Qeysariyeh Gate, Monumental gate at Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan, Iran
Qeysariyeh Gate is a three-story structure of brick and decorative tilework that marks the northern entrance to Isfahan Grand Bazaar. The building has multiple levels with areas for different functions, from timekeeping facilities to spaces where merchants conducted their business.
The gate was built in 1620 during the Safavid period as a central hub for commerce and timekeeping in Isfahan. Its construction was part of a broader development that transformed the Naqsh-e Jahan Square into a major commercial center.
The gate served as a gathering point where people met before entering the bazaar and where traditional music filled the air at set times. This created a rhythm to daily life that connected commerce with community and timekeeping.
You can enter through multiple doorways that lead directly into the bazaar streets, with access available throughout the day. It is best to visit in the early morning when fewer crowds allow you to see the brick and tile details clearly.
On the second floor stood the Naqareh Khaneh, a music pavilion where musicians played traditional instruments at set times. The music served both to announce the hours of the day and to draw people to the gate.
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