Eram Garden
Eram Garden (Bagh-e Eram), located along the northern shore of the Khoshk River in Shiraz, is one of the most famous and beautiful Persian gardens in all of Iran. It should be noted that the word ‘Eram’ is the Persian version of the Arabic word ‘Iram’ which means heaven in Islam’s most holiest of books, the Qur’an. With its beautiful grounds, lush plant life and aesthetic attractions, it’s easy to see why Eram evokes such a description.
Although no one is quite sure when construction of the gardens began, historical evidence suggests that the gardens were built during the Seljuk Dynasty (11th-14th centuries) under the rule of one of its most celebrated monarchs, Ahmad Sanjar. Like many other attractions in Shiraz, the Eram Gardens have been restored and repaired by the Zand kings of the Zand Dynasty (1750-1794), but during the later period of the Zand Dynasty, the garden changed hands to a Qashgai tribal chief, Mohammad Qoli Khan.
Karimkhan Citadel
Dominating the city centre, this burly fortress was built in the early Zand period and formed part of the royal court that Karim Khan hoped would rival Esfahan. The high walls feature ornamental brickwork and are punctuated by four attractive 14m-high circular towers. The southeastern tower has a noticeable lean, having subsided into the underground cistern that served as the Arg’s bathhouse
This structure can be easily found at a corner of Shahrdary Sq close to Shiraz bazaar. The appearance of the building resembles a solid fortress entirely made from bricks with military as well as residential functions. The construction of Karimkhan Citadel goes back to the second half of 18th century when Karimkhan-e-Zand was ruling in Iran from Shiraz, his capital city.
The garden inside the large courtyard of Arg-e-Karimkhani takes approximately up to 80% of the area. The rest, courtyard floor, is all covered by marble stone from the time of construction. A pathway from the center of the garden leads to the middle of each side of the courtyard opposite a portico leading to some of the rooms of the building.
Qavam House
Qavam house actually is called the bitter orange garden because of its tall orange trees with beautiful blossoms in spring that their smell will drive you crazy. Ali Mohammad Khan Qavam, one of those great men in Qajar dynasty ordered to build this bitter orange garden 140 years ago.
Qavam house has many spectacular views, and its unique architecture is one reason that attracts everyone’s attention at the very first glance, an impressive architecture of mirror-work elements, tiling, carvings and stucco that till today, it is one of the masterpieces of iranian architecture.
By entering from the southern part of the Qavam house and passing a traditional and decorative store that sells iranian souvenirs, we encounter a very beautiful and sympathetic area of bitter orange and palm trees, which leads us to the very large, colorful and mirrored main building.
Tomb of Hafez
The city of Shiraz, located in the south-west of Iran is famous for its roses, gardens, and poems. Saadi and Hafez Shirazi, two world-renowned poets have been the reason for naming this city “the city of literature”. The love poems of Hafiz with their mystical interpretations can be specifically assigned to anybody when reading them. Iranians love Hafiz and his poetry and respect him a lot. During the feasts and ceremonies such as Yalda night when families gather together, they read lines of poetry from Hafiz. As they believe that Hafiz informs them about the future.
Located in his home city of Shiraz, Hafez’s tomb lies in the Musalla Gardens which is a sample of Persian gardens. The architecture of this monument is amazing. The mausoleum has 8 pillars which signify the century when he lived, topped with a mosaic tiled dome that glows beautifully when lit at night. The current pavilion and surrounding memorial structures were created in 1935, expanding on the original memorial built in 1773.
Hafiz was born in 1326 A.D. He believed that life is too short and human beings should enjoy their lives so that they will not regret anything. He was a gifted and prolific poet and religious scholar whose unique style was often influenced by verses from the Quran, which he had completely memorized as a child. Hence his pen name became Hafez, one who memorizes. Hafiz and his beliefs were greatly admired by Goethe, the great modern German literature genius.
Tomb of Saadi
The mausoleum of Saadi, known also as the tomb of Sa’dy or Sadiyeh, is one of the major tourist attractions of Shiraz. Huge number of Iranians and non-Iranians pay a visit to this burial place and show their respect to Saadi. Saadi is one of the great Iranian poets who has many lovers. The mausoleum of this great poet, like other poets of this city, is a very beautiful example of unique Persian gardens.
The grave is inside an octagonal edifice on top of which stands an amazing azure blue dome and inside the mausoleum all around the walls are inscribed with verses of Saadi’s poems. Inside the mausoleum yard and in front of the entrance of the tomb lies a beautiful pond. People throw coins into the pond so that their wishes would come true.
Inside the gorgeous atmosphere of the garden, you can listen to traditional Persian music which is played in the garden and enjoy the relaxing environment of this monument.
Sa’di is a globally known scholar whose words have touched many hearts across the world and wakened up many minds to take new steps in their lives to reach higher levels of humanity. The ambiance of this location is much more attractive than its architecture although it has got interesting character by itself.
Vakil Bath
Vakil Bath is a flawless representation of architectural developments of Zand Dynasty and was built in the center of Shiraz under the direct command of Karim Khan Zand. This structure is famous for its aesthetic beauties that force its visitors to walk with their heads held high above because the ceiling is much more impressive. The admiring paintings on the walls of Vakil Bath have interesting themes of Persian mythology, epic, and religious narratives that have strong roots in the beliefs of the people. It is also registered on Iran National Heritage list.
During his reign Karim Khan Zand constructed several buildings which were later called as Vakil Complex. These buildings contain a mosque, bazaar, bath, water storage, citadel, and many more that are all located at Darb-e Shahzadeh region. It is said that Karim Khan Zand was eager to resuscitate the priceless history of Iran. This ancient artwork is discerned for a great dignity and magnificence which is hard to find in any other historic baths. Such a feature has transformed Vakil Bath to a notable and admirable mansion of Zand Dynasty.
One special fact about ancient baths that should be noted here is that they were not just normal baths for cleansing the body. The other function they used to have was to be a place for particular ceremonies like baby shower, marriage proposals, and other old marriage traditions. However, these traditions are no longer held in Vakil Bath for the time being.
Vakil Bazaar
Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz is the main section of the Shiraz Bazaar which was built in 11th Century by Karim Khan as part of a plan to make Shiraz into a prominent trading center. This architecturally beautiful building is a trade hub for merchants selling spices, rugs, handmade copper pieces, antiques, Persian sweets and much more.
Vakil Bazaar has a really vibrant and bustling atmosphere. This isn’t just a tourist trap like you find at similar spots around the world. Vakil Bazaar is a place where locals actually do their shopping.
Considered to be the most beautiful baazar in Iran, Vakil Baazar’s gorgeous vaulted brick ceiling regulates the temperature of the building by keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter.
The city’s ancient trading district is home to several bazaars dating from different periods. The finest and most famous of these is the Bazar-e Vakil, a cruciform structure commissioned by Karim Khan as part of his plan to make Shiraz into a great trading centre. The wide vaulted brick avenues are masterpieces of Zand architecture, with the design ensuring the interior remains cool in summer and warm in winter. Today the bazaar is home to almost 200 stores selling carpets, handicrafts, spices and clothes.
