Revitalize Lar’s Historic Bazaar: Expert Proposes Ambitious Four-Year Restoration Plan
In a bid to preserve and revitalize one of Iran’s most historic markets, a senior regional development planning expert has proposed an innovative four-year restoration plan for the Qeysarieh Bazaar in Lar, southern Iran. This plan emphasizes the importance of private sector participation and collaboration with non-governmental organizations, aiming to restore this “thousand-year-old jewel” to its former glory.
Mohammad-Ali Jamshidi, who serves as a tourism advisor to the Lar City Council, recently shared his insights in a note to the Tehran Times. He highlighted the significance of the Qeysarieh Bazaar, which is recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating markets in West Asia.
According to Jamshidi, the bazaar boasts a rich history, with archaeological and epigraphic evidence tracing its origins back to the 4th to 6th centuries AH (approximately 1000 years ago). While some sources attribute the current structure to the Safavid era (early 17th century), he clarified that this period was primarily characterized by restoration and expansion, with the bazaar’s roots extending far earlier.
Jamshidi elaborated on the bazaar’s strategic positioning along caravan routes that connected central Iran to the Persian Gulf, establishing it as a vital economic hub between the 8th and 12th centuries AH. Its extensive trade network reached ports such as:
- Bandar Abbas
- Siraf
- Bushehr
- Qeshm and Kish Islands
The bazaar’s influence extended to regions across the Gulf, including Oman and the northern UAE.
Despite its historical significance, Jamshidi pointed out several threats jeopardizing the bazaar’s preservation. These include:
- Unprofessional restorations that utilize inappropriate materials like cement and iron beams
- Incompatible modern businesses that disrupt the traditional social fabric
- Inconsistent urban development resulting in visual and structural degradation
- Water damage causing structural cracks and subsidence
Furthermore, he emphasized the lack of essential tourism infrastructure, such as:
- Lighting
- Signage
- Visitor services
- Cultural tours
This absence limits the Qeysarieh Bazaar’s potential as a significant national and international tourist destination.
Drawing parallels with other historic Iranian bazaars in cities like Tabriz, Kerman, Yazd, and Qazvin, Jamshidi asserted that a properly restored Qeysarieh Bazaar could attract between 150,000 and 250,000 visitors annually, both domestic and international. He projected that the economic turnover could reach an impressive 1.5 to 2 trillion rials (approximately $1.6 million to $2.2 million) per year, potentially generating around 500 sustainable jobs in sectors such as:
- Traditional restoration
- Tourism services
- Handicrafts sales
- Accommodation
- Education
Highlighting the bazaar’s uniqueness, Jamshidi noted its approximately 1,000-year history, which makes it older than many other famous bazaars in Iran, and emphasized its status as one of the few remaining living, active traditional bazaars in the country.
To further the restoration and preservation efforts, Jamshidi recommended initiating the process for UNESCO World Heritage registration. He proposed collaboration with architecture universities, the Cultural Heritage Department of Fars province, and relevant local authorities. Additionally, he called for the development of a comprehensive four-year revival plan, with active participation from the private sector and civil society organizations.
In his eloquent words, “The Qeysarieh Bazaar is a living cultural heritage reflecting the history, architecture, trade, and culture of southern Iran. With proper attention, planning, and restoration, it can become not only a major tourist attraction but also a driver of economic development in Lar.”
This ambitious project highlights the need for community involvement and investment in preserving Iran’s rich cultural heritage, ensuring that the Qeysarieh Bazaar continues to thrive for generations to come.
