Termeh Weaving

Termeh is a luxurious and exquisite handwoven textile made with Persian artistry. The principal roots of this skill are not precisely clarified. Some researchers say that Termeh was made in Kashmir highlands and then came to Iran. Others believe that Iranians were the innovators of weaving Termeh. Its history in Iran dates back to the Safavid era in Isfahan. The superior evolution of Termeh happened during Shah Abbas Safavid’s reign and became one of the Iranian exportable products.

Weaving and Designs

In the past, the first step in weaving Termeh was preparing its raw materials. It was necessary to wash and dry the wool. A handmade Termeh is made of natural fibers, such as silk, wool, or both, and sometimes gold and silver strings are interwoven into this noticeable textile. For weaving Termeh, high-quality wool with tall fibers is required. The patterns of Iranian Termeh are typically the result of collaboration between two key individuals, an expert and a worker.

Weaving Termeh is meticulous, sensitive, and time-consuming. Skilled weavers could produce only 25 to 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) daily. The background colors used in Termeh are mostly red jujube, light red, green, orange, and black. The liking and initiative of Iranians in the weaving delicacy, material, and fantastic schemes of this handicraft are unique. One of the significant duties and barriers of the weaver of Termeh is choosing and matching the colors by recognizing the harmonious colors or even contrasting in a particular form, which can describe a kind of congruity and beauty, so it is considered a secret in the Iranian weaving Termeh.

Skilled weavers use a traditional handloom called Ghlimeh to create the fabric. The weaving process requires great precision and attention to detail. The fabrics often feature intricate designs and motifs, including paisley patterns, floral motifs, and geometric shapes. The most vital Termeh pattern is the paisley (in the Persian language Botteh, or Botteh Jeghe) and the Shah Abbasi flower. Each motif has a distinct meaning and significant role in Iranian culture as the Botteh, or Botteh Jeghe pattern has roots in ancient Iranian religion, Mithraism, and its footprint can be found in Persian Carpets and other Persian craftsmanship like Ghalamkar textiles. This pattern on a Termeh is accompanied by other designs involving cypress, fish, birds, and delicate floral forms.

Termeh is made in different colors, including distinct shades of red jujube, green, orange, and turquoise blue, but all colors are deep and modest. The number of colors, the motif’s delicacy, and the textile’s quality assess the worth of a Termeh textile. Termeh is frequently utilized to create a variety of traditional Persian textiles and garments, including scarves, shawls, tablecloths, and decorative items. It is also used in making customary Persian clothing such as jackets, vests, and formal attire.

Sermeh Doozi

In ancient Persia, a prominent needlework was called Sermeh Doozi. The embossed method has long been employed on luxurious fabrics and clothing. The artist utilizes a threaded needle and passes it through small, delicate pieces of gold embroidery tube (Sermeh), sews, and secures it to the fabric. The designer usually makes the motifs and patterns more glamorous and outstanding using pearls and beads. This sort of embossed work is truly marvelous and one of a kind.

Heart of Termeh Production

Yazd and Isfahan were the first cities to be known for their Termeh. The history of the Termeh is linked to the Silk Road, where merchants brought silk to Iran. During that time, Iranian artisans took the opportunity to create and showcase masterpieces such as Termeh. By traveling to Yazd, you can see various types of Termeh in this city’s traditional or modern markets. Nearly all locals and those with Yazdi ancestry possess some weaving skills in Termeh. Currently, Termeh in Yazd is offered to the market manually or even by machine and fully meets the needs of consumers. Termeh is a souvenir of the city of Yazd. The city of Yazd is known as the cradle of Termeh weaving and offers its products to the market with more unique features than other producers throughout Iran. This has made the characteristics of Yazdi Termeh more unique than others, such as more shine, Tenderness, Beauty and Order, and High Diversity.

More Shine

If Yazdi Termeh is woven with pure silk, it has more extensive shine than others do. When choosing Yazd Termeh, paying attention to the shine of the Termeh fabric can be helpful. The brighter the Termeh you are considering and the more its colors have an impression on your eyes, the higher the quality and more authentic it is. Of course, without directly comparing Yazdi Termeh and other Termeh, you may be a little hesitant to examine the shine of the products. But know that a Termeh woven in Yazd is a product with an extraordinary and captivating shine.

Tenderness

Another unique feature of Termeh is its exceptional softness. If the Termeh is woven from pure silk, it will be tender. Even without silk, Yazd Termeh is still soft and premium. But if the Yazdi Termeh you want is not woven with silk, then again, due to the specialized knowledge of weaving Termeh, the Yazd souvenir of Termeh will be a little softer and smoother than other types of Termeh.

Beauty and Order

One of the unique features of Termeh is its stunning beauty and centuries-old artistry. Yazdi Termeh weavers are skilled artisans who excel at enhancing the beauty of Termeh. This expertise makes Yazd’s souvenir Termeh exceptionally beautiful compared to others. The beauty and order of Termeh are achieved by using high-quality, colorful fibers and eye-catching designs, with careful attention to skillfully combining the finest raw materials.

These Termeh are woven precisely. You cannot observe any misalignment in the individual cells. This level of craftsmanship showcases the exceptional skill of Yazd termeh weavers.

High Diversity

One notable feature of Termeh is its wide variety. Given the boom in the art of Termeh weaving in Yazd province, manufacturers try to offer their products to the market with an exemplary variety to have a beautiful and practical product for every style. Yazdi products present several features, such as shape, color, material, and design, allowing you to choose the best and highest quality options that match your style from the available selections.

Termeh represents the rich artistic and weaving traditions of Iranian culture and heritage. It is often associated with luxury and elegance. Today, skilled artisans in various regions of Iran continue to produce Termeh, sought after domestically and internationally. This exquisite art form captivates foreign travelers, making Termeh an excellent souvenir.

 

Kashan Souvenir

Kashan has one of the oldest civilizations in Iran. This lovely city is near Isfahan. City life in Kashan dates back to seven thousand years ago, which indicates its handicrafts have a rich and valuable history. The culture and history of this small city have many stories to tell. On every corner, you can see a monument or a colorful market full of delicious foods and flavors that attracts every domestic and foreign tourist to buy Kashan Souvenir. Even the name Kashan is reminiscent of the smell of Damask rose and rose water.

