The Traditional Bazaar of Kazeroun

The Bazaar of Kazeroun

Like most ancient Iranian cities, Kazeroun also has a traditional bazaar. It begins from Mosque Square, where the Salehiyeh Seminary is located, and extends to Abu Ishaq Street. Before this street was built, the bazaar stretched even farther, reaching Khayrat Square—today known as Shohada Square. The construction of Abu Ishaq Street divided the bazaar into two halves.

Different Sections and Features

The Bazaar of Kazeroun is like an open-air exhibition of both industrial and local products. It contains several traditional chambers (lines of shops), each specializing in a particular type of good. In earlier times, handicraft making was one of the bazaar’s main activities; however, due to social and economic changes, many artisans have turned to other professions. Today, some traditional crafts such as blacksmithing and felting have almost disappeared.

Walking through the bazaar, one encounters a variety of shops—restaurants serving kebabs, khash, and aash (aush), as well as coffeehouses, groceries, textile stores, attari (herbal shops), confectioneries, jewelry shops, and many others.

Several sub-bazaars form part of the greater market complex, including Shah Hamzeh Bazaar, Imam Khomeini Bazaar (Mo’in), Mokhi (Nakhl) Bazaar, Namadmals’ Bazaar, Jewelers’ Bazaar, Baradaran Bazaar, and the Bazaar of Mesgarha (Coppersmiths)—also known as Aba Fath Bazaar.

Notably, Shah Hamzeh Bazaar and the Bazaar of Mesgarha were individually inscribed on Iran’s National Heritage List in 2006.

Shah Hamzeh Bazaar

This section begins from the southern side of Imamzadeh Shah Hamzeh and extends to Rangrazi Square. It features a traditional vaulted structure with arches and skylights, known as khorek, which not only provide natural lighting but also help ventilate the market. In recent years, a street was built beside the bazaar, and several shops at its entrance were removed to make way for the new road.

Bazaar of Mesgarha (Coppersmiths)

Among the oldest parts of the complex, the Coppersmiths’ Bazaar has preserved much of its original architecture. Covering about 500 square meters in a rectangular layout, it connects on its southeastern side to Shah Hamzeh Bazaar. Within this area stands the Haj Taj Mosque, constructed approximately a century ago.

Bazaar of Felt Makers

Situated along an east–west axis, this bazaar once hosted numerous felt-making workshops. Today, nearly all have shifted to other trades. In the past, two water mills—Mohseni Mill and Shaker Mill—stood on either side of this bazaar. Only the Shaker Mill building survives, now repurposed as an ice factory.

Imam Khomeini Bazaar

Before the Islamic Revolution (1979 AD), this section was known as Mo’in al-Tojjar Bazaar. For several decades, it also housed the city’s police station, earning it the nickname “Bazaar-e Shahrbani” (literally, Police Bazaar).

History of the Bazaar

References to the Bazaar of Kazeroun appear in texts from the 4th and 5th centuries AH (11th century AD), suggesting that its origins date back to that period. Over the centuries, the bazaar has undergone several renovations. The existing core structure mainly dates from the Qajar era (19th century), while a number of chambers and shops were added during the Safavid period (16th century).

Architecture

The bazaar consists of several interconnected sections, each designed according to its function. Some parts feature high roofs and consecutive arches, creating a sense of grandeur. The main construction materials throughout are stone and plaster.

Jame’ Mosque of the Bazaar

The Jame’ Mosque, located within the bazaar, is one of the most significant mosques in Kazeroun. The foundation of the original structure dates back to the 7th century AH (13th century AD).