Happy TravellerWelcome to Shiraz, one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Iran. As the fifth-most-populous city and the capital of Fars Province, Shiraz has a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant culture. This city has been historically known as Pars (پارس, Pārs) and Persis, and is renowned for its beautiful gardens, literature, and poets. Shiraz is located in southwestern Iran on the rudkhaneye khoshk (lit. dry river) seasonal river and has been a regional trade center for over a thousand years. Founded in the early Islamic period, Shiraz has a moderate climate and is a famous tourist destination in the world.
Shiraz is known for its stunning architecture and ancient landmarks. The city’s earliest reference, as Tiraziš, dates back to Elamite clay tablets dated to 2000 BCE. The modern city was founded by the Sasanian dynasty and restored by the Umayyad Caliphate in 693 CE, and grew prominent under the successive Iranian Saffarid and Buyid dynasties in the 9th and 10th–11th centuries, respectively. The city was also a leading center of the arts and letters in the 13th century, due to the encouragement of its ruler and the presence of many Persian scholars and artists. Two famous poets of Iran, Hafez and Saadi, are from Shiraz, and their tombs are located on the north side of the current city boundaries.
Shiraz is also known as the city of gardens, due to the presence of many gardens and fruit trees throughout the city, such as Eram Garden. Its crafts consist of inlaid mosaic work of triangular design; silverware; pile carpet-weaving and weaving of kilim, called gilim and jajim in the villages and among the tribes. Dominant industries in the city include the production of cement, sugar, fertilizers, textile products, wood products, metalwork, and rugs. Shiraz also has a major oil refinery and is a major center for Iran’s electronic industries: 53 percent of Iran’s electronic investment has been centered in Shiraz. Recently, Shiraz’s first wind turbine has been installed above Mount Babakuhi near the city.
The city is home to many famous landmarks, such as the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, which is also known as the Pink Mosque due to the pink tiles used in its construction. The mosque’s stained glass windows and intricate tile work create a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colors when the sunlight streams through them. Additionally, the Arg of Karim Khan and the Vakil Mosque are two other famous landmarks in the city that are must-visit destinations for tourists.
Shiraz is also famous for its mouthwatering cuisine. One of the famous dishes is Faloodeh, which is a cold dessert made from rice noodles, sugar syrup, and rose water. Another notable dish is Kalam Polo, which is a rice dish made with cabbage, carrots, and roasted chicken. For those who want to experience the city’s street food, the best place to try it is the Vakil Bazaar, which is one of the oldest and most traditional bazaars in Iran.
In conclusion, Shiraz is a city that has something for everyone. From its rich history to its stunning architecture, from its beautiful gardens to its delicious cuisine, Shiraz is truly an enchanting destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
