Bazaar

an Oriental "market-place." In the earlier times of the Jewish history it appears that the markets were held near the gates of towns, sometimes within, sometimes without, where the different kinds of goods were exposed for sale, either in the open air or in tents. SEE MARKET. But we learn from Josephus that in the time of our Savior the markets, at least in cities, had become such as they now are in the East. These establishments are usually situated in the center of the towns, and do not by any means answer to our notion of "a market" — which is usually appropriated to the sale of articles of food-for in these bazaars all the shops and warehouses of the town are collected, and all the trade of the city carried on, of whatever description it may be. In these also are the workshops of those who expose for sale the products of their skill or labor, such as shoe-makers, cap- makers, basket-makers, smiths, etc.; but every trade has its distinct place to which it is generally confined. Hence one passes along between rows of shops exhibiting the same kinds of commodities, and sometimes extending to the length of a moderate street. Other rows make a similar display of commodities of other sorts. The bazaar itself consists of a series of avenues or streets, with an arched or some other roof, to afford protection from the sun and rain. These avenues are lined by the shops, which are generally raised two or three feet above the ground upon a platform of masonry. which also usually forms a bench in front of the whole line. The shops are in general very small, and entirely open in front, where the dealer sits with great quietness and patience till a customer is attracted by the display of his wares. No one lives in the bazaar: the shops are closed toward evening with shutters, and the bazaar itself is closed with strong gates, after the shopkeepers have departed to their several homes in the town. It sometimes happens that a part of the bazaar consists of an open place or square, around which are shops under an arcade. When this occurs the shops are generally those of fruiterers, green-grocers, and other dealers in vegetable produce, the frequent renewals of whose bulky stock renders it undesirable that their shops should be placed in the thronged and narrow avenues. In these bazaars business begins very early in the morning — as soon as it is light. During the day it seems to be the place in which all the activities of the town are concentrated, and presents a scene remarkably in contrast with the characteristic solitude and quietness of the streets, which seem exhausted of their population to supply the teeming concourse which it offers. And this is partly true; for the market is the resort not only of the busy, but of the idle and the curious — of those who seek discussion, or information, or excitement, or who desire "to be seen of men;" and where, consequently, the exterior aspect of Oriental life and manners is seen in all its length, and breadth, and fullness. — Kitto, Pict. Bible, note on Mr 7:32. SEE MERCHANT.