Photo Essay: Tehran Grand Bazaar
by KHASHAYAR ZANDYAVARI
24 Jul 2010 22:212 Comments
Tehran Grand Bazaar, 2008.
It's hot and the bazaar is packed. It's impossible to take a step without rubbing up against someone. As I make my way, gazing at the skylights, I lock eyes with those who won't look away. I'm carrying a camera. As far as they're concerned, I'm here to take photographs of them. Such strange stares.
I have to see all of the bazaar today. Every bit of it. From the carpet stalls to the rice sellers. From the Imam Mosque to the Tomb of Lotf Ali Khan Zand. I rejoice that the bazaar abides, that we can behold such relics from the age of the Safavids. Tehran's Grand Bazaar is the largest of its kind in the world. Sadly, it has fallen into disrepair. Its rare beauty is being allowed to slowly fade away.
*Some of the images have been cropped to fit our slide show format.
Photos and text by Khashayar ZandYavari
Copyright © 2010
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2 Comments
Thanks for the pics.I am missing Iran so much. I miss Tehran. I miss walking in Bazaar district, with all those polloution and noisy crowds.
Going to Bazaar was always fun. But once, I went there with my sister and mom, I was 14-15, and I was wearing this cute pink-red polo shirt. Walking in Bazaar,I was not feeling safe, I could feel all these dirty looks on myself as a teenage boy. And since then, I realized if I ever want to go to some traditional venue in Iran , I should dress up as if I am going to a Friday's prayer. LOL
Well, I am gay and there no safety for Iranian gays in Iran, especially in venues such as Bazaar. But nice pics, thanks.
Amin / July 25, 2010 9:37 AMyes we can all leave iran behind,but no one can take iran and desire to go back ,away from us.many of us expatriach still have desire to go back into crowded bazar in a hot summer day.
fay moghtader / July 27, 2010 6:55 AM