Qaisarieh Bazaar is one of the most renowned bazaars in the world, dating back to the period of Shah Abbas I when Isfahan was chosen as the capital of the Safavid dynasty. This bazaar, along with the Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Shah Mosque, forms a complex known as Naqsh-e Jahan Square. The architectural features and functional significance of this bazaar have made it one of the enduring and remarkable works of the Safavid period.
In this work, the architectural arrays and functions of Qaisarieh Bazaar have been examined. The findings, based on descriptive and analytical methods along with library and field investigations, confirm that the architectural arrays of Qaisarieh Bazaar exhibit a variety of decorative techniques and a sense of continuity. These arrays primarily include brickwork, plaster, tiles, wall paintings, muqarnas, and other decorations, particularly evident at the entrance of the bazaar and in the surrounding buildings.
Moreover, in terms of design, landscape, and materials, Qaisarieh Bazaar generally follows the architectural model of traditional Iranian bazaars but is more extensive in its elements. Additionally, the design and architecture of this bazaar serve multiple functions, including facilitating domestic and foreign trade, enhancing the economic and social connections between different classes and merchants, ensuring the security of traders and their goods, and ultimately establishing Isfahan as the commercial center of Iran during the Safavid period.