shiraz

 

Shiraz Overview

hiraz is the Capital of Fars province. Shiraz is one of the most beautiful, historical cities in the world. Farsi the language of Ancient Fars (Pars) has become the official language of Iran, i.e. Persian. The first capital of Fars, some 2500 years ago, was Pasargadae (is located near to Shiraz). It was also the capital of Achaemenid King Cyrus the Great. The ceremonial capital of his successor, Darius, and his son Xerxes was Persepolis. Today, only the ruins of these two capitals remain. Estakhr was another capital of Fars. It was established by the Sassanians and lasted until Shiraz finally assumed the role of the regional capital. For a better understanding on Iran dynasties and capitals visit here.

Shiraz is a very well visited city among Iranians, for several reasons, the weather which is mild almost year round,  many historic attractions it has and being the third religious city due to the tomb of Shahcheragh. The gardens of Shiraz are favored by many specially the Eram Garden, Zand st. attractions and, of course, Persepolis are all must see sites in Shiraz.

Shiraz is also the birthplace and resting place of the great Persian poets Hafez and Sa’di. There are two remarkable monuments in Shiraz. One is dedicated to Hafez, the master of Persian lyrical poetry. The other one is dedicated to Sa’di, the author of the famous Golestan, and a book of sonnets called the Garden of Roses.

Shiraz Highlights

Zand Street:

Start the city, exploration form Zand Ave. The most interesting buildings and sights in Shiraz are located in the old part of the town. Among them are about a dozen mosques, some with bulb-shaped domes, and others with pear-shaped domes and cupolas. These mosques are mostly scattered among the old houses, walk through Zandie Bazaar and Castle, and then have the look at the Shahcheragh. Afternoon tries to visit Hafez and Eram Gardens.

Shiraz Gardens:

Most of the gardens for which Shiraz was once famous do not exist any more, but the town still has a number of parks and gardens, which are particularly pleasant to wander through in the summer. One of the most popular gardens is Bagh-e Eram (Eram garden) in the northwest of the town, which is famous for its Cyprus trees. The 19th century Qajar palace lies in the middle of this garden, with its own reflecting pool.

Vakil Mosque:

The Masjid-e Vakil (the Regent Mosque) has an impressive portal containing faience panels in floral designs with various shades and colors on each side. The northern iwan (verandah) is decorated with shrubs and flowers mainly raised bushes. The ceiling in Mihrab Chamber (altar) is covered with small cupolas resting on twisted columns. Vakil Bazaar, which is close by, was built by Karim Khan Zand. Here silversmiths and jewelers still apply their trades of exquisite inlay work. Persian carpets and other traditional Persian handicrafts may also be purchased in the Vakil Bazaar.

Hafez Mausoleum:

Hafez tomb is the closest to the town Center. Built in 1953 in a garden, the mausoleum is a small open pavilion; inside which is a marble tombstone with several of the poet’s verses. you can also enjoy a cup of tea or rose water at the tea house.  Hafez spent most of his life in his native town and died there in 1389. He is considered the undisputed master of the ghazal and his poems reflect the richness and a subtlety unequaled even by the other great talent, Sa’di.

Hafez means who has memorized by heart, It is believed that Hafez could read the Quran by heart, bring his close to God.  He has one verse master piece, Divan Hafez, which we believe can fortune tell. Be sure to try it.

Saadi Mausoleum:

Sadie’s tomb is in the north-east of Shiraz. Set in a pleasant garden, the present tomb was built in 1952 and replaces an earlier much simpler construction. Unlike Hafez, Sa’di traveled extensively in Iraq and Syria, where he was even taken prisoner by the Crusaders. Upon his return to Shiraz, Sa’di wrote his most famous works, the Bustan (The Orchard) and the Golestan (The Rose Garden), which moral tales are written either in verse or in a mixture of prose and verse. Sa’di is said to have died in 1290 at the grand age of 101.

Things To Do

Vakil Complex
Hafez Mausoleum
Saadi Mausoleum

Gahvare Div:

If you’re a fan of city views and you won’t mind a 600 stair hike, try hiking the track that leads to the hilltop. its located by the city entrance of Shiraz, Darvaze Quran. You have to pass the narrow Kuhpayeh park to reach the stairs. The best time to go would be 1.5-2 hours before sunset since you will have time to view the city and the sunset, which is beautiful from up there. There are no coffee shops or food stands up the hill.

Orientation Walking:

The Vakil bazaar is located inside the old urban district of Shiraz, the main entrances are by main streets but once you pass through the main aisles you can enter the narrow traditional avenues that lead to the surrounding neighborhoods which are quite unique and authentic. If your lucky you will see the few coffee shops located round the bazaar that is also worth a visit. Once your seen Vakil bazar and Saraye Moshir just continue on into until you find your self in a busy street again.

Hafez Fortune Telling:

Hafez means who has memorized by heart, It is believed that Hafez could read the Quran by heart, bring his close to God.  He has one verse master piece, Divan Hafez, which we believe can fortune tell. Be sure to try it.

Handicraft and Shopping

  • Qashqai Carpets & Gabe
  • Carpet weaving
  • Leather
  • Wooden works
  • Clay works
  • Brocade weaving
  • Khatam (inlaid work)
  • Engraving on metal
  • Silver work
  • Ceramic
  • Tiles