since 400 years ago, and they still sell their special goods.

Most of the stalls and shops in this market sell handicrafts and souvenirs. Precious carpets and expensive fabrics are the main products that can be found in abundance in this Grand Bazaar.

Grand Bazaar Isfahan History

When you are on a trip, the Grand Bazaars are one of the best places to visit in any historical city, as these locations will introduce you to the history and culture of that region. The Isfahan Grand Bazaar has an extensive past since it has served as a trading center for many years.

Qeysarriyeh Bazaar was built by the order of Shah Abbas I between 1620 and 1638 on the northern side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Imam Square of Isfahan). During the Safavid period, this bazaar was the axis for selling expensive fabrics and carpets. Moreover, several foreign commercial traders had shops settled in the bazaar.

The main activity of marketers in the Isfahan Grand Bazaar is selling handwoven Persian carpets and rugs. The carpets were and still are regarded as the most original and oldest Iranian handmade art, and for this reason, foreign tourists show great interest in purchasing these vibrant Isfahan carpets.

The title of the Qeysarriyeh bazaar was also derived from the title of its large entrance to the bazaar. This enormous arched gate to the grand bazaar of Isfahan is named “Sar Dar-e Qeysarriyeh” and is covered in paintings belonging to the Safavid era. However, due to antiquity, part of the materials and paint have been eroded over time.

Sar Dar-e Qeysarriyeh was inscribed in the list of national monuments of Iran on January 6, 1932, and as a part of Naqsh-e Jahan Square. This entrance is also listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

What to Buy in Grand Bazaar Isfahan?

The most purchased souvenirs of Isfahan are the traditional handicrafts belonging to the region. These products are of high quality and very distinguished. This is why Iranian retailers and foreign tourists buy goods from Isfahan and many as souvenirs.

Qeysarriyeh Bazaar is the best shopping center spot for buying handicrafts and souvenirs from Isfahan and Iran. Inside the labyrinth-like corridors, you will find abundant valuable carpets and high-end fabrics, which are the major products of the bazaar.

Interestingly, goods are not only sold in the Isfahan Grand Bazaar but many products are produced and made by hand in the bazaar itself.

Sweets and Food

Although the multitude and variety of goods can be confusing at first, with patience, you can find the right purchase. Among the sweet souvenirs of Isfahan, Persian Gaz and Poolaki are very popular. Sohan of Isfahan, which is known as Sohan Asali (Honey Sohan), is a saffron brittle toffee covered in pistachios and sometimes almonds.

These sweet and delicious Persian foods will stimulate your appetite for more. Saffron, known as Iran’s red gold, is another perfect choice for an Isfahan souvenir.

Handicrafts and Arts

Toreutics: You can find a lot of Toreutics works, artistic masterpieces carved on silver and copper plates, by Isfahan’s skilled artists in Qeysarriyeh bazaar.

Khatam Kari: Khatam Kari or Marquetry is an art where wooden geometrical shapes are put together elegantly and intricately to create a larger work. The artistic combination of these shapes creates beautiful and intriguing images.

You can buy a box, a pen holder, and containers such as Khatam Kari chocolate boxes as souvenirs. Khatam Kari is also found on Takht-e (a Persian board game) and is available for purchase.

Copper Utensils: Copper dishes are common in Isfahan. These copper utensils are made by the hands of skilled masters, and they include pots, plates, bowls, glasses, etc., sold in the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan.

Mina Kari: This work of art is painting and designing decorative dishes and other chinaware such as vases, plates, etc., delicately and beautifully. Most Mina Kari plates are painted in blue and white because they evoke a serene sensation for their viewers.

Other handicraft souvenirs you can purchase are carpets, rugs, precious fabrics, traditional shoes (Giveh), decorative hats, Persian loofah, all sorts of herbs and spices, and many more. 

Grand Bazaar Isfahan Review

The bazaar’s intricate tile work, vaulted ceilings, and labyrinthine alleys are considered a treasure of Iran’s history and the craftsmanship of the artisans who constructed it. You can find everything from exquisite handwoven carpets to delicate Persian ceramics, making it the hub of the best Iranian souvenirs.

The Grand Bazaar Isfahan photos show the bustling atmosphere of the bazaar, which is filled with local allure and the aroma of Persian spices and sweets.

It’s recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the bazaar’s lively environment. Overall, the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan is a must-visit for anyone interested in Persian culture and history.

Grand Bazaar Isfahan Location

The bazaar is located on the north of Naqsh-e Jahan Square. You can use a private car or public transport to reach the complex.

The bus station and Imam Hossein Square Train station of Isfahan Metro are very close to Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan. You can walk the rest of the way to Qeysarriyeh Bazaar by walking or taking a taxi.

Grand Bazaar Isfahan Visiting Hours

The operating hours of the Grand Bazaar depend on the business hours. Often, in the first quarter of the year, the bazaar is open from 9 am to 6 pm, and in the second quarter of the year, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Final Word

One of the most famous sightseeing attractions of Isfahan city is the Grand Bazaar and Qeysarriyeh entrance, and it always grasps the attention of all its visitors. The Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, also known as Qeysarriyeh Bazaar or Shah (Royal) Bazaar, a historic labyrinthine marketplace located in Naqsh-e Jahan Square, offers a wide array of crafts, textiles, spices, and more. Isfahan has encountered the existence of several governments throughout history, but most of the sightseeing places in Isfahan belong to the Safavid period. Qeysarriyeh Bazaar is one of the oldest bazaars in the world. During the Safavid era, this bazaar was the largest and most luxurious trading center in Iran. If you ever visit this picturesque city, don’t miss the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan!

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