Sanandaj Bazaar (Shops, Photos, Opening Hours)

In the heart of the Middle East lies one of the most historical countries in the world, embracing countless traditional bazaars with eccentric Persian architecture. Iran is popular for its diverse landscapes and tourist archeological sites, and in some of these historical locations, you can still come across men and women making a living in these conventional bazaars. The Grand Bazaar of Sanandaj is located in Kurdistan Province in Iran. This bazaar has long been used for trade and welcomes countless visitors annually. You will find the most authentic Iran souvenirs right in the Grand Bazaar of Sanandaj.

About The Grand Bazaar of Sanandaj

This eccentric grand bazaar in the city of Sanandaj is one of the tourist attraction sites of the city. Every year, people from around the country and the world travel to Sanandaj to take a chance to see its magnificent landscape and mountainous forests, accommodate in traditional rental Kurdish homes, participate in the local festivals and Kurdish dance, visit the grand bazaar of Sanandaj, etc.

Why should you visit the Grand Bazaar in Sanandaj?

Amongst the many bazaars of Iran, the Bazaar of Sanandaj is another unique and historic bazaar built with walls and ceilings made of materials from hundreds of years ago. This market has been a thriving spot for numerous merchants and businessmen for years.

The Sanandaj bazaar photos will show you the vibrancy and life felt in the halls of the bazaar. Every shop holds thousands of colorful goods, from fruits, sweets, and spices to local fabrics, carpets, porcelain dishes, and copper utensils. In 1996, the Grand Bazaar of Sanandaj was registered as a national monument in Iran’s national heritage list.

Sanandaj Bazaar History

According to the experts, the establishment of the Bazaar of Sanandaj dates back to the period of Shah Safi of Persia from the Safavid dynasty and during the rule of Soleyman Khan Ardalan, the governor of Kurdistan province in 1637-1657, who also founded the city of Sanandaj.

Sanandaj was a small village in the first half of the 11th century during the Safavid rule over Iran. In the same years, Soleyman Khan Ardalan was appointed to Kurdistan by the Safavid government. He ordered the expansion of the village of Sanandaj (which the Kurds call Seneh) and altered it to a larger city.

Grand Bazaar of Sanandaj

This change was done in May 1667 during the reign of Shah Safi Safavi. At the same time, with the expansion of Sanandaj, Ardalan Khan also built the bazaar and enriched it with goods that were brought from Kurdistan or surrounding cities and even outside the border.

Therefore, the Sanandaj Bazaar, unlike other historical bazaars of Iran, was built all at once and did not expand gradually. The government fortress was one of the other structures that was built during the rule of Ardalan Khan and was rebuilt during the period of his successor, Amanullah Khan, and the market also became more prosperous.

Many of the historical monuments of the city of Sanandaj are the remains of the Ardalan government, which are now known as historical attractions of Kurdistan. Some of the shops in this bazaar still operate just as they were 100-plus years ago since the owners have preserved the old structures and avoided modernization.

Sanandaj Bazaar Architecture

The Sanandaj Bazaar, being one of the oldest bazaars in the city, you can see traces of Persian architecture. The Sanandaj Traditional Bazaar is covered in arched ceilings and domes made of red bricks. The materials used, as well as the method of construction, clearly show us the age of the bazaar. Inside the market, the shops are called “Hojreh,” and the interior structures range from modern to very old since some of them have been renovated.

The bazaar is made of materials, such as stone, clay, and brick. When you step inside the bazaar of Sanandaj, like the traditional bazaar of Isfahan, it looks like a large rectangle from above. It does not have a linear tunnel like most bazaars; it is as if you are walking around a large rectangle containing several gates.

Initially, the bazaar had four gates, but today only three gates remain. The design of the bazaar is rectangular, with arches as roofs shielding the top section of the shops.

Numerous domes can be seen on the roof of the bazaar. In total, it includes 30 passageways and 280 historical Hojreh, or shops. Over the years, about 400 shops have been built in the side parts of the traditional bazaar.

Sanandaj Bazaar Photos

During the Pahlavi dynasty, with the construction of Enghelab Street in this area, the market was divided into two sections called Asif and Sanandaji, which occupied the south and north. Moreover, several large structures of the Bazaar of Sanandaj were destroyed during the construction of Enghelab Street, but the rest of the bazaar remains intact and solid, and this section is known as the favorite center for tourists.

Best Time to Visit Sanandaj Traditional Bazaar

Kurdistan province has pleasant weather conditions throughout the year and is a distinguished location in terms of natural and touristic attractions. The lush nature of the province is as though you are visiting an art gallery with paintings of all four seasons.

The warm colors of autumn, the white-painted landscape of winter, the vibrant flowers blooming in spring, and the gentle heat of the sun in summer, will truly awaken your spirit during your stay. It is one of the few cities in Iran that can be visited in any season.

Because the city of Sanandaj is located in the Zagros mountains, it has a favorable climate. Sanandaj Bazaar is a unique attraction of the city.

In addition to shopping centers and shops, the bazaar itself has a special traditional atmosphere. Since the bazaar has a covered roof, all seasons are suitable to visit it. However, for a more pleasant time to visit the bazaar, spring and summer are said to be the best.

Visiting Hours of Sanandaj Bazaar

You can visit the Sanandaj traditional Bazaar every day except Fridays from 8 am to 7 pm. Keep in mind that some shops are closed from noon to 4 pm. No entrance fees are required for shopping in the bazaar.

Sanandaj Traditional Bazaar in Kurdistan

Sanandaj Bazaar Address

To access this market, which is located in the center of the city and on the eastern side of Enghelab Square, that is, on both sides of Enghelab Street (Baharmast). You can easily go to Ferdowsi Street from any part of the city by bus or taxi.

Bazaar Location

You will find the large entrance and market entrances on Ferdowsi Street. Note that the closest bus station to the market is Nasser Khosrow station.

Final Word

Sanandaj is famous for its many historical and natural attractions in Iran. The Grand Bazaar of Sanandaj is a place where you can encounter new tastes and aromas with glowing colors of local spices and other goods. Built and established by the governor of Kurdistan, the bazaar is still active and is an important place for businesses and transactions.

This opulent bazaar represents the cultural symbols and identity of the people of Kurdistan, and like other traditional bazaars of Iran, it is regarded as a hub for economic and cultural works.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours. Read about the top things to do in Kurdistan.