Tabriz: the bazaar city of the north-west

Tabriz lies in the north-west of Iran, between mountains, on an old trade route between Central Asia, the Caucasus and Anatolia. For centuries it was a city of merchants.

The bazaar

The Tabriz bazaar is its main attraction, a network of domed halls, covered streets, caravanserais and courtyards where traders have sold carpets, jewellery, spices, leather and textiles. The complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010 as an outstanding example of a trading system that has been in use for a long time. It is still a working market, with guilds and specialist sections, and it is a good place to watch daily life.

A city of capitals

Tabriz was a major city under the Mongol Ilkhanids in the 13th and 14th centuries, and it became the first capital of the Safavid dynasty at the start of the 16th century, before the court moved on. Much of the older city was damaged by earthquakes, and what survives is often a mixture of periods.

Other places to see

The Blue Mosque, a 15th-century building famed for its tilework, much of it damaged and later restored. The Arg, a massive brick structure from the 14th century. El Goli, a park with a large pool and a pavilion where residents walk in the evening. A number of small museums cover local history and crafts.

Language and food

Most people in Tabriz speak Azerbaijani, a Turkic language, in daily life, and also Persian. Local cooking includes kofte Tabrizi, large stuffed meatballs in a tomato and herb broth, and many dishes with herbs, dairy and walnuts.

Good to know

The climate is cooler than much of Iran, with cold winters, so spring to autumn is the most comfortable time. Bargaining is normal in the bazaar.

Before you go

Check your own government’s current travel advice for Iran before planning a trip, as it can change quickly and differs between countries.