Shiraz is a city of culture and art, a city that remains in the minds of tourists with the scent of orange blossoms and its unique sights. One of the most attractive sights in this historic and beautiful city is the Vakil Bazaar of Shiraz. Although traditional markets in various parts of Iran attract many tourists with their special charm, the Vakil Bazaar has a different atmosphere. In this bazaar, colorful fabrics, beautiful carpets, fragrant spices, and copper utensils shine under the light filtering through the windows. In this article, we intend to introduce you to the Vakil Bazaar of Shiraz. Stay tuned with Eligasht.
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Where is Vakil Bazaar?
If you are a traveler in the city of Shiraz and a fan of bazaars, you certainly want to know where Vakil Bazaar is in Shiraz. This bazaar has different entrances on Zand, Taleghani, and Lotf Ali Khan Zand streets. The main entrance of Vakil Bazaar is located on Zand Street, the eastern side of City Hall Square, where travelers and residents of Shiraz can visit this bazaar for shopping and strolling every day except holidays.
Vakil Bazaar Shiraz has specific working hours and is usually active from evening. However, these working hours may change on special occasions and holidays.
The access routes to Vakil Bazaar
The access routes to Vakil Bazaar Shiraz vary depending on your mode of transport. If you have traveled to Shiraz by private car, you should go to Valiasr Square and then to Taleghani Street, park your car on this street, and then walk to one of the entrances of the bazaar.
Also, if you want to go to this bazaar by metro, you should get off at Zandiyeh Station and after a 12-minute walk, you will reach one of the doors of Vakil Bazaar.
The history of Vakil Bazaar
Vakil Bazaar Shiraz is one of the most important remnants of the Karim Khan Zand era. This bazaar was built by the order of Shah Zand between the years 1137 to 1156 solar. The design of this bazaar is inspired by the Qeisariyeh Bazaar of Isfahan dating back to the Safavid era, and the footprint of this period’s architecture can be clearly seen in it.
During the Zand era, Vakil Bazaar Shiraz was the economic heart of the city of Shiraz, where all commercial activities including buying and selling foreign and domestic goods, direct exchanges, and money changers were conducted in the rooms of this bazaar. During the Qajar period, a separate market called Saraye Moshir was added to the southern end of the Vakil Bazaar. Vakil Bazaar Shiraz was registered as one of Iran’s national heritage sites on July 8, 1972.
the architecture of Vakil Bazaar Shiraz
As mentioned, the architecture of Vakil Bazaar Shiraz is inspired by the Qeisariyeh Bazaar of Lar in Isfahan (dating back to the Safavid era). With an area of 21,840 square meters, this bazaar is one of the tallest bazaars in Iran and has a wider width compared to other markets. Additionally, the height of the ceiling beams in this bazaar reaches 10 meters, and its windows are designed in a way that direct sunlight does not enter the interior space of the bazaar.
In the construction of the Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz, materials such as plaster, lime, and bricks were used, and these materials were placed on a foundation of cut stones that have made the bazaar resistant to earthquakes. The surface of this bazaar was 14 steps lower than the city level in the past, but today, due to the filling of the bazaar floor, the number of these steps has decreased to 5 or 6. Architecturally, the Vakil Bazaar has three separate spaces including a passageway, a sanctuary with a height nearly 2 steps higher than ground level, and a shop space. The bazaar has five large squares on all four sides and two north-south and east-west corridors that intersect like a cross.
Introduction of Vakil Bazaar segments
The Chaharsooq
One of the most beautiful parts of the Vakil Bazaar is the “Chaharsooq,” which is located at the intersection of the four main alleys of the bazaar and is situated on an octagon. In Chaharsooq, shops in the shape of a square are built on two floors. Chaharsooq is famous for its beautiful architecture, vaults, corner spaces, and distinctive earring decorations. It is interesting to note that in the past, there was a marble basin in the center of Chaharsooq, which added to the beauty of this section. However, today, with the rise of the bazaar floor, this basin has disappeared.
