Ansarian Publications Qum Haj Reza Sohany & Sons Tehran | Tajrish Bazaar Tehran Moses Baba Antiques | Bazaar-e-Reza Mashhad
Famous Stores & Bazaars in Iran
Mariam Noronha
The bazaars of Iran are truly a shopper’s delight. Good deals, quality products and friendly salesmen are just some aspects that make shopping in Iran a pleasurable activity. While bazaars are a distinctive feature of all villages, towns and cities in Iran, here are some landmark stores to help you buy just what you need when you visit Iran.
Islamic Literature at Ansariyan Publications, Qum
An institution in itself, Ansariyan Publications in Qum is a treasure trove of Islamic literature. Be it books about the lives of spiritual leaders and clergymen, writings of the Imams (particularly of the Shia Asna Asheri Muslims (the Twelvers) or prayer books, you are sure to find them at the bookstore run by Ansariyan Publications. Visited by Islamic research scholars, students of religion and theology and people from all walks of life, the store is a “one stop shop” for all those in search of books on Islam.
Sohaan at Haj Reza Sohany and Sons, Tehran
“Sohaan,” an Iranian sweet made with wheat flour, egg, sugar and vegetable fat, is very popular and easy to buy across the country. From plain to enriched with almonds and pistachios, they are available in numerous shapes, sizes and gift packs. If you are in Tehran do stop and take a pick of the sohaan from Haj Reza Sohany & Sons, Tehran Shariati Ave, Opposite Despatch Center Building. Plain on the surface, a bite into the small diamond-shaped pieces results in an explosion of pistachio nuts.
Tajrish Bazaar, Tehran
Walk down from Tajrish Square and take the road heading towards the Emamzadeh Saleh Mosque to make your way to Tajrish where a number of small shops sell a variety of nuts, dry fruits and saffron at a price that can only be described as very reasonable.
Antiques and Curios at Moses Baba’s Shop, Tehran
At the corner of Manachouri and Ferdosi Streets, opposite the entrance to the British Embassy stands Moses Baba’s shop, where you will find coins, enamels, pottery and porcelain, elegant lacquer work and jewelry. Aided by some cheerful banter by the owner of the store, it is really difficult not to take a pick from the variety on offer.
Termeh at the Termeh House, Tehran
Termeh House” in Tehran stocks the best “Termeh” fabric in the country. Available in rich colors, interspersed with golden thread, this traditional Iranian woven fabric can be used to make great upholstery, bead spreads and bags. A “must buy” on your visit to Iran.
Bazaar-e-Reza and Other Shopping Centers in Mashhad
Bazaar-e-Reza located near the shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Mashhad has many stores selling all kinds of goods while Sara-ye-Bazaar-e-Reza is a textile and fabric market. Places like the Shargh-Zit Trade Centre, Kuwaiti Bazaar, Proma Trade Centre, Almas-e-Shargh, Zist Khavar and Bazaar-e-bozorgh-e-markazy are other shopping areas that offer both variety and value for money.
Dry fruits, an assortment of salted nuts, saffron, Iranian sweets like Gez and Sohaan, precious stones like agates, turquoise, intricately designed silver jewelry studded with rubies and emeralds, eighteen-carat gold jewelry, perfumes, religious souvenirs, trench coats, scarves, termeh, carpets and rugs are just a few of the delights on offer at the city’s shopping areas.
Tea at Hazardestan Traditional Teahouse, Mashhad
Black tea sweetened with sugar cubes is a popular drink and those in search of an authentic hot cup of tea must visit Hezardestan Traditional Teahouse, one of Iran’s most famous tea houses. Furnished with Iranian antiques and rugs with live music playing in the background, the ambience at the teahouse makes it the best place to savor the sights and sounds of life in the city.
Be it sipping a cup of authentic Iranian tea or satiating your cravings for sweets and savories or simply picking the perfect souvenir these stores and bazaars are just the place you should head for on a visit to Iran.
Books on Iran