Iran Spontaneous protests at the Tehran bazaar
Violent spontaneous protests have broken out at the Grand Bazaar in the Iranian capital Tehran.
06.01.2026, 14:10
06.01.2026, 14:11
SDA
Eyewitnesses, activists and Iranian media reported sudden riots at the historic site in the metropolis of millions, where demonstrators and security forces clashed. The possible trigger was renewed unrest on the Iranian currency market.
Videos on social media showed crowds of people in the alleyways of the bazaar chanting protest slogans. "Freedom, freedom, freedom" could be heard on one video. Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrations, as the human rights network HRANA reported on X. According to the report, residents joined the traders' protests.
Currency continues to lose value
The currency continued to plummet in the morning. One euro cost more than 1.7 million rials on the free exchange market for the first time, as reported by Iranian financial portals. The currency has thus lost even more value since the outbreak of the demonstrations more than a week ago. The protests were triggered by a shock on the Iranian currency market, which initially drove angry traders onto the streets in the capital Tehran.
The state apparatus increasingly met the demonstrations in the country with violence. On Monday, the judiciary of the Islamic Republic announced that it would proceed without leniency. According to activists, at least 29 people have died in the meantime. More than 1,200 people have been arrested, reported the human rights network HRANA.
Tehran's Grand Bazaar is a living labyrinth. Grown over centuries, the network of winding, covered alleyways stretches over several square kilometers. Even though many stores are tiny, the owners enjoy great status. Traders in the bazaar were considered extremely influential in many protest movements in Iran.