 

Edible Souvenir 

Kashan Rosewater and The Herbal Distillates

Kashan is the capital of Rosewater in Iran. Rosewater has many medical and health properties. It makes you relax and gives a unique aroma to food and sweets. Its consumption as a face lightener and cleaner. Rosewater festivals are held in Qamsar and Niyasar villages in April and May every year. Extracting distillates of various plants has a long history in Kashan. Some have medical properties like Burdock, Lavender, Mint, Chamomile, Thyme, etc. So you can buy the best herbal distills from Kashan.

Kashan Haji Badam

It is one of the delicious nutritional Kashan sweets, made of almond nut powder, cardamom, sugar powder, yolk, rose water, and saffron. Haji Badam is the second most popular Kashan souvenir after rose water. 

Kashan Baklava

Although you can find Baklava in other cities like Yazd and Kerman, it has a unique taste in Kashan as other Kashan is sweetish, due to the adoration of rose water added to it. Baklava has different types according to the nuts used in it. Walnut, hazelnut, almond, and pistachio are some kinds.

Kashan Baklava is an excellent option to eat with tea after a full day of sightseeing in this beautiful city.

Kashan Cookies 

Kashan cookies are a relic of the old days. This sweet is the history and culture of the city used in Nowruz for greeting the guests. Kashan cookies are different from other cities in the case of not having nuts. It is cooked according to the old tradition by using wheat bran flour, cardamom, and rose water to flavor it.

Kashan Cotton Candy (Pashmak)

Cotton Candy can be considered a different souvenir. It is one of the most popular Kashan sweets. In Nowruz, Kashan people put cotton candy in their Haft-sin and welcome the guests with the incredible sweet taste of it, especially when eating by Kashan cookies. 

 

Handicraft souvenirs 

 

Kashan Carpet 

Kashan carpet is famous and popular in Iran, shining on the UNESCO world heritage list. It is known for its elegant texture and beautiful patterns. The Carpets woven in the past are of the highest quality and beauty. Kashan 3000-year-old hand-woven carpets are among the best in the world. The people of the city produce 70% of Iranian carpets.  The Kashan carpet weaving process begins with a design drawn from a set of fixed styles, including motifs such as flowers, leaves, branches, animals, and scenes adapted from history. The thread is made of cotton or silk, and the colors used are natural colors like the root of Rubia tinctorum, walnut bark, pomegranate bark, and grape leaves. All of these make Kashan Carpets the best souvenirs to buy.

Kashan Kilim and Jajim

Kashan Kilim and Jajim are the best choices for those who like Arabesque and traditional designs. Kilim is a type of carpet that is vowed with wool and does not have lint. Jajim is woven thinner and softer than kilim and has a thickness between kilim and fabric. The patterns on Jajim are limited because they have been created by warp and weft and are usually vertical or horizontal. But kilim has no limit in design and patterns. Although Both Kilim and Jajim have fantastic designs, they are not as expensive as Kashan carpets, and you can buy them at any price. You can find this Kashan souvenir in the old and traditional places of the city.

Kashan Pottery

You may ask yourself why I should buy pottery from Kashan. The first pottery wheel was made in Kashan 4500 years ago. This art is several thousand years old and passed down from generation to generation and parent to child. Kashan Pottery has never stopped, and every day with new designs surprises its advocates.

Kashan Giveh

Giveh is a kind of handmade shoe which is soft, convenient, and resistant. This type of shoe is used in several parts of Iran, especially in rural and mountain areas of Kermanshah Province. Kashan is one of the centers of Giveh in Iran. Nashalj village in Neyasar district is the source and center of Giveh in Kashan. This noble traditional art is the consequence of the cooperation of both men and women. By the way, Giveh is also a very comfortable shoe and practical souvenir from Kashan.

Kashan Shar Bafi

Human and Animal hair is called Shar. In terms of weaving, Shar Bafi is a type of fabric that is woven with silk. They are striped or plain and used in producing belts, headbands, Kurdish clothes, women’s towels, scarves, chador shab, etc. The Art of Shar Bafi has been popular since 350 years ago, and some workshops in Kashan are still producing this artwork.

Kashan Coppersmith  

Coppersmith is an old art in Kashan that have forgotten nowadays. Walking in Coppersmith markets and snaring at their warm and attractive colors is fascinating. You can buy utensils there and remember that using copper dishes is very useful in cooking.

Kashan Zilou 

Zilou Bafi is popular in Kashan. Zilou is a cotton underlay, which is more compatible with the climate of hot and dry desert regions due to the coolness of cotton. The strangest and, at the same time, the most artistic point about Ziolou is that their design is not specified in advance. The weaver creates the design spontaneously according to her inner feeling.

Last but not least, Kashan is one of the old historical cities in the center of Iran. In addition to many historical sights and natural beauties, it has a variety of edible and handicraft souvenirs to show off and attract tourists.  

Shiraz Souvenir

 

If you want to travel to the heart of history and see the city of great poets (Hafez and Saadi) and beautiful gardens, you must go to Shiraz. Shiraz, with its beautiful gardens, tall cypresses, and rose bushes, is the flagship of Iranian cities. This beautiful city has long been mixed with poetry, literature, and art. The mausoleum of Hafez and Saadi are two memorial structures having a historical and old atmosphere and giving everyone a good feeling.

 

One of the main parts of traveling is buying souvenirs, and Shiraz welcomes you with memorable edible and handicraft souvenirs. Like other cities, Shiraz souvenirs are divided into two main categories: foods and handicrafts. Foods usually include traditional sweets and distillates, and handicrafts include valuable artistic products. You can enjoy sightseeing in scenic places and buying souvenirs from the city of orange blossom and bergamot orange.

 

 

Shiraz Edible Souvenirs

Faloodeh

 

Faloodeh is one of the specific Shiraz souvenirs. It is a type of noodle besides condiments like fresh lemon juice, cherry syrup, and herbal distillates like rose water. Also, it is sometimes served with traditional ice cream. Although it is not considered a souvenir you can buy and take with you, we suggest you test it. You can buy Faloodeh in cafes, markets, and ice cream shops.

 

Youkheh 

 

Yokheh is a light, energetic, delicious sweet used as a snack among the Shirazi people. This Shiraz sweet remains for a long time. For this reason, it is one of the choices of most tourists to take as souvenirs. Yokheh is made of thin dough layers coated with cinnamon, then rolled and decorated with Pistachio, or almond powder. The dough is a mixture of oil, wheat flour, sugar powder, eggs, water, salt, and leaven. Kaak sweets made in Kermanshah are very similar to Yokheh of Shiraz with the difference that they make the Yokheh dough thinner.

