Gulbahar Centre

Gulbahar Centre is a shopping centre in the Shahr-e Naw district of central Kabul, Afghanistan, close to Chicken Street and Kabul City Center. It is organised as a multi-level complex of small fixed-price shops rather than an open bazaar, and is known mainly for clothing, shoes, bags and gifts. The stock leans toward everyday fashion for Afghan shoppers, including men's suits and shalwar kameez, women's dresses and scarves, children's clothes and footwear, so it offers a window into how city residents actually dress and shop, in contrast to the souvenir trade nearby.

Most goods are imported from Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, China and the Gulf, with some locally tailored items. Genuine international brands are limited, and many labels are regional or unbranded, so shoppers should judge items by fabric and stitching rather than logo. Because the shops are small and independent, quality varies from stall to stall, and there are few tourist trinkets beyond a few gift and accessory counters.

Prices are marked and generally fixed, which is the main difference from the street markets, although a modest discount can sometimes be requested when buying several items from one shop. Payment is in cash, using Afghan afghani, and card payment is uncommon. No tax-refund system applies to visitors. Tailoring or alterations may be available through nearby tailors for a small fee.

The atmosphere is busy but contained, with shopkeepers calling out to passers-by, music from some stores, and heavy foot traffic in the afternoons and before religious holidays such as Eid, when families shop for new clothes. Food is not a feature of the building itself, but tea sellers, bakeries and small restaurants are within a short walk in Shahr-e Naw. The best approach is to walk each floor once to compare prices before buying, paying attention to shops offering ready-made traditional outfits and leather shoes. Visitors should check current local conditions and opening times before visiting.