Rasht Grand Bazaar: Are you a fan of bazaars? If you’ve had the chance to explore the traditional markets of Isfahan, Shiraz, Kerman, or Tabriz, you’ve probably been amazed by their beautiful ceilings, domes, and lightwells. Each one is truly unique, offering something special every time you visit. But today, let’s talk about something a little different – the Rasht Grand Bazaar. Unlike the others, Rasht’s market is wide open, covering 24 hectares, making it the largest roofless bazaar in Iran. A completely new and exciting experience awaits you here!

Let’s Explore Rasht Grand Bazaar:

The Rasht Grand Bazaar is truly enchanting! From the moment you step in, the lively sounds pull you in, inviting you to explore. You’ll find yourself surrounded by a vibrant mix of colors, flavors, and sounds. As you walk through the market, you’ll hear the sweet melodies of different dialects, including Gilaki, Farsi, and even Turkish. Some sellers even sing folk songs to attract customers, and you won’t want to miss that! Before you know it, you’ll be wandering through the maze of connected streets and alleys, discovering all sorts of shops and flea markets. There’s something for everyone here, from delicious foods and fresh vegetables to clothing, kitchen items, and traditional handicrafts.

At Rasht Bazaar, every corner bursts with color! You can enjoy the fresh, delightful scents of fruits and vegetables, along with the sharp aroma of freshly caught fish. The vegetables come straight from nearby farms, and the fish are freshly caught from the Caspian Sea. Among the produce, you’ll find some unique aromatic herbs that are special to this area, and locals use them in many tasty Northern dishes—I definitely recommend trying them at least once! You might also spot some unusual fish called “Salty Fish,” which is actually salted fish. This method helps preserve the fish for longer periods.

Salting is a traditional way to preserve meat and fish, a technique we’ve carried on since the days before refrigerators. In Gilan, salted fish is often served with “Ghormeh Sabzi,” and it’s a beloved combination that many people rave about!

Tasty Treats at Rasht Grand Bazaar

As you wrap up your shopping for souvenirs and goodies to take home, you might start to feel a bit hungry. That’s when you’ll notice the other amazing attractions of Rasht Grand Bazaar—the delicious food! While the restaurants and cafes might not have the fanciest decor, they serve dishes that you won’t forget. You can trust that the ingredients are fresh, as they come from the best local suppliers. Don’t miss out on the fantastic street food! Be sure to try Fuman traditional cookies, Reshteh Khoshkar, Baghali, and small sandwiches filled with fresh cheese, veggies, cucumbers, garlic, and tomatoes. They’re all super tasty!

Best Times to Visit Rasht Bazaar

You can visit Rasht Bazaar any day of the week, from morning until late evening. One of the fun things about the bazaar is that on certain days, local farmers come to join the shoppers and vendors. They bring their home-grown products like nuts, vegetables, and fruits, along with delicious homemade treats like traditional bread and cookies.

Why Rasht Bazaar Is Roofless?

You might be wondering, “Why is it roofless?” Well, Rasht is a rainy city. In Gilan, it tends to rain a lot or stay cloudy. The idea behind the roofless design is to soak up as much sunlight as possible, helping everyone get enough vitamin D. Plus, there’s something truly beautiful about the bazaar when it rains!

A Brief History of Rasht Bazaar

The history of Rasht Bazaar dates back to the Safavid Dynasty (1501 – 1736). This sprawling 24-hectare market features two squares, a large one and a smaller one, along with streets and 14 caravanserais, such as Mohtasham, Chinichian, and Malek. These caravanserais were built during the Qajar (1785 – 1925) and Pahlavi (1925 – 1979) dynasties. While some of them are still used as shops today, many have been abandoned for quite some time. Although we don’t know exactly who first established the bazaar, it has survived a few significant fires throughout its history. The first major fire occurred when Karim Khan, the founder of the Zand dynasty (1705-1799), and his army looted the bazaar and set it ablaze. The second fire was caused by Agha Mohammad Khan, the founder of the Qajar dynasty, and his troops.

Location of the Rasht Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is situated right next to Shahrdari Square, another popular tourist spot in Rasht. People come to the bazaar every day for its variety, quality, and fresh products. Because of this vibrant atmosphere, it’s a fantastic location for photography, whether it’s a sunny day or a rainy one. There’s something special about strolling through the bazaar and witnessing its lively spirit, even in the rain!