 

Masqati

 

Masqati is a delicious well-known Shiraz sweet made in most Iran cities. Masghati is so favariot in Shiraz. Its soft texture and unique aroma are a mixture of starch, sugar, water, oil, rose water, Saffron, and lemon essence. There are various kinds of Masqati, with the taste of Pistachio, Damask Rose, Barberry, etc. The most popular one is Larestan Masqati which has many nuts in it.

 

Candied almonds (Badam Sookhteh)

 

Candied almond is a delicious, long-lasting Shiraz sweet, listed among the best-selling Shiraz souvenirs. It is made of roasted almonds in melted sugar, sometimes using sesame and making it more delicious. It is very nutritious and is usually used instead of sugar when drinking tea. 

 

Herbal distillates 

 

Different original medical herbal distillates are found in Shiraz because this city has special weather conditions and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and vegetation, each has many healing properties and is recommended in traditional medicine. Among all of the distillates, the most commonly used are:

 

Bahar Naranj (Orange Blossom) 

 

If you are in Shiraz in late April or early May, you will be intoxicated by the smell of orange blossoms. People collect orange blossoms, use them as distillate, juice, or dried, and add them to tea. In traditional medicine, many benefits are mentioned for Bahar Naranj distillates. Solving the problem of insomnia, having anti-cough and anticonvulsant properties, reducing nervous headaches, preventing heart attack, and regulating heart rate.

 

Bidmeshk (Pussywillow) 

 

Pussywillow is a shrub from the willow family with yellow flowers that grows abundantly in Shiraz. The distillate obtained from feather-like and fragrant flowers of this plant in spring is one of the favorite souvenirs of Shiraz. The syrup extracted from it is very popular in traditional medicine. The medical properties of it are strengthening the heart, nerves, and digestive system.

 

Nastaran 

 

Nastaran distillate is one of the fragrant souvenirs of Shiraz. Nastaran is a type of autumn flower that belongs to the wild rose family. This aromatic and beautiful flower grows in gardens and along rivers in white and pale red colors. There are many properties of Nastaran distillate, such as relieving stomach pain, eliminating kidney stones, and relieving fatigue. Drinking Nastaran Syrup creates vitality and relaxation on hot summer days.

 

 

Lemon Juice and Verjuice

 

Shiraz is famous for having citrus groves. Among the citrus products of this city, Shiraz lemon is known for its best acidity and excellent flavor. High-quality lemon juice is a particular souvenir of Shiraz used as a seasoning in salads, faloodeh, and various syrups. Shiraz has many vineyards and verjuice is one of its famous and popular souvenirs. Shirazi people prepare a tasty soup with verjuice. This natural and nourishing product is a suitable option as a souvenir. The cities around Shiraz, such as Jahrom, have a proper climate for growing limes. Therefore, in Shiraz, you will find the best types of lemon juice. In addition, Shirazi Faloodeh will be very tasty with lemon juice.

 

 

Shiraz Handicrafts

 

Though many of its handicrafts are not specific to it, Shiraz’s handicrafts are so colorful and glazed that you cannot ignore buying them. The eye-catching effect of Iranian culture and art is seen in these handicrafts. Buying products that reflect the spirit and civilization of Iran and are made by the hands of artists is the best option for tourists coming to Shiraz. 

 

Khatam

 

Khatam Kari is an original and beautiful branch of handicrafts in Iran. In this art, the surface of an object is decorated with small triangular pieces of wood, bone, and metal (gold, silver, brass…). The smaller the wood, bone, and metal pieces used, the higher the value of the work. Khatam Kari requires time, precision, patience, artistic taste, and vision. According to most archeologists, Shiraz is introduced as the birthplace of this art-craft. But due to the interest and attention of the kings of the Safavid dynasty to this art, Isfahan became the hub of the production and promotion of Khatam Kari. Shiraz Khatam has more elegance and charm than other areas where these works are produced. Among the most popular khatam products are small and large jewelry boxes and beautiful pencil cases.

 

Glassblowing

 

One of Shiraz’s handicrafts for art lovers is glasses made by the hand of artists of this city. Archeologists believe that the oldest sample of Glassblowing art was found in Susa. Later, the first glass workshops were built in Shiraz and Isfahan to expand this art. Italian crystal masters were invited to teach the principles of the work. As you can see today in the markets of Shiraz, the unique examples of this art show the age of their generation. Beautiful samples of this art in the shape of lamps and chandeliers exist in the historical houses of Shiraz.

 

Mina Kari (Enameling)

 

Mina Kari is the art of painting and designing on the metals like gold, silver, and copper. Usually, copper dishes are used for Mina Kari. They make beautiful designs on copper dishes with glazing colors in the furnace. This valuable art dates back to 5000 years ago. The peak of this art was in the Safavid era. Tourists like this glorious art and buy Mina Kari dishes as valuable souvenirs. 

 

Namad Bafi (Felt)

 

Namad bafi is an exhausting job and Shiraz handicraft. This Shiraz souvenir is made by joining together, condensing, and pressing natural fibers like wool or animal fur with the help of hands and feet. That’s why it is very time-consuming to prepare. In the end, a beautiful and lasting work emerges that is soulful. Buying Namads with eye-catching designs and colors gives a new spirit to the space of your room and keeps alive the good memories of your trip to Shiraz.

 

 

Moaragh Kari (Marquetry)

 

One of the beautiful Shiraz souvenirs and the oldest handicrafts in Iran is Moaragh. This art has a special place and history in Shiraz. According to some historians, Moaragh was brought to Iran from India and acquired an Iranian flavor. Originally it was a combination of metal and wood. Indian artists used only one type of wood to create mosaic works. With the help of Iranian artists’ imagination, they used different woods (usually more than 70 types) with different colors. You can see the most beautiful examples of Moaragh in Shiraz and buy them as valuable souvenirs for your loved ones.

 

Monabat (woodcarving) 

 

Monabat is one of the Shiraz handicrafts, which is welcomed by tourists. It is a type of carving and engraving on wood to beautify it. The designs have many variations, and all of them are inspired by the original art of Iran. A woodcarver is a person who can create outstanding carvings on wood using his creativity and artistic hands.

 

Last but not least, Shiraz is the city of culture and literature and the birthplace of famous poets of our country, Saadi and Hafez. This spectacular city is one of the important tourist destinations of Iran. Many tourists visit this beautiful city every year. Also, Shiraz has a variety of sweets and handicrafts that you can buy as souvenirs for your friends and family.

