Asia

[Visited: April 2001, May 2001]

The bazaar of Esfahan is extensive and almost completely covered. Hidden inside the small alleys and backstreets of the city, this is the place where everyone comes to do shopping of any kind. Persian carpets, spices, brass, clothes, food, or virtually anything else is on sale here. Despite all the people walking around, the bazaar is quiet and does not have the intimidating noise of some other markets.
Since it can get very hot outside, the market is equipped with an age-old, intelligent air conditioning system. It consists of holes in the ceiling, which all together force air to travel through the narrow streets below. Therefore, the atmosphere never becomes oppressive. When you climb on the roof of the bazaar, you can see the cupolas of the roof, simple yet elegant.
There are many places where you can escape the market life if you want. Small squares with fountains, caravan sarais where traders met centuries ago, places where camels grinded grains only years ago and which have been replaced by machines, heavy wooden doors breathing history, old bath houses badly in need of repair. And then, suddenly, you come out of one small alley and the Emam Khomeini Square opens up in front of your eyes.

Around the World in 80 Clicks

Personal travel impressions both in words and images from Esfahan Bazaar (Iran). Clicking on the pictures enlarges them and enables you to send the picture as a free e-card or download it for personal use, for instance, on your weblog. Or click on the map above to visit more places close to Esfahan Bazaar.
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