"Who is Tabrizigefaanu and Where Does He Come From? Exploring the Roots of a Mysterious Figure Tied to Tabriz, Iran’s Historic Bazaar Complex"history of Tabriz bazaar.
- Ibrahim Rasheed
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
A plaque in the Hukuru Mosque, Malé, Maldives, installed by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar I, bears the name of Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari. His last name is also interpreted as "at-Tabrizi" instead of "al-Barbari."
"Unveiling Tabrizigefaanu: Exploring the Mysterious Origins of a Figure Associated with Tabriz, Iran’s Historic Bazaar Heritage"
Since ancient times, Tabriz has been a hub for cultural exchange, with its historic bazaar complex serving as a key commercial center on the Silk Road. The Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex features a network of interconnected, covered brick structures, buildings, and enclosed spaces fulfilling various functions. By the 13th century, Tabriz and its Bazaar were already thriving and well-known, as the city in Eastern Azerbaijan province became the capital of the Safavid kingdom. Although the city lost its capital status in the 16th century, it continued to be a significant commercial center until the late 18th century, during the expansion of Ottoman power. It stands as one of the finest examples of Iran's traditional commercial and cultural systems.
Tabriz, frequently called the "Crown Jewel of the Silk Road," is among Iran's most historically significant and culturally rich cities.
Famous for its lively bazaars, magnificent mosques, and dynamic arts scene, Tabriz provides visitors with a distinctive mix of history, culture, and natural splendor.
The Tabriz Bazaar, located in Tabriz, Iran, is one of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the world, with a history spanning over a millennium. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, it has been a vital center of commerce, culture, and social life in the region, reflecting the rich heritage of Persia (modern-day Iran). Here’s an overview of its history:
Origins and Early Development (Pre-10th Century)
The roots of the Tabriz Bazaar trace back to antiquity, likely emerging as a marketplace along the Silk Road, the ancient trade network connecting East Asia to the Mediterranean. Tabriz’s strategic location in northwestern Iran, near the crossroads of trade routes linking the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe, made it a thriving hub for merchants. While exact records of its founding are scarce, archaeological evidence and historical texts suggest that a rudimentary market existed as early as the Sassanid period (3rd–7th centuries CE), if not earlier.
By the 8th and 9th centuries, during the Islamic Golden Age, Tabriz grew in prominence under the Abbasid Caliphate. The bazaar likely began to take shape as a more structured marketplace, catering to the needs of traders dealing in spices, textiles, precious metals, and other goods.
Flourishing Under the Seljuks and Ilkhanids (11th–14th Centuries)
The bazaar’s transformation into a grand architectural complex began during the Seljuk Empire (11th–12th centuries), when Tabriz became a key political and economic center. The Seljuks invested in infrastructure, and the bazaar expanded with the construction of covered walkways, caravanserais (inns for traders), and specialized sections for various trades.
The peak of its early prominence came during the Ilkhanid period (13th–14th centuries), when Tabriz served as the capital of the Mongol Ilkhanate under rulers like Ghazan Khan. Marco Polo, the Venetian explorer, reportedly visited Tabriz around 1294 and described it as a bustling city with a flourishing market, noting the abundance of goods from across Asia and Europe. During this time, the bazaar was rebuilt and expanded after suffering damage from invasions and earthquakes, a recurring challenge in the seismically active region.
Safavid Era and Golden Age (16th–18th Centuries)
The bazaar reached its zenith during the Safavid Dynasty (1501–1736), when Tabriz was briefly the capital before the seat moved to Isfahan. The Safavids, who established Shia Islam as Iran’s official religion, promoted trade and craftsmanship, elevating the bazaar’s status. It became renowned for its intricate brick architecture, domed ceilings, and vast network of corridors, some of which survive today. Artisans produced high-quality carpets, leather goods, and metalwork, many of which were exported globally.
The bazaar’s layout was formalized during this period, with distinct sections (called timchehs and sarais) for specific trades, such as the Mozaffariyeh Timcheh for carpets and the Amir Bazaar for gold and jewelry. It also served as a cultural and intellectual hub, with madrasas (schools) and mosques integrated into the complex.
Decline and Revival (19th–20th Centuries)
The bazaar faced challenges during the Qajar era (1789–1925) due to shifting trade routes, European colonial influence, and political instability. The rise of modern transportation diminished the Silk Road’s importance, and Tabriz lost some of its economic clout. Nevertheless, the bazaar remained a vital local marketplace and a symbol of Persian identity.
Tabrizgefaanu is a significant figure in Maldivian history, traditionally credited with converting the Maldives to Islam around the 12th century. He is often associated with the name Abu al-Barakat Yusuf, and there is uncertainty about whether he originated from Tabriz, Iran, or Morocco, where he might be known as Yusuf Barbary. The confusion stems from the similarity in Arabic script, where his name could be read as either "at-Tabrizi" (from Tabriz) or "al-Barbari" (from Barbary, including Morocco).
Historical Context
Maldivian records, such as the Raadavalhi and Taarikh, refer to him as Sheikh Yusuf Shamsudden of Tabriz, suggesting an Iranian origin. However, some sources, including the Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta, claim he was a Berber merchant from Morocco, known as Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari. This debate reflects the complexity of historical documentation, especially given the script's ambiguity in the 12th century.
Origin Debate: Tabriz vs. Morocco
The debate about his origin is central to understanding his identity. Maldivian historical texts, such as the Raadavalhi and Taarikh, lean toward him being from Tabriz, as evidenced by his association with the name "at-Tabrizi." This is supported by local naming, where he is known as Tabrīzugefānu, suggesting a Persian connection. However, other accounts, notably by Ibn Battuta, a 14th-century Moroccan traveler, claim he was Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari, a Berber merchant from Morocco. This Moroccan narrative is reinforced by sources like yabiladi.com, which highlight his role as a medieval hero saving the nation from a sea monster.
Sources:
Raadhavalhi , Dhivehi Thaareeh.
Hukuru mIskithu filaa
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