Isfahan Souvenir

It is not easy to talk about the souvenirs of beautiful lovely Isfahan, known as half of the world. This city represents people who look at everything delicately and artistically. This elegance and accuracy can be seen in their handmade products. In general, Isfahan has two categories of souvenirs we talk about specifically. The first one is handicraft souvenirs, and the second one is edible souvenirs.

Handicraft Souvenirs 

For many centuries, Isfahan handicrafts were introduced in the world as representatives of the authentic art of the Iranian people. These valuable handmade products are a sign of the artistic taste of their creator that makes travelers and tourists eager to demand and buy. By passing through the old markets, you will see the artistic taste of those who combine originality with design and pattern to create a masterpiece.

 

Khatam ( Inlaid work, Persian Marquetry )

One of the basic Isfahan handicrafts is Khatam which dates back to the Safavid era. It is the art of ornamenting the surface of wood products with delicate pieces of wood, bone, and metal cut precisely and joined together to form intricate geometric patterns. The smaller the fragments, the more highly valued the artwork. Gold, silver, brass, aluminum, and twisted wire are common khatam materials. You can see the remaining historical sample of Khatam art on the door of Chahar Bagh Madrasa, also known as Madrasa Madar-i Shah in Isfahan, the wooden pulpit of Isfahan Lonban Mosque, and the doors of the mirror hall of Golestan Palace in Tehran.

Mina Kari (Metal Enameling)

A valuable handicraft of Isfahan province is Mina Kari. It is the art of painting and drawing on copper, sometimes done on gold and silver. Mina Kari means blue sky, and the colors used in it are mainly blue, green, and a little red. It is interesting to know that this art dates back to five-thousand years ago. In the excavations of archaeologists in the city of Nahavand, a pair of Mina kari gold earrings were found that belonged to the 7th or 8th century BC.

 

Messgari (Coppersmithing)

Coppersmithing is one of the oldest handicrafts in Iran, about five-thousand years old. The peak of this art in Iran dates back to the Seljuk dynasty. As copper is more abundant in nature than other metals and easier to obtain, the ancients tried to make copper materials. Today, many people use copper utensils to cook food or decorate their homes. Isfahan Coppersmith’s market is one of the best places to buy different kinds of copper dishes.

Qalamzani (Etching )

Qalamzani is the art of decorating and creating lines and patterns on metal objects, especially copper, gold, silver, and brass, using a pen and a hammer. This art has a continuous and long history that expresses the culture and civilization of the Iranian people. It reached its peak during the Achaemenid Empire, but at the time of Alexander’s attack on Persepolis, many of these works were melted down and turned into coins. It became popular again during the Sassanid era. The coronation and hunting ceremonies of the Sassanid kings painted by Qalamzani on many dishes remained from that era.

Qalamkari 

Qalamkari is painting and printing on fabric, which has been popular since the Mongols in Isfahan, to decorate many men’s and women’s clothes. This art reached its peak in the Safavid era, and now it is one of the most famous handicrafts of Isfahan. It is done on silk, canvas, linen, and cotton fabrics with Arabesque designs, epic stories, and inscriptions of Iranian poems, nature, and animals.

Miniature 

The delicate and artistic painting in which ancient and mystical images are created is called miniature. Some experts believe that miniature painting came from China to Iran, but currently, with the efforts of artists, the Iranian style of this art has a higher place in the world than Chinese miniatures. Isfahan also is proud of her fine Persian-style miniature paintings and Persian calligraphy of various styles.

Rug

Isfahan has been one of the principal centers of rug weaving since the Safavid era. Although this industry was damaged during the Afghan invasion, it revived during the Qajar period. In Isfahan rugs, the number of colors is limited (15 Colors) compared to other cities’ rugs, and the knots are Persian. In a Persian knot, one half is tied tightly around a warp while the other half is left loose. Do make the Persian knot ideal for high-knot-density rugs with extremely detailed patterns. Rugs from Naeen, and Meymeh, the cities of Isfahan, are famous worldwide for their quality and design. 

Edible Souvenir  

In addition to beautiful and valuable handicrafts, Isfahan also has edible souvenirs as famous as its handicrafts. Some of these souvenirs tie to the name of Isfahan, and hardly anyone mentions them without the name of Isfahan. In the following, we introduce some of the most important and delicious edible souvenirs of this magnificent city.

Gaz

You can rarely find anyone who hears the word Gaz and doesn’t remember Isfahan. About 90% of Iran’s Gaz produces there. It means Isfahan is among the most skilled producers of it with different kinds of this product. In the past, Iranian kings used to offer Gaz to the kings of other countries to show their devotion. They used the extract of Tamarix ( Angabin ) to prepare Gaz, but today the formula for preparing this Isfahan souvenir has changed a little. Rose water, sugar, egg whites, almond and pistachio nuts, honey, and Angabin are some of the ingredients of Gaz.

Poolaki

Poolaki, another delicious popular souvenir of Isfahan, is something like candy. It is like a shiny thin coin that dissolves as it enters the mouth. Sugar, water, white vinegar, and some natural taste of saffron, dried lime, or cocoa powder are the ingredients used in making it.

Nabat (Rock candy) 

Nabat produces in every Iran city. But in Isfahan, it has a first-class taste with different flavors such as lemon, cinnamon, mint, ginger, etc.

Korki Pastry

It is one of the traditional and delicious Pastries of Isfahan, most of the time prepared at the beginning of spring. This sweet has a unique feature in that three types of flour, wheat flour, chickpea flour, and rice flour, are used in it. It is so tasty, soft, crunchy, and popular.

Sohan Asali

Sohan Asali is a delicious and popular Iranian candy originating in Isfahan. It is made of honey, sugar, saffron, almond, pistachios, or other nuts and cooking oil. It is crispy and breaking into shards.

Honey

It is not odd that a city as sweet as Isfahan has souvenirs as delicious as honey. Isfahan Fereydunshahr honey is famous. Bee breeding and honey production are very professional there. 

Last but not least, Isfahan is famous among Iranian cities in terms of historical and tourist attractions in addition to souvenirs. The name of some souvenirs, such as Gaz and Polki, is tied to the name of Isfahan, and few people mention them without the name of Isfahan, so you can buy them as delicious souvenirs.

Yazd Souvenir

Yazd is known as the capital of Adobe cities in the world, and it is not easy to describe this historical and beautiful city. One of the fascinating aspects of a trip is visiting the marketplaces of each town and buying souvenirs. With its rich historical background, Yazd has attractive handicrafts that catch the glance of everyone all over the world. Also, there are a variety of sweets with unique tastes belong to this city. Here we prepared a list of the most famous souvenirs of Yazd City, either edible or handicrafts.

