Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex

Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex is one of the biggest and most important covered bazaars in the world. The bazaar borders Ali Qapu Palace (where Qajar (1785-1925) Crown Princes lived) on the east, Tabriz Jame Mosque on the west and Qouri Chai (Mehranroud) River on the north.

While the exact date of the construction of this bazaar is unknown, 10th century travelers have made reference to it in their travelogues. Between the 12th and the 18th centuries, Tabriz Bazaar was one of the most important international trade and cultural centers in the world due to its location on the Silk Road.

The bazaar, which is located at the heart of Tabriz, flourished during the 16th century when the city shortly became the capital of the Safavid dynasty (1501-1736). The bazaar has high arches and domes with moqarnas decorations as well as lightwells strategically positioned to provide sufficient lighting for the passages and shops located along its main vaulted street.
The Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex has been registered as a National Heritage Site in 1975 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.