Shiraz

Capital of the Iranian province of Fars, Chiraz is a vast urban oasis located in a fertile basin, an island of sedentary resistance in a region of strong nomadization. After initially seeing its role diminished by the orientation of economic life towards Khuzistan and the Tehran-Abadan axis, this city with a prestigious past has benefited from development in a less disorderly way than other major Iranian metropolises. Its latitude and altitude (1,500 m) give it a temperate climate, which favors livestock farming, agriculture and above all the cultivation of wine vines, the production of which was widely exported to India in the 17th and 18th centuries.

It was the capital of Iran during the Zand Dynasty (1747-79). It is also the birthplace of famous poets Hafez and Sa'adi who are buried there. You will find three imposing mosques in Shiraz, located within walking distance of each other. You will discover Shah Cheragh with its golden minarets and intricately tiled facades. If the exterior is sublime, the interior is even more so, with its rooms covered in millions of small and sparkling broken mirrors. Admire the Nasir-ol-Molk mosque right next to it. It is remarkable for the stained glass windows that frame its prayer room. Go early in the morning and you will see sunlight streaming through the stained glass. It is a pure marvel! As for the third, named Vakil, it will seduce you with its vast outdoor prayer hall adorned with spiral pillars, arches with brick patterns and floral tiles.

One of the most beautiful Persian gardens is that of Eram. It is now on the world cultural heritage list. It is a historical park of Shiraz. Built during the Qajar era in the 19th century, it was used by the feudal elite, the tribal leaders of the province of Fars, and later by the royalty of Iran. It passed under the protection of the University of Shiraz and became a School of Law.

The Hafez Mausoleum and its memorial are two memorial structures erected in the north of Shiraz, Iran, in memory of the famous Persian poet Hafez. You will visit the pavilion housing the marble tomb of Hafez located in the Musalla Gardens. You will discover the tomb, its gardens and the surrounding memorials dedicated to other great personalities who are real attractions in Shiraz. Those who go to Shiraz do not miss to meditate even for a few moments on the tomb of Hafez and to read his ghazals, magnificent love poems.

The Afif Abad Garden with an area of about 127,000 square meters, it is one of the most beautiful historical gardens in Shiraz and was built in 1863. It was so important that it welcomed kings for their walk. Afif Abad Garden is a real symbol of the Iranian art of planting flowers. You will admire its royal palace, its museum of old weapons and its garden. Access to these spaces is free. Pass through its doors, and you will also be treated like a king, in accordance with the ancient custom.

Persian garden

 

The Afif Abad Garden