From Original Bazaar Weekly to Tehran Weekly Magazine
The Beginning of a Publishing Journey
The story of Tehran Weekly Magazine began in 1990, when journalist and publisher Shahbod Noori founded The Original Bazaar Weekly, the first free Persian-language classified and advertising publication serving the Iranian-American community in Southern California.
At a time when the community had very limited access to Persian-language media, Original Bazaar Weekly introduced a new concept by providing free classified advertising, business promotions, community announcements, and useful consumer information. Its simple mission was clear:
“Buy Smarter… Sell More.”
As readership continued to grow, the publication evolved beyond advertising. Editorial features, community news, cultural articles, interviews, and public-interest stories were gradually added, transforming Original Bazaar into much more than a classified newspaper.
By the mid-1990s, the publication had grown into an 84-page weekly newspaper with a full-color cover, becoming one of the largest Persian-language publications in Southern California. However, producing such a large free publication became increasingly expensive, while readers were generally unwilling to purchase newspapers.
Recognizing the need for a publication centered on journalism rather than classified advertising, Shahbod Noori launched Tehran Weekly Magazine.
For approximately six months, Original Bazaar Weekly and Tehran Weekly Magazine were published simultaneously. As operating two weekly publications became financially challenging, Original Bazaar Weekly was retired, allowing the company’s full focus to shift toward the continued growth of Tehran Weekly Magazine.
The first issues of Tehran Weekly Magazine were distributed free of charge to introduce the new publication to the community. As the magazine expanded in quality, readership, and editorial content, it later became a paid publication, initially selling for $2 per issue.
Today, more than 36 years after its founding, Tehran Weekly Magazine remains one of the longest-running and most respected Persian-language publications in North America. Published weekly, the magazine covers news, business, health, law, culture, arts, entertainment, sports, and community affairs while serving Persian-speaking readers across the United States and around the world through both print and digital editions.
About the Publisher
Shahbod Noori is the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of Tehran Weekly Magazine. For more than three decades, he has dedicated his career to serving the Persian-speaking community through independent journalism, community engagement, and media innovation.
Throughout his publishing career, he has received recognition from governmental agencies, community organizations, and media institutions for his contributions to journalism and public service. His work has helped connect businesses with consumers, support charitable initiatives, promote cultural awareness, and give a voice to the Iranian-American community.
Under his leadership, Tehran Weekly Magazine has evolved from a local community publication into an internationally accessible media platform with readers in print and digital formats across the globe.