# Siyob Bazaar: Samarkand's central market

> Siyob Bazaar sits behind Bibi-Khanym Mosque and is Samarkand's oldest continuously operating market — best for non bread, dried fruit and spices.

Siyob (also spelled Siab) bazaar has traded on the same spot since at least the medieval period. It's arranged around a covered central pavilion with radiating open-air rows.

What to look for:
- **Samarkand non** — the round, dense stamped flatbreads baked in tandoor ovens. Samarkand loaves are said to keep their flavour longer than other regions' bread; travellers historically brought them home as gifts.
- **Dried fruit and nuts** — apricots, raisins, walnuts, almonds. Prices are quoted per kilogram.
- **Halva and sesame sweets** — try before you buy.
- **Spices** — piled into cones, often sold by taste. Cumin, coriander, dried barberries for plov.
- **Fresh fruit in season** — melons and pomegranates in autumn are exceptional.

Vendors expect friendly bargaining on non-food items but rarely on food (which has an established fair price). Photography is generally welcome, but ask before photographing individual sellers.

Opening hours: roughly 6:00 to 18:00 daily. Busiest and most photogenic 8:00–11:00.

---
Keywords: Siyob, bazaar, Samarkand, market, non, bread
Updated: 2026-08-15
Category: destinations
URL: https://uzbguidedtours.com/kb/kb-samarkand-siyob-bazaar