 

Handicraft Souvenirs:

 

Termeh (Cashmere)

Termeh is a Persian handwoven cloth, more than 400 years old, and dates back to the Zoroastrian period. They used this art to sew pants for weddings and celebrations. It was produced primarily in the Isfahan province but now Yazd Termeh is the most famous in Iran because this city is the center of the design, production, and marketing of Termeh. This valuable handicraft is a kind of expensive fabric made of fine fibers such as cotton, silk, fluff, yarn, high-quality wool, etc., with various designs and patterns. Termeh weaving was done manually in the past, but over time it became semi-industrialized, and now it is produced with special machines. Yazd Termeh costs much due to the high-quality fabric and unique designs.

Pottery 

The real artist is the one who creates incredible artwork from a few soils and a little water. Pottery in Yazd is a sign of life in desert areas, where the soil has a high value, and to keep it alive, they make pottery dishes. Many masters in this field of art live in Meybod, a city in Yazd province which has only 55 kilometers distance from Yazd. There are different types of Potteries made in Meybod, both simple pottery without glazes and ceramic tiles. One of the characteristics that distinguish Yazd Pottery from other places is the designs and patterns of chickens, fishes, the moon, and the sun painted in these potteries.

Coppersmithing (Messgari )

You should visit the Yazd Coppersmithing Market (Messgari Bazaar) and see the beautiful copper dishes and works made by the artists of this market. This bazaar is 600 years old, which indicates that Yazd copper has been popular since ancient times. Yazd artists use pens, hammers, and heat to shape copper and create work arts that you can buy and use as home decoration or gifts to others.

Zilu 

Zilu is a carpet-like lightweight woven underlayment in different dimensions which dates back to the pre-Islamic era that has been one of Iran’s commercial products. Meybod is a city in Yazd province and the center of Zilu-weaving ( Zilu Bafi ) in Iran. The oldest Zilu is currently in Meybod’s old mosque. The only difference between Zilu and Carpet is that Zilu is woven with cotton and Carpet with natural wool. Because of Zilu’s coolness, it is popular in desert areas.

Shamad

Shamad or Ikat is an 800-year-old craft belonging to Yazd. It is a kind of cool and light fabric made of rayon or cotton yarn that is used as a blanket in the summer in tropical and desert areas. Various designs such as striped, checkered, and simple with warm colors like red, purple, green, and yellow make these marvelous fabrics fascinating.

 

Edible Souvenir

Yazdi Cake

Yazdi cake can be considered one of the delicious authentic souvenirs of Yazd, with a very soft and tender texture. The ingredients of this traditional cake include white flour, eggs, sugar, oil, rose water, baking powder, baking soda, yogurt or milk, fruit salt, vanilla, and cardamom, and some use sesame, raisins, and pistachio slices according to their taste. This sweet is sold in most cities of Iran and has many fans, but if you want to taste its real savor, you should travel to Yazd province.

Nan Panjereh Sweets (Monaqa Bread)

This sweet is one of the best souvenirs of Yazd with a particular shape. It prepares with simple ingredients like Starch, rosewater, rice flour, white flour, eggs, saffron, powdered sugar, and oil. 

Qottab

Yazd Qottab is one of those sweets that has many fans not only in Yazd but in all cities of our country. Qatab consists of two outer and inner layers. The outer layer of the dough is prepared from wheat flour, egg yolk, and milk or yogurt and the inner layer is a combination of almond powder, sugar powder, and cardamom (it gives a delicious taste and a pleasant aroma to sweets). This tasty sweet is fried in oil after preparation and finally rolled in powdered sugar.

Haji Badoomi

Haji Badoomi is a local sweet produced in some cities of Iran, especially Yazd. This pastry has a high edible value due to the nutmeg and gram flour used in it. Because of the specific alkaloids, nutmeg soothes joints and rheumatic pains. Haji Badoomi is a light small empty sweet. It is very delicious, and materials such as almonds, egg yolk, flour, rose water, powdered sugar, baking soda, melted solid oil, and cardamom is used to prepare it.

Pashmak (Cotton Candy)

Pashmak has played a role in many of our childhood memories. Most people have tasted Pashmak at least once, especially in their childhood, but perhaps few people know that it is considered one of the most authentic sweets of Yazd. Pashmak is a kind of candy that is made of sugar, water, flour, and solid oil. Today it is produced in different flavors like saffron, cocoa, coffee, and fruit. 

Yazdi Lovuez

Another souvenir of Yazd, which is very popular and well-known is Lovuez. It is prepared differently in many other cities of Iran, but its origin goes back to Yazd city. These almond shape sweets are available in three flavors: coconut, pistachio, and pussywillow. All of them are unique in their way, and your choice depends on your taste. The main ingredients used to prepare different types of Lovuez are sugar and egg whites.

Noghl

As a souvenir of Yazd, Noghl is one of the most famous sweets, usually eaten with tea. Yazd has different types of Noghl, including walnut, almond, pistachio, saffron, vanilla, rose water, etc. Each has its unique and memorable taste.

 

Final word

Yazd handicrafts such as cashmere, poetry, Shamad, pottery, and ceramics immerse you in a dreamy land, and its delicious sweets make your afternoon smiles more colorful with authentic Iranian tea.

 Wood Carving in Iran

 

All Iranian handicrafts arise from the soul of the people. Today, more than ever, the value of authentic Iranian art has been shown to everyone, and people have discovered the art and worthiness of these beautiful handmade structures. Woodcarving (Monabat Kari in Persian Languages) is one of the brilliant artworks in Iran that can catch the glance of every art lover in the world. 

Monabat Kari on various surfaces created. Kind of material such as wood, stone, bone, metal, etc. The best kind of it is done on wood by human hand, not a machine and other materials. Wood is one of the most abundant materials in human history that has always existed in nature. As a result, the idea of using wood as one of the main carving tools has been for a long time. No person or persons played a role in inventing this art, but ordinary people began to engrave and carve on wood. There are various types of designs, and all are by original Iranian art.

 

What does Monabat Kari (Woodcarving) mean? 

 

Woodcarving refers to the art of carving and embossing on natural wood by an artistic hand of a carving master. It means using art and creating embossment patterns on a material that is mostly wood. It is a prominent and valuable art, but it also is a branch of industry. Embossment is the most significant element in Monabat Kari. The patterns which carved on wood with special tools that form beautiful embossments.

