If you are into shopping, and like to explore traditional markets, come to Shiraz Vakil Bazaar with us. A bazaar that is not only a place for buying and sellingو but also one of the sights of Shiraz and is mentioned as one of the main attractions of Shiraz. In this article of Chiyakotravel, we will talk about shopping atmosphere in Shiraz Vakil Bazaar, take a look at its architecture and have an overview of its history. Join us on today’s trip and come with us to the city of orange blossoms to get to know its beautiful and attractive market. Of course, Vakil Bazaar is just one of the dozens of attractions that you can visit in the city of orange blossoms.

Why Shiraz Vakil Bazaar?

It is one of the important sights of Shiraz.
The special atmosphere of this bazaar creates a different tour for you.
Shiraz Vakil Bazaar is one of the most famous traditional bazaars in Iran.

Familiarity with Shiraz Vakil Bazaar

Old markets are one of the places where you can achieve two to three goals simultaneously; In these places, you have the opportunity to buy and compare prices, see the historical sights, and find a pure opportunity to talk to people. Everything is available in the bazaar to create an attractive experience for yourself. Shiraz Vakil Bazaar is no exception to this rule; A market that is a relic of Karim Khan Zand and its historical value is not hidden from anyone. Where its name has been in the list of national monuments of Iran since July 8, 1351 with the number 924 and attracts many tourists.

Some believe that Karim Khan saw the old bazaar of Lar city which is a heritage from the time of Shah Abbas the Great, then he thought of building this bazaar and built a place for all business activities, buying and selling domestic and foreign goods and exchanges. Exchanging, issuing or receiving remittances and exchanges were all done there. In fact, Karim Khan Zand built the economic heart of Shiraz and created a different environment for trade. There was even an organization in this market to which people would deposit their goods and take them back when necessary.

Not bad to know that this market is part of the Vakil complex. The complex includes a bazaar, a mosque, a bath and a water storage each of which is an interesting attraction for the city.

Saraye Moshir | A Market Next to Vakil Bazaar

At the southern end of Vakil Bazaar, and in the eastern part, we reach a place known as Saraye Moshir or Golshan. Most of the time, this is considered a part of Vakil bazaar; But it is actually a separate market. Saraye Moshir was built by Mirza Abolhassan Khan Moshir Al-Molk – one of the ministers of Persia – during Qajar period, and its name has been in the list of national monuments of Iran since October 19, 1965.

The building of Saraye Moshir has two floors, and its wooden doors are made of teak and inlaid. In the middle of the courtyard of this house (Saraa), we reach a large octagonal pond with orange trees, flowers and plants around. The octagonal building and the beautiful entrance of this market are among its beauties. The tiling of the entrance is very spectacular, and in the lower part of it, an inscription in the form of tiling with a beautiful Nasta’liq line contains explanations about the builder of the building.

Two marble stones can be seen below this inscription. The inscriptions on which show the purpose of building the palace, and the end of its construction was in 1282 AH. Beautiful tiles with plant, flower and leaf designs have decorated the sides of this inscription.

In this market, a person with local clothes is present and shows a corner of the culture of this land to you. He is always the subject of different photos of visitors.

Shopping in the Vakil bazaar

Vakil Bazaar, like all old and traditional bazaars, has a dynamic and lively environment. Vakil Bazaar offers a combination of traditional and modern bazaars with a variety of goods. In any corner of this market, you can find quality goods and have a memorable purchase; But it is not bad to follow these tips.

If You are Going to Buy Food

It is a little hard to say no to Persian delicacies; So do not waste a lot of time arguing with yourself and calculating the delicious calories of this land. Take a dip in the sea and go to the area of Chahar Souk and put cookies, traditional Shirazi Muscati and Lari Muscat Halva in your shopping basket. Do not forget Nan-e berenji of Fasa, which is known as Fasaei bread, and plan to buy Shirazi “Yokheh bread” in your plan.