From the north to the south side of Vakil Bazaar, Shiraz:
This section starts from Isfahan Gate and extends to the southern alley of Saraye Mosheer, with 41 pairs (82 shops) on each side. These shops are approximately one meter above ground level, designed as two stories with raised platforms adorned with prominent tangerine-shaped pieces of stone. Additionally, in all the shops of this bazaar, windows for ventilation and a platform for display can be seen.
In the southern section of Chaharsooq, there is another bazaar called “Shamshirgarha” with 11 pairs of shops. The entrance door of Vakil Caravanserai (Elephant Caravanserai) is also located in this direction. Additionally, in the northern part of the bazaar, there are three caravanserais named Ahmadi Caravanserai, Roghani Caravanserai, and Customs Caravanserai.
From east to west side of Vakil Bazaar:
This part of the bazaar has two sections named the Eastern Section and the Western Section of Chaharsooq. The Eastern Section has 19 pairs of shops, and the Western Section has 10 pairs of shops.
The northern alley of Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz is known as “Kolah Duzan,” the western Chaharsooq alley as “Tarkesh Duzan,” the eastern Chaharsooq alley as “Alaghebandan,” and the southern alley as “Bazazan.” Tarkesh Duzan alley is the center for selling various rugs and handwoven items, Alaghebandan alley is the center for selling carpets and herbal supplies, and Bazazan alley is the place for selling various fabrics.
The goods offered in Vakil Bazaar
The goods offered in Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz include various Iranian and imported products. Some of the most important goods in this market include various fabrics, handmade and machine-woven carpets, traditional jewelry, food and beverages, special spices, and handicrafts such as various types of engraving, inlay work, and wood carving.
A significant portion of Vakil Bazaar is dedicated to fabric and carpet vendors, hence the high diversity of fabrics and carpets in this market. If you are interested in purchasing Iranian handicrafts and traditional jewelry, you can visit Saraye Mosheer in this Bazaar and buy your desired items with quality and reasonable prices.
Nearby attractions
Near this Bazaar in Shiraz, there are several attractions such as the historical Vakil Bath, Karim Khan Citadel, Khan School, Vakil Water Reservoir, Pars Museum, Forough Al-Molk House Museum, Meshkin Fam Art Museum, Montazeri Nejad Historical House, Shah Cheragh Shrine, Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Zinat al-Molk House, and the Haft Tanan Stone Museum.
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Final words
In this article from Eligasht, we introduced Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz. With its unique architecture from the Zand dynasty era, this bazaar is considered one of Iran’s most important traditional markets. We recommend traveling to Shiraz in spring and visiting this beautiful bazaar. As mentioned, various fabrics, carpets, beverages, and handicrafts of the highest quality are available in this market, allowing tourists to purchase their desired items at reasonable prices. Furthermore, after exploring this bazaar, one can easily visit other attractions in Shiraz by covering a short distance.
FAQ
What is Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz known for?
Vakil Bazaar is renowned for its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere. It is one of the oldest and most traditional markets in Shiraz, offering a wide range of goods and handicrafts.
What are the operating hours of Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz?
Vakil Bazaar typically opens early in the morning around 9:00 AM and remains bustling with activity until late afternoon, around 6:00 PM. However, specific shop hours may vary.
What can visitors expect to find at Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz?
Visitors can explore a variety of items at Vakil Bazaar, including spices, carpets, textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, and traditional Persian goods. The bazaar is also known for its copper handicrafts and antiques.
Are there any notable architectural features at Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz?
Vakil Bazaar showcases stunning Persian architecture, characterized by high ceilings, vaulted arches, and beautifully tiled courtyards. The bazaar’s design reflects traditional Iranian craftsmanship and aesthetics.
How can tourists best experience Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz?
To make the most of your visit to Vakil Bazaar, it’s recommended to explore the narrow alleys, interact with local shopkeepers, sample Persian delicacies at the food stalls, and bargain for unique souvenirs. Additionally, visiting early in the day can offer a more tranquil shopping experience before the crowds arrive.