 

The root of the word Monabat Kari

 

Monabat takes from the word Nabat which means planting and growing. As the initial design of this art was flowers, leaves, and plants, the great Iranian art lovers named this art Monabat. 

 

History of Woodcarving (Monabat Kari) in Iran:

 

It is not possible to estimate the history of Monabat in Iran accurately. But this art seems to date back more than fifteen hundred years. Even if some evidence proves the existence of this art in the Achaemenid era, most historians and experts claim that this art belongs to Sasanian and Pre Islamic eras. It testifies to the artistic penchant of Iranian people in the long past. 

 

What is the oldest Monabat work in Iran?

 

The wooden door of Jameh Atigh Mosque in Shiraz belongs to 3rd century Hijri and is the most significant well-known Monabat work from 1200 years ago. The base of the door is the wood of Tabriz covered by walnut wood. It is considered an exquisite and valuable artwork. 

 

Who is a Monabat Kar (Woodcarver)?

 

A Monabat Kar (Woodcarver) is an artist who makes beautiful embossments in natural wood. The artistic taste of the Monabat Kar (Woodcarver) plays a chief role in the final work. So artworks are worth more than other works and are distinctive and specific.

What is the characteristic of a good Monabat Kari?

 

Every artwork, regardless of its type, must be flawless to be considered exquisite and valuable. In Monabat art, the background must be uniform and smooth, and the patterns must have the same size and similarity. Also, the distance between the designs and their lines should be the same size.

The kind of wood used in Monabat Kari is another factor that is effective in its quality. The higher the durability and density of the wood, the more valuable the artwork will be.

Undoubtedly, the hands of the artist who creates the artwork will also affect the value of the Monabat Kari. An experienced and reputable master can make more precious ones. 

 

The tools used in Wood Carving: 

1. Cave: It is considered the most necessary tool in woodcarving because of its sharp steel blade. Carving on wood to reach the desired shape is done by a cave. Different sizes and kinds of this tool are available in the market.
2. File: Files have different shapes with treads all over them. When a piece of work has an arc or cannot be smooth with other tools is finished by file. 
3. Hammer: This tool is for hitting the cave and is made of wood and metal, but now it is made of compressed plastic and wood because of less noise, lighter weight, and no damage to the hand. 
4. Wood: Choosing the best wood as an important material in Iranian Monabat Kari is an essential step in this art. The wood that usually obtains from trees with broad and large leaves must have a fine and firm texture. Here we introduce the woods used in Iranian Monabat Kari that are prevalent in Iranian markets.

 

• Walnut tree wood: 

It is one of the best woods for Monabat Kari art in Iran as it is native to Iran and China and cultivated in most parts of Iran. The wood is heavy and can absorb paint well. The outer wood is brown with light brown, and the inner wood is light to dark brown.

 

• Beechwood:

This tree grows in Europe, West Asia, Iran, and Turkey. After walnut, it is the best wood for this art and is very popular in Iran. The outer wood is red, and the inner wood is reddish-brown. Both have parallel and uniform fibers with no odor and are relatively stiff, heavy, and resistant to impact.

 

• Plane tree’s wood:

In Iran, Tehran in particular, it is one of the most abundant trees. The outer wood is light to reddish-brown. Its old wood resembles beech.

 

 

Steps of Wood Carving on Wood: 

 

We have seven main steps in wood carving art:

 

1) Pattern selection and design

2) Choosing wood 

3) Transferring the design to wood

4) Preparing the wood

 

[If the wood chosen for carving is too hard, the carver may need to soften its surface with oil to make it easier to carve.]

 

5) Specify the pattern in the background by big caves

6) Carving the design on wood

7) Polishing the artwork  

 

Final Word:

 

Woodcarving (Monabat Kari) is a valuable and praiseworthy art that can turn a lifeless piece of wood into a precious and exquisite work of art. Today, this art is to create artistic wooden artifacts, even in kitchen decorations and classic-style cabinets. With the increasing spread of communication, more people are familiar with arts and crafts, and the art of woodcarving is entering the interior decoration of homes with greater strength.

 

Souvenir

There are many products you can purchase as Iran’s souvenirs. you can think about your friends taste and preferences and plan for what presents you’ll want to get for them. Iran has various traditional pastries and cookies as well as excellent tea, medical herbs, saffron and numerous beautiful handicrafts.

 

Tea

Iran’s tea has a worldwide reputation. If you visit tea-farms in Gilan, northern Iran, you can even get some fresh tea leaves.

 

Medical Herbs

You have probably heard about traditional medicine of the East. Iran’s plains and mountains are home to many medical herbs. You can obtain appropriate herbs from the stores traditionally called Attari. The herbs are useful for treating common cold and heart-disease etc or you can simply look for recipes to enhance your health and well-being.

 

Iranian Golab

One of Iran’s traditional inventions is a method for distilling the essence of herbs and flowers. The art has been taught from one generation to the next. The distilled essence of rose is called Golab. The best Golab is produced in Shiraz , Kashan and Oromiyeh cities. The people of Kashan have special customs for producing Golab.

 

Pistachio

Pistachio is one of the major products of Iran. iran’s pistachio is of world-class quality. you can find Iran’s best pistachios in Damghan, Kerman and Rafsanjan cities. Pistachio is a rich source of vitamins K, e and D as well as phosphorus. Many kinds of pistachio are produced in Iran which are known by traditiona names of ‘Akbari’, ‘kalleh-quchi’, ‘Ahmad-Aqayi’, ‘owhadi’, ‘shah-Pasand’, ‘khanjari-e damghan’ etc.

 

Handicrafts

Iranian handicrafts are various and wonderful. The country has 320 kinds of handicrafts. these include metal- working, woodworking, pottery etc.

 

The red gold (Saffron)

Ghayen town in South Khorasan province produces the world’s best quality saffron, sometimes called “the red gold.” you can obtain Ghayen saffron from traditional and modern stores in Iran. Iran also produces perfect spices. you can obtain spices from traditional bazaars.

 

Iranian carpet

Carpet and other hand-woven rugs such as Kilim and Jajim are some of the most beautiful handicrafts of Iran. you will not forget your visit with the carpets of Iran.

 

Termeh

This kind of cloth ( Termeh) is handmade with silk thread and is usually used as a tablecloth. It is somehow expensive due to its quality and special yarn and perfect design. Nowadays, Termeh is mainly made with mechanical tools, but the handmade ones are more valuable. If you want to buy the most beautiful pieces of Termeh, it is better to visit Yazd.

