Tabriz Historic Bazaar

About this place

Tabriz Historic Bazaar is an old market in central Tabriz, one of the oldest in the Middle East and one of Iran's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, listed in 2010. It was among the most important trading centres on the Silk Road. Its vaulted brick passages spread in a broad network, and it is worth wandering without a map and then asking your way. A market has stood on this site since the early Islamic cities of Iran. Writers and travellers mentioned it across the centuries, including al-Maqdisi in the 10th century and Yaqut al-Hamawi and al-Qazwini in the 13th. Marco Polo claimed to have passed through in 1271, and Ibn Battuta mentioned it later. So you walk in a place all these people talked about. You walk under domes of red brick, with light coming through openings in the roof, among sections for carpets, gold, spices and shoes. The carpet section in Tabriz is among the most notable, so take your time there. Side khans hold small courtyards and workshops. Ask before photographing sellers, and do not feel pressed to buy. It is about 2.4 km in a straight line from central Tabriz and about 32 km from Kandovan. Most shops close on Fridays, so avoid that day. Watch your belongings in the crowds. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Iran and warns that British nationals risk detention, so check official guidance before making any plans. We could not confirm the current state of this site.