Vakil Bazaar

🕰️When was it built?

The bazaar was built in the Zand era, and its architecture was modelled on the Qeysariyeh Bazaar of Lar. In later periods, when Zand Street was widened, part of the bazaar changed and a number of shops were lost. The complex was added to the National Heritage List on 8 July 1972 as number 924.

🏛️What was it built for?

The bazaar was the place to buy and sell goods, for merchants to trade and to keep goods held in trust. Its rows were known by the names of the trades, such as the cloth sellers, the hat makers, the quiver makers and the swordsmiths. The caravanserais beside the bazaar also had entrances from inside the rows.

👀What you will see

• The chaharsu is built over an octagonal vestibule, and under its tall vault are square shops on two levels.
• In front of the shops are platforms of large stones, some carved with a raised toranj, or medallion.
• The walls and vaults are of brick and plaster, and the bazaar's footings are of dressed stone blocks.
• Two walkways, north–south and east–west, cross each other and form the main route through the bazaar.
• Above the shops are latticed openings for light and air; under the chaharsu vault you can see brick medallions.

🎒Good to know before you go

• There is a change in level between the walkway and the shops; mind the step and the edge of the platform as you go up to them.