Arak Bazaar

Welcome to the Bazaar of Arak, one of the oldest and most historic buildings in the city of Arak. This bazaar complex was built during the reign of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar by Yusef Khan-e Gorji, in the middle of Sultan Abad. The bazaar is located at Chahr soogh, which is the intersection of two north-south and east-west paths that lead to four ancient city gates. The bazaar complex contains a public bath, a mosque, water reservoirs, passages, and caravansary. It is said that the bazaar was built at the same time as the city of Sultan Abad, which took about twenty years to complete. The first buildings in the Arak bazaar were constructed in the 19th century by the order of the then-governor of Arak, Sepahdar Aazm. His name remains on a mosque and a school in the area. One of the reasons for establishing this bazaar was the strong economy around Sultan Abad. The high quality of agricultural products in Persian Iraq and the world-famous Sarouk Persian carpets brought up the need to establish a central market to present these commodities. This led to the construction of the city and the market. The Arak bazaar collection is based on a pre-designed plan. Unlike other bazaars, the paths here are not free and curved, but rather geometrically symmetrical. The bazaar, with its crossing alleyways, is an example of the chess-like texture of the ancient city of Sultan Abad. As a tourist guide, I recommend taking a stroll through the bazaar to experience the rich history and culture of the region. You can explore the various shops selling traditional handicrafts, spices, and textiles. Don't forget to check out the local food stalls and try some of the delicious Persian cuisine. You can also visit the public bath and mosque within the bazaar complex to learn more about the religious and cultural practices of the area. The water reservoirs and caravansary are also worth a visit to understand the importance of trade and commerce in the region. Overall, the Bazaar of Arak is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and traditional markets. So, come and explore this ancient bazaar and experience the charm of Sultan Abad.

Location: Arak County

Official opening: 1855

Architectural style: Qajar architecture

Length: 880 m

Material: brick, mortar

Sources: Wikimedia, OpenStreetMap