Shiraz (yes, that's the place the grape and modern-day wine is named after) is with 1.5m people the sixth most populous city of Iran and the capital of Fars Province - in the South of Central Iran, perhaps 1,200km South of Tehran - or 1.5h domestic flight. This place is celebrated as the heartland of Persian culture for more than 2000 years. It has become synonymous with education, nightingales, poetry, and wine.
A city of poets, Shiraz is home to the graves of Hafez and Sa'di, both major luminaries for Iranians. It also features splendid gardens, and beautiful mosques.
A city of poets, Shiraz is home to the graves of Hafez and Sa'di, both major luminaries for Iranians. It also features splendid gardens, and beautiful mosques.
Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque)
Built in the end of the 19th century, this is one of the most elegant mosques in Southern Iran. The mosque was built during the Qājār era, and is still in use.
Naranjestan & Khan-e Zinat ol-Molk
A huge courtyard planted with rows of palm and orange trees. This was built for a wealthy and powerful chap in 1879. The pavilion's mirrored entrance hall opens to rooms with painted walls and ceilings.
Arg-E Karim Khan
This fortress was built in the early Zand period and formed part of a court that Karim Khan hoped would develop to rival Esfahan. We were particularly impressed by the ornamental brickwork especially around the 4 towers.
We were also fortunate as we encountered a young local who sang in the fortresses' steam rooms (see video below).
We were also fortunate as we encountered a young local who sang in the fortresses' steam rooms (see video below).
Aramgah-e Hafez
Our tour operator taught us that every Iranian home must have 2 things: first, the Quran, then a collection of the works of Hafez (he died in 1389). In Germany, his work was translated by Goethe who much appreciated him and in fact called him his teacher.
The atmosphere around the tomb of Hafez was quite amazing indeed. One could sense that he's some sort of folk-hero: we saw teenagers sitting in the garden reading out poems to each other. We were lucky also that we saw this pilgrimate site at sunset which added to the atmosphere.
The atmosphere around the tomb of Hafez was quite amazing indeed. One could sense that he's some sort of folk-hero: we saw teenagers sitting in the garden reading out poems to each other. We were lucky also that we saw this pilgrimate site at sunset which added to the atmosphere.