Bazaar of Qazvin, northwestern province of Qazvin, is one of the most well-known historical and traditional bazaars in Iran and an important tourist attraction of the city. It is an unbeatable complex of Iranian traditional architecture which will mesmerize its visitors with the most detailed decorations and also the best shops it has. Qazvin Bazaar gained most of its popularity during the Qajar Era when Tehran became the capital of Iran, ncatravels.com wrote.
Brief history
The original bazaar in Qazvin dates back to almost 1,000 years ago. However, it has faced many changes during these years. The city of Qazvin was extended during the Safavid Era. But before that, it consisted of nine districts gathered around the main mosque in the city, Jaame Mosque of Qazvin, which is also one of the oldest and biggest mosques in Iran. It was in the Safavid Era when the city of Qazvin became the capital of Iran. Therefore, it was developed and many new buildings and facilities added to the city. It almost took 50 years for the city to become what we see now.
During that time, a big square added to the city, which was called Bazaar Square. However, it doesn’t exist right now. But it is believed that Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan had been inspired by the square. This square was the heart of the bazaar. Many parts of the Qazvin Bazaar formed around the square. One of the most important parts of the old bazaar was the Shah Abbasi Caravanserai, which was destroyed later and a mosque, called Masjed al-Nabi, took its place. When the new mosque was built, the old Jaame Mosque of Qazvin became less important. Therefore, the new passages built around the new mosque, which was then called the new Jaame Mosque of Qazvin.
It was during Qajar Era when Qazvin Bazaar became more important. Its golden days were also during the World War I. The main reason of its popularity during this time was that it had become the financial heart of the area due to the international trades (trades with Russia and Europe).
What to buy in Qazvin Bazaar
Like any other traditional bazaars in Iran, Qazvin Bazaar also consists of different parts. However, since each city has a special product to offer, Qazvin Bazaar also has a passage dedicated to its most important and high-quality products which mostly considered as Qazvin’s souvenirs. The main products in Qazvin are special handicrafts and delicious sweets. Therefore, if you are searching for the best souvenirs of Qazvin, especially its high-quality handicrafts, you should definitely head to the Qazvin Bazaar.
Architecture
Qazvin Bazaar is a huge and beautiful masterpiece which was completed during different eras and became one of the most developed traditional bazaars in Iran. It has different parts and passages, each belongs to the special category. For example, one passage belongs to handicrafts, the other belongs to rugs, jewelry shops, foods and etc.
This bazaar is artistically made by bricks. The combination of bricks and tiles is another great thing can be seen in the architecture of this place. It also has many common styles with Isfahan Bazaar and Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz which remind you of the architecture style of the Safavid Era. However, some other parts of the bazaar had a different style which shows the architecture style of the Qajar Era. That’s the other reason why this bazaar has a great architecture. Because it is a combination of two different styles which goes together and even makes it more beautiful.
Source: Iran Daily