Sulaymaniyah Grand Bazaar and Old City
Wander through the vibrant heart of Sulaymaniyah, exploring its famous covered bazaar, historic teahouses, and the lively streets that define this cultural capital of Iraqi Kurdistan.
- 1
Qaisari Bazaar Entrance
Enter the Qaisari Bazaar, Sulaymaniyah historic covered market where hundreds of stalls sell gold jewelry, spices, traditional Kurdish clothes, fabrics, and locally made handicrafts under vaulted ceilings.
- 2
Gold Market
Browse the glittering gold market where Kurdish goldsmiths craft elaborate necklaces, bracelets, and earrings using traditional designs that have been part of Kurdish bridal traditions for generations.
- 3
Spice and Herb Section
Inhale the rich aromas of the spice section, piled high with dried rose petals, sumac, cumin, turmeric, and Kurdish herb blends used in the region's distinctive fragrant mountain cuisine.
- 4
Textile and Kilim Shops
Discover shops overflowing with hand-woven Kurdish kilims, traditional patterned fabrics, and raw wool products, many made by local artisans from villages in the surrounding mountains.
- 5
Old City Teahouse
Rest at a traditional teahouse where men gather to drink strong cardamom-scented tea, play dominoes, and discuss politics, a timeless social ritual embedded in Sulaymaniyah daily life.
- 6
Bazaar Square
Emerge into the lively bazaar square where street vendors sell fresh pomegranates, figs, and seasonal fruits, and the mingling sounds of Kurdish music fill the air around you.