Behshad.
Photography

Bazaar

Bazaars are renowned for their vibrant shops, bustling crowds, and ceaseless energy. In 2011, I became fascinated by the architectural and socio-economic significance of these spaces, sparking an eight-year (and ongoing) photographic exploration. The project began with analogue photography of Tehran’s bazaar during Ashura, the annual religious holiday that prompts a rare two-day closure of bazaars across Iran.

Over the years, I traveled to various cities during this brief respite, documenting not only the empty bazaars but also the surrounding Ashura ceremonies. The resulting archive serves as a valuable—and increasingly urgent—historical record. Due to inconsistent renovations and a lack of preservation efforts, many of these traditional structures have lost their authentic character, making this collection a vital documentation of Iran’s disappearing architectural heritage.

Photo Gallery

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looco