Tehran’s Gold Bazaar Amidst Inflation Crisis: Citizens Turn to Gold as Currency Collapses

The Role of Gold in Personal and National Economies

10.1 Gold as a Safe Haven Asset

In times of currency collapse, gold’s intrinsic value makes it a preferred asset. People in Iran, faced with the rial’s instability, see gold as a safeguard for their savings.

10.2 Gold Market Dynamics in Iran

• Gold prices in Iran often exceed international rates due to high demand and import restrictions.
• Jewelry shops experience shortages, and gold smuggling increases.
• The government occasionally imposes restrictions or taxes on gold trading to control capital flight.

10.3 Gold and Informal Economies

The rise of barter, gold, and cryptocurrency trading illustrates how informal economies adapt to state failures. Gold, in particular, becomes a portable form of wealth that can be easily stored, transported, and exchanged.

10.4 Social Impacts

The reliance on gold has social implications:

• Widening economic inequality
• Generational shifts in wealth transfer
• Cultural resilience amid economic hardship

September 26, 2025 | 4:07 pm