 

Turquoise

Turquoise is one of the Iranian souvenirs in which is not specific and belongs to Iran. Yet, you can find and buy one of the best types of Turquoise in Iran due to it is solid, hard, and is proper for making jewelry. Turquoise is Iran’s national gemstone and centered in the city of Neishabour. So if you have a special taste in Turquoise and jewelry, don’t forget to check out the northeast of Iran.

 

Ornaments and Jewelry

You can provide the necklaces of agate and turquoise. Iranian rings are beautiful too. you can visit the ornaments of Turkmen tribe women and the ethnic groups such as Kordish and Ghashghahi women. The women tend to wear many coins and jewels which dangle on their forehead and are attached to a scarf or shawl that is known “Sarband”.

 

Traditional Iranian Clothes

There are various traditional cloths in this vast country. you can find large collections of hats, shoes, shirts, skirts and trousers. Iran’s traditional cloths are usually lively, colorful and hand-sewn.

 

Caviar

Caviar is an energetic nutrition with a unique pleasant taste and smell. The proteins available in caviar include Histamine, Isoleucine Arsine, lysine and Methionine. The fat available in it is also divided into two major parts; 25 % cholesterol and 75 % lecithin. Over 93% of the sturgeon resources of the world are in the Caspian Sea and Iran is responsible for managing the conservation, reproduction, and releasing the fish. Iran releases 20-22 millions of sturgeon fish babies of the Persian sturgeon genus in the sea annually and is the only country that has legislated severe penalties for illegal fishing of this genus.

 

 

Handicraft

Iranians have always admired noble life. while holding to simplicity, they would also want to live in a beautiful environment and to be in touch with beautiful objects. This mindset has contributed to the creation of various handicrafts for use in every-day life. Iran’s traditional arts have survived the passage of time to the present day. At times, Iranians have inspired artists of different nations. Next time when you present a perfume bottle to a friend or loved one, remember that the history of your gift goes back to Iranian artists who would create elaborated perfume bottles for nobles.
There are approximately 320 Iranian handcrafts, some of them have 9000 thousand years of historical background. These include various textile arts, metalwork, pottery, woodwork and leatherwork, among others. Iranian handicrafts fall into the following categories: I. Textile Arts such as traditional braiding and the production of hand-woven textiles like Carpets, Druggets, and traditional Gilīm, Gabbeh and Varni etc. II. Metalworking and traditional chiseling
III. Pottery and ceramic arts
IV. Glass blowing
V. Wood-working, Mo’arraq, Monabbat etc.
VI. Leather products
VII. Jewelry and related arts.

Iranian Carpet

The Persian carpet is an essential part of Persian art and culture. Carpet-weaving is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art, and dates back to ancient Persia. Persian carpets can be divided into three groups; Farsh / ‘Qālī’ (sized anything greater than 6 x 4 feet), Qālicheh (meaning rug, sized 6 x 4 feet and smaller), and nomadic carpets known as Gilīm, (including Zīlū, meaning rough carpet). In a unique archaeological excavation in 1949, the exceptional Pazyryk carpet was discovered among the ices of Pazyryk Valley, in Altai Mountains in Siberia. The carpet was found in the grave of a Scythian prince. Radiocarbon testing indicated that the Pazyryk carpet was woven in the 5th century BC. Pazyryk carpet is considered as the oldest carpet in the world. Its central field is a deep red color and it has two wide borders, one depicting deer and the other Persian horseman.
It believed that the carpet from Pazyryk is not likely a nomadic product, but a product of an Achaemenid carpet production center. In the time of Safavid dynasty, carpet weaving took on considerable progress and flourished in Esfahān, Tabrīz, Kāshān and Kermān. Sheikh Safī Ad-dīn Ardabīlī’s carpet, currently preserved in Victoria & Alber museum in London, is one of the most precious and important carpets in the world. Many other famous Iranian carpets are preserved in the world’s renowned museums. Other kinds of carpets in Iran are called Gilīm, Jajīm ,Gabbeh and Varnī etc. Skillful Iranian carpet-weavers mix wonderful traditional patterns with personal taste and innovation.

Hand-woven Traditional Cloths

The tradition of weaving cloths by hand goes back to several thousand years ago. In certain rural and urban area, the practice continues its life to the present day. Yazd is one of the most important centers of hand-woven cloths. The woolen clothes of Tabrīz ,Rāmīān and Oskū are famous in the world. Cashmere, velvet and brocaded clothes were weaved in Kerman and Yazd. Country girls weaved these cloths with traditional designs and metallic thread veneers.

Leather Works (Sūkht Rūy-e Charm)

The art of ‘Sūkht’ is one of the best ways of ornamenting the valuable covers of the Qur’ān that refers to the act of printing the desired patterns on the leather by means of a heated molder. In this process the molder that contains the preferred pattern is heated and pressed against the leather in order to transfer the patterns to it. At this time the marks become dark brown and then all the work is gilded so as to produce the eye-catching effect of the exquisite Qur’ān covers. Esfahān is the chief center of this art.

Wood-working

Plenty of wood is found in the Nature. It is also a perfect medium for artistic work. Pottery manufacture has a long and brilliant history in Iran. Almost every part of Iran was, at a certain time, involved in pottery making. Recent excavations and archaeological research revealed that there were four major pottery-manufacturing areas in the Iranian plateau. These included the western part of the country, namely the area west of the Zagros Mountains (Lorestān), and the area south of the Caspian Sea (Gīlān and Mazandarān provinces). The third region is located in the northwestern part of the country, in Azarbāījān province. The fourth area is in the southeast, i.e. the Kerman region and Balūchestān. To these four regions one may also add the Kavir area, where the history of pottery making can be dated back to the 8th millennium BC.

Embossing

The history of embossing or Monabbat goes back to the Achaemenes era, but it particularly flourished in the Islamic era. Patterns depicting animals or mythical creatures would be carved on gold, silver, copper or bronze.
Gereh Chīnī
‘Gereh Chīnī’ is one of the beautiful handicrafts of Iran in which wooden straw are utilized to make geometrical designs so as to decorate windows, frames, paintings, tables and other objects. The windows that are adorned with this type of decoration are really fascinating.

Metalworking

Metalworking has a very long history in Iran. examples of ancient pieces of Persian metalwork include Achaemenid decorative artifacts and Sassanid gold and silver plates. Today, various types of trays, bowls, jugs and other decorative articles are made from silver and bronze. The main branches of the art of metalworking in Iran include Galamzani, Noqreh-kari, Talaa-kubi and Malileh-kari.

