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Shiraz is one of the oldest cities of ancient Iran and Is one of the major touristy cities which is locally called Shahr-e Raz. It’s been located in southwestern Iran hosts several domestic and foreign tourists from all over the world. One of the most reasons of traveling to Shiraz is its pleasant weather even in winter time, that brings the attention of everyone for traveling. It has a moderate climate and has been a regional trade center for over a thousand years. Shiraz is one of.
History:
Shiraz has always been in the center of attentions, in both pre Islamic and Islamic eras. Lots of monarchs and rulers were expanding their kingdoms toward Shiraz or have been built palaces in all around this city. The earliest reference to the city, as Tiraziš, is on Elamite clay tablets dated to 2000 BCE. In Persian Empire or even after, Shiraz was existed and mentioned in clay tablets again. Back & forth here has been playing an important role especially in Islamic Periods from 9th til 13th century AD.
Later on, In the 13th century, Shiraz was playing an important role in Iranian art and letters. It became a leading center of the arts and letters, due to the encouragement of its ruler and the presence of many Persian scholars and artists. This could have been the reason that two famous poets of Iran, Sa’adi in 13th century & Hafez in 14th century appeared. Their mausoleums are in Shiraz and are two are listed as few of activities to do while you are in Shiraz.
Afterwards in mid 18th century, it has been in the center of attentions among monarchs, rulers, merchants, etc. It’s chosen as the main capital of Iran during the Zand dynasty from 1750 until 1800. Another point I can make is, about the nickname of Shiraz that is also called “the city of poets, literature, and flowers”. It is also considered by many Iranians to be the city of gardens because of the presence of many gardens and fruit trees that can be seen throughout the city, such as Eram Garden.
Historical Attractions:
As it is mentioned above, shiraz has always been an important city for travelers as it consists several tourist attractions from different periods such as Tombs of Poets Hafez & Sa’adi, Gardens such as Eram, Jahan Nama, Afif Abad, Naranjestan, Delgoha. When it comes to being a capital in Zand dynasty there are many building have to be said such as Zand complex including Fortress, Vakil Mosque, Bazaar, Bathhouse and even Pars Museum.
Apart from those places, holy shrines of Shah-e Cheragh, Ali Ibne Hamzeh architecturally, are the greatest spots for travelers a they will be exposed to a remarkable mirror works. Despite these extraordinary spots, walking randomly in old district will be quite amazing as you will be exposed wonderful places or mansions. one of the main buildings that is absolutely wonderful is Khan Theological school.
There are several unique places to be visited that are listed in UNESCO world heritage sites such as Persepolis, Pasargadae, Sassanian remains of Bishapour, Ardeshir Palace, Mainden Palace, etc. Can’t forget the Naqsh-e Rustam as the burial place of Persian Monarchs that is quite impressive.
Being in summer holiday makes the trip to Shiraz very especial as you can simply join to locals tours & day trips to untouched natures such as Deh Gerdoo, Tang-e Tizab, or even joining to a sort of semi-cultural tour toward Kahkaran county for being with Qashqaei Nomads and have a short trek in the forests.
In regard with being a resided religion; Shiraz has historically been the hub for other religions such as Jewish, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, etc. All of them has their own communities in city center and even their temples or worship-place is open to visit.
Handicrafts:
It’s well noted that the crafts of Shiraz 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. Another point we can make is about its inlaid working that is locally called Khatam. It’s one of the most well-known in Iran that has got the award of several associations.
It’s well noted that despite travel & tourism that is the main industry of Shiraz, the other dominant industries in the city include the production of cement, sugar, fertilizers, textile products, wood products, metalwork, and rugs.
Hotels:
Accommodation has been always playing an important role in tourism especially when it comes to a cultural tour to a particular destination such as Shiraz, being stayed in a decent hotel will change the image of the trip. This is the reason several historical mansions have been converted into traditional hotels and hosts everyone from all over the world. We would highly suggest staying in either of these places in old district of Shiraz such as Darb-e Shazde, Oskru, Forough House, Zandiyeh, etc.
Foods & Desserts:
Today many people globally pick up a place to travel because of its food’s variation as they strongly are of the opinion that they can interact with locals based on local food culture. Shiraz is one of those places that has a lot to present and in the past years, many restaurants are willing to bring more clients into their properties by listing Shirazi foods in the menus. some of them are Cabbage (locally called Kalampolow), Shekar polow, Havij polow, Morasa’a polow, Ghambar polow, Ghorme Shiraz, etc.
You will be very lucky to be invited by a Shirazi citizens in order to learn how to cook either of these dishes with local methods. Having a desert has been part of this food culture in different seasons and programs. For example, in summer time Shirazi citizens provide Tar-Halva and in autumn, they make mostly Ranginak. traditionally you can have faloudeh after your meals too.
Sweets & Pastries:
Many people around the world were struggling to bring back a little survivor for friends, family and relatives and this could have been the reason dried sweets were always number one choice. Yukhe is one of the most delicious sweets of Shiraz that can be found 100% everywhere in all markets and can be used as a decent gift from Shiraz.