Originally, Oudlajan Bazaar branched off from the historical bazaar of Tehran. But after the destruction of large parts of the Christian neighbourhood and the departure of the Christians, the bazaar declined. Only one arch remained (out of 50). The sale of hardware, plastics, tents, and bags replaced those related to the historical role of the bazaar. In 2012, in a participatory process, the bazaar was revived: all arches were restored, and half of the shops were turned into handicraft and traditional arts shops, pantries, galleries and cafes. Owners had agreed, during the restoration process, to change the activity of the shops with a focus on Iranian handicrafts and traditional arts. The advantages of reviving the bazaar included restoring part of the historical structure of Tehran, improving the status of the Oudlajan neighbourhood, and reducing crime by increasing the presence of people at the bazaar.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
