TEHRAN, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Stores are gradually reopening in Tehran's Grand Bazaar, the historic commercial hub that has long been central to the city's economic and political life.

The bazaar was the starting point of the recent wave of nationwide unrest, which lasted several weeks and left thousands dead.

Protests first broke out in the Grand Bazaar last month over economic grievances, before quickly taking on a political dimension and spreading across the country.