Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Chor Bazaar

Mumbai

India

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
June 5, 2015
May 1, 2024

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

Located in the center of the city, Chor Bazaar is easily accessible by rail, though many locals  prefer to bike or walk to the market in the morning because of the city's public transit  congestion. The market is an ideal place for visitors to capture the hustle and bustle of Mumbai--the diversity of its buyers and vendors highlights the confluence of many cultures in the area, and it offers a rare glimpse into the life of the Bohras community of minority Shia Muslims as well as the Kolis fishing community. Although the flea market can get densely packed at midday, there is much to be found for tourists, locals, and even non-shoppers. The inexpensive prices of goods also makes the market a true paradise for antique hunters. For non-shoppers, Chor Bazaar is more often used as a linkage to other places of interest nearby like the circular Shiva temple known as Gol Deoul.

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Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Chor Bazaar, an “off the beaten path” street market in Mumbai, opens every morning except Fridays (when trading begins at noon, after Muslim prayers). Located in a predominantly Muslim area, the market is also respectfully closed during other prayer times throughout the week. Chor Bazaar translates as "Thieves' Market" in Hindi, and it features a wide range of street vendors selling trinkets such as antique jewelry, clocks, Bollywood posters, and statues of Hindu and Buddhist deities. While it was once famous for hawking stolen goods, today the market is primarily known for its vast assortment of second-hand merchandise. Its most popular section is the “chop shop,” which is comprised of a massive stock of used car parts.

Related Links & Sources

Image credits, from left: Daniel Incandela via Flickr, Yogesh Rao via Flickr, Cory Doctorow via Flickr, Yogesh Rao via Flickr, Cory Doctorow via Flickr, Roshan Panjwani via Flickr

Chor Bazaar
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Chor Bazaar

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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