Bazaar Crows: Feeding Birds at Tehran's Markets Was Once a Civic Concern

Historical accounts and local lore from Tehran's iconic bazaars suggest that at one time, feeding birds like crows and pigeons within the market areas was frowned upon or even informally restricted. Vendors and city officials believed that handouts to these birds encouraged large flocks, which could lead to disorder, disruption of business, and sanitation issues. While not always codified into formal legislation, this practice reflected a wider civic concern to balance the rich tradition of open-air markets with public health and orderly commerce. Shoppers were subtly urged to avoid scattering food scraps or feeding the avian population, as it was thought to attract aggressive birds that might disturb both goods and customers. Though modern regulations focus more broadly on market cleanliness, this quirky aspect of market life remains a charming part of Tehran’s urban folklore. It offers insight into how city authorities and communities historically managed the complex interaction between nature and everyday commerce in Iran’s capital.