One of Iran’s most untouched historical markets is the Qeysarieh of Isfahan. This market has survived more or less as it was built in previous centuries. From this point of view, the architecture of Isfahan Bazaar is worthy of many values. It has always been a place for research and surveys of city planners. It is enough to know that shops in this market have been built for four centuries and still keep their longevity and sell the same goods sold in the distant past.
Qeysarieh market of Isfahan has a prominent feature. This market is designed and built to connect two squares and two historical mosques on both sides of the city. Qeysarieh is sometimes called the Sultan Bazaar, and sometimes it is also called the Nizam al-Mulki Bazaar because of its proximity to Nizam al-Mulk Dome. The design of the bazaar was laid during the reign of Shah Abbas I Safavid. The splendor and abundance of trade in goods have been mentioned in the surviving travelogues of the world travelers and political agents of the European governments who were on their way to the Safavid court. During the Safavid period, Qeysarieh of Isfahan was known as the largest market in Iran and was especially famous for the abundance of valuable and expensive goods.
In 1029 AD, nine years before the death of Shah Abbas I, this bazaar was built in Isfahan, the Safavid capital, north of Naqsh-e Jahan Square. In Iran, markets with beautiful entrance arches, and artistic and aesthetic arrays and nuances used in their architecture were called Qeysarieh. The entrance arch of the Isfahan bazaar had these particulars, so it was called Qeysarieh. The mosaic tiles and paintings of Ostad Reza Abbasi, the master artist of the Safavid era, decorated that entrance in such a way that it dazzled the eyes of every viewer. The former glory of Isfahan’s Qeysarieh is still in place, and you can see what art was used in its construction and beautification. Travelogues from the Safavid period, in which the beauty and splendor of the Isfahan Bazaar, have not been described, are rare.
Structures connected to the Isfahan market
During Shah Abbas reign, when Qeysarieh was built, other structures were added, creating a rare complex in the capital; structures like Sadr School, the famous Nimavard School, Jarchibashi Mosque, and several caravanserais. In the Qajar period, other structures, Such as Golshan and Timcheh Malik Caravanserai, were added to this collection. The historic baths of the marketplace were also built in the Safavid and Qajar periods.
Qeysarieh market is built of two stories. The goods were traded in the shops on the lower floor, and the second floor was for commercial offices. Shops built close to each other, sold all kinds of goods to customers. Qeysarieh also leads to several small bazars (bazaarcheh), such as Araban bazaar, Harounieh, Samavar makers, and Maqsoodbeyk. The bazaar’s ceiling is covered, the different sections (timcheh) have names, such as Ardestani Sara, Khansari Sara, Khani House, Agha House, Padrakht House, Mirasmail House, Talar House, Jarchi House and etc. When we put together these sara’s (timcheh) with the carvansarais in the bazaar, we will get a better idea of what a huge collection of art we are facing.
Let us add that “sara” is called “timcheh” in the common people’s language. Timcheh is a small caravanserai that is covered to protect it from the wind and rain. Timcheh is a place to sell expensive goods, such as carpets. Therefore, timcheh (or sara) had a higher value than other parts of the market, and no product sold in it that had a low price.
Isfahan bazaar is a linear type market. Linear markets were built along the crossings. The structure of the linear market is such that with the city’s expansion, its spaces are added or reduced. On the other hand, as we mentioned, Isfahan Bazaar is a linear link between Naqsh-e Jahan Square and Old Square. In this market, not only goods were traded, but like the big markets of other cities, it was also a place for social, cultural, and religious ties between people. The extended arches of Qeysarieh Bazaar are made of local materials that are compatible with the climatic conditions of Isfahan. The light and shad created by these arches provide a pleasant view for market goers, and the shad that the structure creates reduces the head in the air. In addition, several vents give sufficient light to the market.
The main parts of Qeysarieh market can be recognized as follows: Rastebazar, which is the main corridor of the market and a busy place; Chaharsouk, which is the meeting place of two lines of the market; Corridors that are covered; Shops, which are the smallest unit of the market; workshops, most of which are located in the upper part of Qeysarieh; timcheh’s, warehouses that are located next to the timchehs, are meant to store goods, as well as public facilities such as schools, mosques, baths and coffee shops.
The Safavid architects have skillfully interwoven the economic and cultural spaces of the bazaar, to give it a diverse atmosphere. The commuting network inside the market is built in a way that makes commuting easy; this is another of the important features of the design and architecture of Qeysarieh market. The Isfahan market can be seen as an example of proportionality and balance between required spaces and variety of use. All these parts give the market visitors a rare aesthetic sense and create a relaxing atmosphere. The historic identity of the bazaar also strengthens the feeling of belonging and attachment among the people (which is very important in Iranian architecture). Walking in such a pleasant atmosphere is truly a memorable experience. This arises from the art of Iranian architecture and the rare ability of architects, the master of the Safavid and Qajar periods.
