The Bazaar-e-Bozorg (Grand Bazaar) of Kerman lies between the Arq and Moshtaqiyeh squares of Kerman city. The bazaar comprises of various rows or alleys such as Arg, Ganj Ali Khan, Ekhtiyari, Sardari, Vakil, Attari, Qadam Gah and Mozaffari rows. Any part of this bazaar had been constructed during the rules of one of the commander or rulers in this territory. Some of the charachteristics of the above rows in bazaar are as follows:
Arg Row: This row begins at the Arg Sq. and ends at the crossing of Ganj Ali Khan. This row is divided into two, known as Naqareh Khaneh and Saraji, a part of the latter is roof-less. In the past this portion thrived but is not so today due to substitution of horse, etc., by vehicles.
Ganj Ali Khan Row: This row is a remnant of the Safavid era and is located to the north of the Ganj Ali Sq. The historical Ganj Ali bath is also in this vicinity, apart from the shops.
The vast and old bazaar of Kerman in the old downtown and with beautiful appearance has remained from old times and its architectural properties astound observers.
The Vakil aggregate row is located at the end of the Ekhtiyari row and was constructed by Mohammad Esmail Khan Vakil-ol Molk and his son. This row comprises of a caravansary, alley, public bath and a mosque. This is a replica of a traditional bazaar alley or row, each guild having an appointed location.
Qadam Gah Row (Raji Kermani): The said is a part of the Kerman bazaar and the shops to the right side of it are a recent construction, many are boutiques. Whereas the shops on the left are from the past. There are 121 shops in this row.
Qalleh Row (Mahmood): This row is located in the southern most part of the bazaar of Kerman, and is approximately 500 m. in length. In past this row held an importance, though even today the iron mongers are busy with their trade here.
Maidan Qal'eh Row: This row begins in the Imam Khomeini Avenue and ends at the crossing of Ganj Ali Khan. The same has a length of 600 m. and comprises of shops to do with quilt making, carpets, groceries etc.
Attari Row: This row begins at the entrance of the Vakil row and terminates opposite the entrannce of the Jame' Mosque, situated in the Qadam Gah Alley. This row has about 19 shops.
Mesgari Row: The same is in the Ganj Ali aggregate and comprises of a west and northern rows. The former covers an area of 236.5 sq. m. and the latter 588 sq. m.
Kollah Mali Row: The same lies between the Mesgari (copper - smiths) and the Kafashan (shoe-makers) rows and has 13 shops. This row is not of much importance.
Zargari Row (Qeisariyeh Ebrahim Khan): This alley is part of the Ebrahim Khan aggregate and has 47 shops. Over 90% of the same are gold- smiths. This alley is secured with wooden doors for added protection.
Kafashan Row: This row begins at the end of the Kollah Mali row and teminates in the beginning of the Haj Aqa Ali row. This covered alley has over 160 shops and chambers and 95% of these are shoe makers.
Haj Aqa Ali (Rafsanjan): This alley begins at the end of the Kafashan alley and continues till Shariyati Avenue opposite the Aziz Bazaar. Besides its chambers and caravansary it has 86 shops.
Aziz Row: The same is in the northern most portion of the bazaar and comprises of 70 shops. This row continues till the Gabri Gate-way. There is a Khaneqah or a type of monastery here by the name of Nematollahi.
Hadj Aqa Abdollah (Attarha) Row: The same is located to the left of the bazaar and comprises of ware houses and work shops, and is in two sections. Its chambers amount to 27 in all, and dates back to 1,500 years.
Koozehgarha Row: This row is in two floors and is utilized as a warehouse for carpet weaving materials such as wool and cotton. Its entrance has a wooden door which is of interesting design.
Chahar Sooq Ganj Ali Khan-Kerman: In the past this vicinity held great importance in respect to the bazaar, and was considered an axis of the same. At the same time it was a vital area of the city too, and constituted as one of the main cross-road of the city. The internal section of the dome is adorned with plaster work and beautiful paintings from the Safavid era (1005-1034 AH.). Besides displaying portraits of important personalities of the times. Around the dome are sky-lights to regulate the lighting within.
Maidan Arg Row (Towhid): This row lies in the west of the bazaar of Kerman, and has approximately 140 shops. The majority of which deal in apparel. Its surrounding facade dates to over a century. Other rows of the bazaar of Kerman are named as the Ekhtiyari, Sardar and Mozaffari rows.
Fullscreen Map
Loading... Please wait
Please wait