IRAN--Bazaars

Although Iran has a fair amount of modern shopping centers in their larger cities, the bazaar seems to be where the real action is. Bazaars have been the center of commerce for as long as the Middle Eastern cities/towns/villages have been in existence. Some are in actual buildings while others are just spread out in an open space. Some are designated for special things….such as a spice market….but most will sell a very wide variety of items.



One thing that surprised us was the party dresses/fabric that were available. There must be a real market for them as there were many offerings of the bright, shiny, sequined dresses. The Iranian women, even though they must cover from head to toe in public, can wear anything they like in the privacy of their home. If you don’t see a dress that you like, then you have the option to get “measured up” and have one made to order.



Also, we saw at one hotel a wedding party going on in which the men were in one room upstairs and the women were downstairs in another. The women had all arrived covered up, but had “blossomed” once they reached their party room and could remove their chadors.



One advantage that a bazaar has over the mall is that there are hundreds of small businessmen and a few businesswomen. Each can sell what he\she is interested in and knowledgeable about. They don’t make large profits but enough to care for their family daily.



This man had a small forge set up and was making knives. We watched for a bit while he flattened the piece of metal, curved it and begin to sharpen the finished knife.



The hours are long and daily and may be a bit tiresome when business is slow.



Some are quite creative showing off their wares. One of the more popular spices is actually a 7 spice mixture that is used mostly for seasoning meat. I enjoyed seeing the many different ways that this spice was displayed.



One can buy many items, such as this natural and dyed wool, in which to create your own project…...probably a rug in this case. Or you can go to another part of the bazaar and buy a handsomely woven rug.



One of the things that fascinated us was a display of sugar. Not only did they have fine granulated, but larger granulated, blocks, chunks, and even formed shapes. We picked up the pointed cone and even though it was very inexpensive it was much too heavy to bring home.



There is always a place for refreshment. Tea is often offered and available almost instantly if you go into a small shop. It is a gesture of welcome. Foods of all types are available for carry out and often there is a restaurant as well.



Best of all, for the tourist, the bazaar is a wonderful place to people watch.