If You Like Handicrafts

Handicrafts have a different world in Vakil bazaar, they are result of the artistic effort of Iran nomads, and they enchant you with their design and colors. Gabbeh or the famous handmade carpet of nomads can be found in the best quality in Chahar Souk Bazaar. Nomadic kilims with patterns and motifs from nature are also among these handicrafts.

Buy Fabrics, The Main Plan in Vakil Bazaar

The colorful fabrics of Persian nomads are so attractive that you can not take your eyes off them. If you are interested in the world of fabrics, go from Chahar Souk to Saraye Moshir and enter Shamshirgarha Market. Choose the fabric and leave it to skilled tailors. A beautiful nomadic dress is something you can put in your wardrobe and occasionally enjoy appearing in different gatherings with it.

Do Not Forget Shiraz Hand Made Art

Shiraz inlays are very famous, and you can find all kinds of them in Vakil bazaar. Shirazi engraving is also one of the things that you should not miss.

Herbs and Mountain Plants Can Also be Found Here

Do not forget that you have come to the market in the city of orange blossoms, so do not forget the petals of orange blossoms. Shiraz orange slices and Shiraz mountain mint are also very popular in this market. Golnar of Fars which is recommended for pimples can be prepared here. Do not forget the famous herbal distillate of Shiraz.

Other Goods You Will Find in This Market

In Vakil bazaar of Shiraz, all kinds of leather, traditional jewelry, all kinds of copper and silver utensils, spices, antiques, Shirazi local clothes and traditional hats are also offered.

Vakil Bazaar History

One of the periods that Shiraz saw many changes dates back to the Zandieh period. When Karim Khan Zand chose this city as his capital, he set out to develop Shiraz and gave it many buildings and services in two decades. Establishing stability in the city and increasing security by building fences, castles, inns, etc. were only part of his actions. Today, there are many buildings left from that time in Shiraz. Vakil bazaar can be considered as the most important lasting heritage of his works in the city. The construction of this large complex is attributed to about 1137 S.H and it is said that its completion lasted until 1156 S.H. Some state that before the construction of Vakil Bazaar, there was a bazaar in this place since Safavid dynasty and Karim Khan only developed that building.

Vakil Bazaar | The Economic Heart of The City

After construction was completed, Vakil bazaar became the beating heart of the city’s economy, and merchants began to work in it. The bazaar at that time was located on a route that started from Allah Akbar Strait in the northernmost point of Shiraz and reached the gate of Isfahan. One of the historical signs of Vakil bazaar is the commercial documents that have been discovered in this bazaar. These documents are more than a century old and contain a list of prices, purchases and sales, and items related to the market and trade.

A Description of The Past of Shiraz Bazaar

Forsat al-Dawla Shirazi, the poet, says the following about Vakil bazaar:

Vakil Bazaar is one of the bazaars of late Karim Khan. Near Vakil Mosque, there are four bazaars made of brick and plaster. Their foundation are huge stones and in the middle of bazaar there is Chahar Souk with a long ceiling and pleasant design. Few markets in Iran are seen in this way. A large bazaar until it reaches the mentioned Chahar Souk is forty-one arches . There is also a crystal seller, a tailor, and so on. The other bazaar has forty-six arches. It is called the hat-making bazaar of hat-makers and other guilds, along with many money changers. The other bazaar has ten arches in which all the Sarajs and shards are embroidered.

Vakil Bazaar Architecture

Vakil Bazaar is a large complex with an area of 21,840 square meters. Vakil Bazaar has three separate spaces in terms of architecture:

Passages for passing customers
The area of the shop is about 2 steps above the ground level
Shop space as a point of sale

The platforms in front of the cells of Vakil Bazaar are one of the distinguishing factors of this market which used to have decorations on their walls; But today only prominent platforms are seen. These platforms are the counters that maintain the distance between the buyer and the seller in today’s shops.