Esfahan Shopping

Owner of 2 shops on Imam square. The one facing the square on the south-eastern corner is run by the father of a family business going back generations, whilst one of his sons runs another shop by the same name in the arcade just behind it.
Friendly service in a hassle free environment.

What to buy: Enamel plates and vases.

This shop sells leather goods, such as handbags, jackets, gloves, shoes, etc. I heard that this brand is very popular, and by the looks of it, has well-designed goods.

I remembered the name of Mashad Leather when I received a refreshment kit by Iran Air.

I was told that these shops are not located in bazaars, rather located in posh shopping districts of major cities of Iran. This particular shop is the only one in Isfahan, I'm told.

Even though this company seems rather new, I predict a good future, looking forward to their international sales!

Dating back to Safavid period, this beautiful vaulted bazaar is located on the north side of the Madraseh-ye Emam la far-e Sadeq (formerly Chahar Bagh School, Sultani School, and Madraseh-ye Madar-e Shah). Originally, the bazaar was named Razaarcheh-ye Roland (High- Vaulted Bazaar), Razaar-e Shahi, or Razaar-e Sultani. Three hundred meters long, it was recently renovated and will provide any tourist with an unforgettable shopping tour

Esfahan is the home of the block printed tablecloths, cushions, bags, etc you see everywhere for sale in Iran. They make excellent gifts - cheap, unbreakable, easy to pack and they wash and wear very well when you get them home. However, if you want something a bit more special, look out for the workshops in the bazaar where you see a craftsman at work handblocking the cloth. Watch how he works so precisely, with the side of his hand protected by a large pad as he applies the pressure on the block. Then choose a cloth from the myriad of colours and sizes in the stacked shelves. So hard to choose, there's always just one more that catches your eye.

What to buy: I like the tablecloths - they are always useful and fit with any decor at home, but you will also see large panels that can be used as throws and bedspreads as well as smaller items.

What to pay: It depends entirely on the size of the cloth and the complexity of the work. A large (2mx1.5m) with a complex pattern and border will cost you $40 or more, but it will last a lifetime.

Just a little shop up a side street, the window full of beautiful miniatures. What made this one special? Sitting beside the artist as he filled his fine brush with black ink and, without a single mistake or hestitation, drew this little sketch and presented it to me with a smile. He's been doing it for more than 50 years now, but it was still done with such grace and humility -I was utterly charmed.

What to buy: The miniatures in this shop are very fine, of a much higher quality than the cheaper offerings in the bazaar.

What to pay: $30 and much more.

What to buy: Beautifully painted miniatures on bone are available all over Iran ,but they are a speciality of Esfahan. Of course you get what you pay for, but even the little ones that sell for just a few dollars in the bazaar make wonderful gifts and souvenirs.

What to pay: $10 and up

Miniature paintings on camel bone are a local speciality in Isfahan. Many of the small shops around Emam Khomeini Square sell them. They make ideal gifts because they are not only beautiful, but also, easy to carry home.

What to buy: I particularly liked the work of an old artist, called Abu Talibi. He specializes in paintings of nomadic scenes and small desert towns.

What to pay: Expect tp pay $50- $120 for a high quality, framed miniature.

Isfahan has possibly the greatest number of carpet shops of any city in Iran. You can spend hours looking through thousands of carpets in the bazaar, at carpet warehouses adjacent to the bazaar and in shops around Emam Khomeni Square.

Surprisingly, after looking around all of those places, I eventually found the one that I wanted in the Abbasi Hotel carpet shop. They stock a limited range of very high quality carpets and the prices were no higher than in the bazaar.

What to buy: It's best to buy Isfahan carpets here, although you will find carpets from every part of Iran. Prices will vary greatly, depending on quality. Remember, these carpets are hand-made and can take years to make.

What to pay: The 55-year-old Isfahan carpet, measuring 2m x !.25m, which you can see in the picture, cost $900.