In the art of architecture, a structure that does not have a center and whose expansion is not closed is called a checkered structure. A valuable example of such structures is Arak Bazaar. The checkered design of the Bazaar of Arak separates it from other similar structures. It gives it a unique and aesthetic identity.
The view of the historical Bazaar of Arak, in the central province, is so spectacular as though it is talking of the city’s glorious past. This structure built nearly 300 years ago, is well-planned and meticulous, and its connecting passages, inside the bazaar, have geometric symmetry. Numerous passages divide the market and give it a unique architecture. The covered structure of the market is also made in such a way that its air is cool in summer and warm and pleasant in winter.
History of Bazaar of Arak
In the past, Arak was called Sultanabad. When this city was built during the reign of Fath Ali Shah Qajar, the market was also founded at the same time. The person who supervised the building of this bazaar was Yousef Khan Gorji. He was not only the founder of Sultanabad (Arak) but also considered one of the politicians and war commanders. He had gained merit in the wars between Iran and Russia, during the reign of Fath Ali Shah. In addition to Sultanabad, Yusuf Khan Gorji (Georgian) ruled over Kazaz, Kamreh, Ashtian and Tafresh, under the Qajar government. He died in 1240 (1760 AD), in the last years of Fath Ali Shah’s rule.
It took twenty years to establish the city of Arak. It was during this period that the bazaar and other structures of the city were built. In particular, the Arak market gained importance very soon. A lot of trade was carried out in the suburbs of the city and also other nearby cities. Thus, that area was considered as one of the importance economic centers. Apparently, in such a situation, the Arak market quickly became a crossroad for caravans and merchants, and its prosperity increased every year. Especially, carpets and other handwoven goods that were sold in this market gained much fame.
Architectural features of Arak bazaar
If we take a look at the bazaar from a distance, we will see a clay-and-straw dome in the high ceiling of its 14 hectares expanse. This dome has vents to let in the daylight and thus supply the bazaar the necessary light. The crossroad inside the bazaar is built in such a way that each of the four passages (east, west, south, north) leads to the main gates of the city. This way, caravan traffic to and from the city became very easy. At the same time, the bazaar was built, in such a way that it became the heart of the city and thus gave Arak a unique identity.
It is worth mentioning that the passages inside the bazaar are designed in such a manner that in the event of an unpleasant occurrence (such as fire) in the market, the people inside can quickly exit the bazaar and escape any danger. For this, all timchehs and seras have a door to the outside of the market. The material used for this huge and beautiful bazaar are mortar mixed with plaster, lime, and clay. Wooden beams have also strengthened the structure.
Some of the different sections of this bazaar are as follows: new baths, the crossroad and Firooz; timchehs belonging to the Hajavehs, Nowzar, Booksellers, Hajibashi, Kashani, Kermanshahis, Mesgarha, Golshan, Naqshineh, and Akbarian. Recently, an anthropological museum has been added to the market.
Arak market has two stories. The upper story is meant for travelers and merchants to spend the night. Thus, Arak market also functions as a carvansarai. The shops and timchehs are 30 in number and each have a warehouse and a place to load/unload goods.
From the physical point of view, this bazaar was built to divide the city into four sections. From an economic point of view, it has given the city a manufacturing/commercial nature. The north-south axis of the bazaar, which we mentioned before, is 850 meters, and the west-east axis is 600 meters. The width of the axes is five meters, although now parts of its western-eastern axis have been destroyed. The inner ways of the market are also straight and geometric. The construction of this one-kilometer historical market can be considered a mixture of new and traditional Iranian architectural styles in the historical century when the city of Sultanabad (Arak) was built.
Today, in most parts of the Arak market, new jobs have replaced the old ones. For example, in the past, as we mentioned, the most essential product offered in the Arak market was carpet. Now, many carpet shops have become blanket shops and plastic shops! However, there are still businesses related to carpet weaving in the Arak market, such as dyers, Khameh sellers (Khameh is the main ingredient in old woven carpets), carpet designers, and porters in charge of moving carpets.
Unfortunately, in these years, the historical market of Arak has suffered much damage, and the condition of some of its buildings is deplorable. Those damages are more visible in booksellers’ houses and Hajbashi (ISNA news agency report – 28 Shahrivar 1401). The photos that have been published show the collapsing of Arak market, and the urgent need to revive it, which should be seriously considered. Although the Cultural Heritage Department of the Central Provinces has prepared a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of the market, it seems that it has not yet reached the “final approval.”
