After Isfahan, Kashan is known as the largest and most populated city in the Isfahan province. Among the nicknames of this city, we can mention “Darul Momenin” (house of believers), the city of flowers and roses, the capital of carpets and rugs, and the city of historical houses. The city of Kashan has more than 1,700 historical sites, of which 313 works have been enlisted in the national list of cultural heritage sites. Among these works, we can mention the Kashan Bazaar.
Kashan Bazaar extends from Kamal-ul-Mulk Square to Baba Afzal Square; from there to Copper Market and Government Gate. The entrance of this market is located in Kamal al-Mulk square. Baba Afzal Square is also known as “Stone Square” or “Faiz Square”.
History of Construction of Kashan Bazaar
The construction of the bazaar dates back to the Safavid Period. Also, its reconstruction and restoration took place during the time of Fath Ali Shah, the Qajar king.
Kashan Bazaar is a reminder of three historical periods: Safavid, Zandiyeh, and especially the Qajar era. During the Zandiyeh and Qajar periods, several sections were added to the market.
Introduction of Different Guilds Inside the Kashan Bazaar
Kashan bazaar is famous for its coppersmith, minting, and handwoven carpet shops. However, there are other sections in it too. Inside the bazaar, you can find various handicrafts as well as traditional sweets of Kashan. Although rose water is also found here, to buy quality rose water, you can also visit Qamsar and Niaser near Kashan.
Kashan minting house has a pair of large wooden doors. These wooden doors are known as Zoghali and are located in the middle of coppersmith market. A verse of poetry is carved on these doors:
برای نفع خلایق چو کرد بنیادش به سال هشتصد و هشتاد و هشت شد معمور
For the people's benefit, its foundation was established in the year Eight hundred and eighty eight (Lunar Calendar).
These large wooden doors existed before the Safavid era and during the reign of the kings of the Aq Qoyunlu dynasty.
In front of the minting house, there is a section called Sara-ye Khan where you can see the bazaar of carpet sellers, coppersmiths, dyers’ market, Kayserieh, and Timcheh. The production of hand-woven carpets with medallion designs is done in this passageway.
One of the most famous and original Kashan carpet designs is the Mohtsham design. This rug is woven with a wide border and a simplified design of the weeping willow tree. Today, this design is also seen in machine carpets.
7 Famous Attractions of Kashan Bazaar
In addition, there are various historical monuments inside the Kashan Bazaar. Forty historical monuments can be seen in this market. The most prominent of these works are the following:
- Amin al-Dawlah Timcheh: This Tim is also known as Amin al-Dawlah Caravanserai. The geometric decoration of the ceiling of this part of Kashan Bazaar, which is made with muqarnas, as well as bricks and tiles has a unique beauty.
- Mir Emad Mosque: This mosque is located in Mir Emad Square which is known as Meydan Mosque.
- Mir Panj Caravanserai: This caravansary is located right at the entrance on the Bazaar’s eastern side. Mir Panj Caravansary is located in the direction of the grand bazaar and the coppersmith section.
- Customs Caravansary: This caravansary is located in the western direction of Faiz Square. The main door of this caravansary opens to the minting house through a long corridor.
- New Caravansary This caravansary is located near Mir Emad Mosque.
- Darb Zanjeer: Darb Zanjeer (Darb means door and Janjeer means chain in Persian) water reservoir is located on Mohtsham street. The monument is located near the traditional bazaar and Bala bazar.
- Mianchal: Kashan Mianchal mosque and school was built in the Safavid period. This building is located in Mianchal Bazaar.
Architecture, Features, and Decorations of Kashan Bazaar
The materials used in the construction of the bazaar are bricks, raw clay, mortar, and mud. Also, plaster and straw have been used for their facade. In addition, wood is used in the construction of doors, latches, and arches of the market.
This market is a covered structure with fountain arches and small cupolas. The circular apertures in the center of them bring light into the market.
In addition, upon entering the Kashan Bazaar, its unique decorations attract the attention of every viewer. Each section of the bazaar has its own decorations. These decorations are different based on the year of construction and the importance of the building.
Timcheh of Amin al-Dawlah, which has unique decorations, is the focal point of Kashan bazaar. This bazaar was built in the second half of the 19th century. This Timcheh, with a very beautiful roof and a wide opening, connects the four sides of the market. Due to its unique decorations, this bazaar attracts many visitors from abroad and inside.
The roof of Timcheh is arched with bricks and tiles in the style of Iranian architecture. On the ceiling, there is a very beautiful muqarnas work. Today, traditional cafes are open in Timcheh.
Qaysariyeh Passageway in Kashan Bazaar
Qaysariyeh Bazaar of Kashan was built by Shah Abbas, the Safavid king of the 17th century. This passageway connects the distance between Mianchal and Bala bazaar. In this regard, most of the rich businessmen had shops, such as goldsmithing, carpets, painting, etc.
At that time, Qaysariyeh was known as Sara-ye Zargar-ha. Then, tailors and shoemakers entered this passageway. In the last five decades, additions have been added to it such as wooden doors. However, the size of the market has not changed much. It seems that something about 100 meters has been added to it.
Destruction of Sections of the Bazaar
In 1778, an earthquake occurred in Kashan. It is said that this earthquake caused the destruction in different sections of the bazaar. However, with a closer look and examination of the evidence, we find out that this earthquake did not have a great impact on different corners of the bazaar. Only parts of the roof collapsed, which was also rebuilt in the Qajar period.
In addition, during the Pahlavi period, parts of the bazaar were destroyed due to the expansion and modernization of the city.
Do not Miss Visiting This Attraction
Kashan Bazaar is one of the most beautiful historical attractions of this city, which is known for its unique decorations. If you happen to pass through Kashan through the travel packages of Iran travel agencies or travel there personally, do not miss visiting this attraction. In addition to its unique beauty, Kashan Bazaar also contains various historical monuments that you can visit.
This city and its surroundings have so many historical and cultural monuments that Destination Iran recommends you travel to study Kashan tourist attractions before you travel so that you don’t miss its sites.
