Mesgarha Bazaar (Coppersmiths' Bazaar)

Mesgarha Bazaar (the Coppersmiths' Bazaar) is one of the old, historic bazaars of Shiraz in Fars Province, and it plays an important role in shaping the traditional fabric of the city's trade and handicrafts. The bazaar lies in the Darb-e Shahzadeh neighbourhood, along Lotf Ali Khan Zand Street, and is considered part of the old Qeysarieh Bazaar, where traces of the ancient history of trade and traditional crafts can still be seen. During the Qajar era, after an earthquake destroyed part of the Qeysarieh Bazaar, the Coppersmiths' Bazaar was restored and carried on. Today its traditional architecture and historic fabric are largely preserved, offering a living picture of Iranian art and culture.

In the past, the Coppersmiths' Bazaar was one of the main centres of coppersmithing and the production of copper vessels and objects in Shiraz, and the sound of hammers from the workshops could be heard from far away. Today the number of active shops has dropped, but you can still see and buy from coppersmiths' stalls and traditionally made goods. Alongside copper and copperware such as pots, plates, trays, vases and ornaments, the bazaar now also sells household goods, clothing and souvenirs, offering an appealing taste of the traditional life of Iranian bazaars. The bazaar's roof is built with ribbed vaulting (tavizeh), with skylights set above its small domes (araqchin) that bring natural light into the interior. This architectural style closely resembles the Vakil Bazaar, except that the Coppersmiths' Bazaar is smaller and has a more intimate atmosphere.

Another interesting feature of this bazaar is the difference in the height of the shops relative to the ground. Unlike the Vakil Bazaar, where most stalls are level with or above the ground, many shops in the Coppersmiths' Bazaar were built level with or below ground level. This difference usually relates to the type of goods sold: for example, bakeries were placed lower, while herbalists' shops were built higher above the ground. This variety in architecture and use reflects the deep understanding earlier generations had of the needs of the bazaar and its role in the daily life of the people of Shiraz. To reach the Coppersmiths' Bazaar, simply head from central Shiraz towards Lotf Ali Khan Zand Street; this route passes the Vakil Bazaar and the Moshir Bazaar and leads to the Coppersmiths' Bazaar. The best time to visit is usually from spring to autumn, when the weather in Shiraz is milder and you can enjoy shopping, photography and the traditional atmosphere while strolling through the historic bazaar. In winter the bazaar is still open, but the cold weather can make walking around less pleasant. While visiting, it is important to protect the historic features, respect the shopkeepers, keep the place clean and follow the principles of responsible tourism, so that this cultural heritage remains for future generations.