The Bazaar of Tabriz is a historic trading site in Iran and is considered one of the oldest markets still in use and in addition to being the largest covered bazaar in the world. Although no one knows who made the space, the structure dates back to the Silk Road and has been documented throughout history by explorers and scholars alike. Located at the heart of the city of Tabriz, the bazaar is built like a labyrinth with a very irregular footprint, completely shaped by the organic growth of society throughout centuries of trade. However, the structure has a very formulaic interior, with each of its very long vaulted corridors that intersect or extend in different directions to more open spaces. These larger, typically domed chambers function as market squares that specialize in a particular good, like jewelry or textiles. The Tabriz only extends about two levels in height, and the majority of the bazaar is only on a single story. It has numerous entries that connect to the surrounding streets around the structure. This allows a very controlled flow through narrow alleys that widen back onto the street or into the vaulted rooms with merchants. The bazaar is primarily built of interlocking bricks which are locally sourced to make the walls, arches, barrel vaults, and the rib details across the structure. The more decorative aspects of the space utilize glazed tiles, painted plaster, and more patterned bricks to create the earthy and inviting atmosphere that unifies the sprawling complex. The Bazaar of Tabriz is both a functional and symbolic structure of Iranian trade and cultural traditions. More than just a commercial hub, it also houses caravanserais, places of worship, and schools for learning, blending the social commerce space with religion, boarding, and education.
Image 1: 2880px-Bazaar_of_Tabriz,_carvaansray
Image 2:Gan-Dallazan_Bazar,_Tabriz,_Iran