Bazaar facts for kids
A bazaar is like a super busy marketplace or a street full of shops where people buy, sell, and trade all sorts of things. You can find them in many countries around the world!
The word "bazaar" comes from an old Persian word, bāzār. This word itself came from an even older word, baha-char, which meant "the place of prices." So, a bazaar is literally a place where prices are set and goods are exchanged. Even though the idea started in Persia (which is now Iran), it quickly spread and became popular in many other places.
Some of the most famous bazaars in the world are huge and very old. For example, there's the Grand Bazaar, Tehran in Iran, which is one of the biggest. Other well-known ones include the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, and the Old Bazaar in Cairo, Egypt. You might also hear about the Chandni Chowk in Delhi, India, or the Anarkali Bazar in Lahore, Pakistan.
In a bazaar, you don't just find shops. Often, there are also places like banks or money changers, cozy cafes where people can relax, and beautiful mosques. It's a whole community hub!
Contents
What is a Bazaar?
A bazaar is a special kind of market. It's usually a large area, sometimes even a whole street or a covered building, where many different sellers gather. They offer a wide variety of goods, from spices and textiles to jewelry and handmade crafts. It's a lively place full of sounds, smells, and colors.
Where Does the Word Come From?
The word "bazaar" has a long history. It comes from the Persian word bāzār. This word itself came from an even older language called Pahlavi, where the word was baha-char. This meant "the place of prices." So, a bazaar is a place where things are bought and sold, and their prices are decided.
Famous Bazaars Around the World
Many cities are famous for their amazing bazaars. These places are not just for shopping; they are also important parts of a city's history and culture.
- The Grand Bazaar, Tehran in Iran is one of the largest covered markets in the world. It has thousands of shops!
- The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, has been a trading center for centuries. It's known for its jewelry, carpets, and spices.
- The Old Bazaar in Cairo, Egypt, is a historic market where you can find unique souvenirs and traditional crafts.
- In India, the Chandni Chowk in Delhi is a very old and busy market.
- The Anarkali Bazar in Lahore, Pakistan, is another famous market known for its traditional goods.
What Can You Find in a Bazaar?
Bazaars are more than just shopping areas. They are often central places in a community. Besides countless shops, you might also find:
- Banks or moneylenders: Places to exchange money, especially important for traders and travelers.
- Cafes: Spots where people can sit, drink tea or coffee, and chat.
- Mosques: Places of worship, showing the cultural and religious importance of the bazaar area.
Related pages
Images for kids
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A busy bazaar in Bangladesh.
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The Moorish Bazaar, a painting by Edwin Lord Weeks, 1873.
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A bazaar at Khan el-Khalili in Cairo, painted by Pascal Sébah around the 1880s.
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A carpet merchant in the Khan el Khaleel, from a book by Georg Ebers in 1878.
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A souk (another name for a market or bazaar) in Amman, Jordan.
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The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, painted by Amadeo Preziosi in the late 19th century.
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The Old Bazaar of Pristina, Kosovo.
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Souks in Dubai, known as the Deira Souks.
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Troopers in a bazaar in India, painted by Edwin Lord Weeks in the 19th century.
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Timcheh Amin-o-Dowleh, part of the Kashan Bazaar in Iran, around 1800.
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Cayenne peppers for sale at a Souk in Yemen, called the Souk Al Milh.
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A bazaar in Samarkand, an illustration by Léon Benett for a Jules Verne novel from 1893.
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An oil painting simply titled "A Bazaar."
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The Bazaar, painted by Alexandre Defaux in 1856.
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The Silk Bazaar by Amedeo Preziosi, from the late 19th century.
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Souk des étoffes (Fabric Market) in Tunis, by Anton Robert Leinweber, before 1921.
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Another view of a Carpet Merchant in the Khan el Khaleel, 1878.
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Cashmere Travellers in a Street of Delhi by Edwin Lord Weeks, 1880.
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Inside the Souk, Cairo by Charles Wilda, 1892.
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The Bazaar of the Coppersmiths, painted by David Roberts in 1838.
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Bazaar El Moo Ristan, by David Roberts, 1838.
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The entrance to the Muristan Souk in Jerusalem.
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A vibrant Spice Market in Marrakesh, Morocco.
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The Ouarzazate souk in Morocco.
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Covered souks in Bur Dubai.
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A souk in Tripoli, Libya.
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See also
In Spanish: Bazar para niños