Khatam Kari

Delicate and meticulous marquetry, produced since the Safavid era: At the time, ‘Khātam’ was so popular in the court that princes would need to learn this technique along with music and painting. khatam means “incrustation”, and “Khātamkārī”, “incrustation work”. This craft consists of the production of incrustation patterns (generally star shaped), with thin sticks of wood (ebony, teak, Ziziphus, orange, rose), brass (for golden parts), camel bones (white parts). Ivory, gold or silver can also be used for collection objects. sticks are assembled in triangular beams, themselves assembled and glued in a strict order to create a 70cm diameter cylinder, which section is the main motif: a six-branch star included in a hexagon. These cylinders are cut into shorter cylinders, and then compressed and dried between two wooden plates, before being cut for the last time, in 1mm wide tranches. so this section is ready to be plated and glued on the object to be decorated, before lacquer finishing. The tranche can also be heated and softened to follow the curves of a rounded object. Many objects can be so decorated, such as: boxes, chessboards, cadres, pipes, desks, frames or some musical instruments. Khātam can be used on Persian miniature, realizing true work of art.

Filigree-Work on Metals

Filigree is a relatively old Iranian handicraft. you can find products in the city of Zanjān. Tea and dessert set, and other decorative filigree articles are made in various regions of Iran.

Pottery

Iranian pottery production presents a continuous history from the beginning of Iranian history until the present day. ceramic is perhaps the earliest and the most important invention made by man. For historians and archaeologists, it is the most significant of the artistic manifestations representing the social organization, economic conditions and cultural stage of a particular region. Other media, e.g. metal and textiles can be destroyed, or re-used, but pottery is indestructible, and even small fragments reveal a great deal of information for an expert. One of the earliest known and excavated prehistoric sites that produced pottery is Ganj Darreh Tappeh in the Kermanshah region, dating back to the 8th millennium BC Another great discovery was made south of the Caspian Sea in a cave, in the so-called Kamarband, (Belt cave) near present day Behshahr. Here again the pottery finds date to 8000 BC.
with the coming of the Achaemenid Dynasty in the 6th century BC great advances were made in pottery manufacture. The simple ware became more popular and widespread. It was nevertheless in the finer wares that progress is most noticeable. New shapes were introduced, e.g. the rhyton. The surfaces were now decorated with incised and moulded designs. certain prehistoric traditions have survived and continued. This is perhaps best observed in the application of animal figurines. These are attached to the handles of jars and rhytons. The traditions of pottery have continued their life to the present day and you can find many wonderful ceramic works in traditional bazaars of Iran.

Glass Blowing Works

Glass blowing Works or ‘Shīshegarī-Ye Fūtī’ is one of the genuine and traditional handicrafts of Iran that is the art of making glasses, vases, bowls and other objects, by means of melted glass (including silica, pieces of glass, melters, stabilizers and bleach). Prof. Grishman in his excavations found some glass jars with the outer diameter of 2.5 centimeters, the cap diameter of 0.6 centimeters and the length of 75 centimeters. with these excavated glass objects belonging to Parthian and sassanid periods we can say that the glass working industry has been popular at those times. One of the main centers of this craft is ‘Tehrān’. The city of Meymand is also one of the places in which glass blowing works have been prevalent in the past.

Traditional braiding (Pateh Dūzī)

It’s one of the appealing and traditional Iranian handicrafts which is categorized amongst the first group of ‘Rūdūzi’. This is an art which is the specialty of artistic and talented Iranian women. In this type of needlework, abstract floral designs are sewn to the cloths using delicate colorful wool threads usually in black, green, yellow, orange, red, blue and white. ‘Patehdūzī’ is used to make tablecloths, prayer rugs, Quran covers, curtains, saucers and etc. the oldest available sample of this type of braiding is the cover of Shāh Ne’matollāh-e Valī’s tomb in Māhān, which is a very delicate and splendid example; the background of its cloth is milky white and various traditional floral motifs (called Boteh Jeqeh) are sewn to it. This tomb cover is the result of the efforts of 22 women artists in 6 months.

Enameled work (Mīnā)

‘Mīnā’ is one of the most beautiful traditional handicrafts of Iran whose origin dates back to around 2000 BC, when it had originated in Iran. As professor Pope has put it in his book ‘The Survey of Iranian Art’: “enameled working is the brilliant art of fire and soil, with baked, luminous colors that dates back to 1500 BC.” enameled working is done through two different methods; the first method is to turn the colors into soft powder and mix them with water and glycerin, then solve them on a glass surface and finally drawing the desired design on the object, just like an ordinary water color painting. In the second method, however, the colors are mixed with pine tree ink and the objects are painted using oil color technique. Esfahān is the chief center of this enameled work.

Fars Handicrafts

Fars province is one of the well-known provinces of Iran. There are only a few people who have heard the name of Iran but have not noticed Fars. It is only fair to have a blog dedicated to Fars Handicrafts.

The Persian language comes from Fars Province, and for a long time, the international name of Iran (Persia) originated from this province and the Pars tribe of the Aryans. The foundation of the first civilization was built in Fars and spread worldwide. Fars has yet been able to support this reputation. From Persepolis to Nasir mosque, Fars handicrafts have visual artistic effects that they are in the list of the most visited places in the world every year, and where other than Fars could give such a variety to the world.

 

For several times, Fars has been the capital of all Iran; therefore, it fully knows what cultivating art means. While going up and down with the bumps on the road of history, this center never failed to impress. Even when The Moguls attacked, they managed to stand like a strong fort and became a haven for each artist. Being said so, Fars handicrafts took the lead on producing handmade crafts and mastering them. Handicrafts are usually the type of adeptness made by hand or simple tools, and mostly, they are one of a kind.

Each Fars handicrafts could be different, and the artists producing them masters the art. Handicrafts are cultural symbols of a country or a specific geographical region. These crafts were a part of whatever people used in life, not some antic they should put away or use only for design and decoration. 

Overall, Fars handicrafts originate from Fars province itself but spread into the whole country. These crafts are known as carpets, Kilims, and Gabbeh. From long ago, Persian Carpet gained a universal reputation. Cities such as Yazd, Tabriz, and Kerman are indeed well-known in the carpet business. However, because of some unique colors and patterns, this handicraft has made a stage in Fars. 

The background of carpet weaving in Fars goes back to 12 centuries ago, and there are solid documents that since the fourth century AH, these carpets became popular. Such a background backs up any industry or Fars Handicrafts tale.

They weave these carpets mostly with cotton, wool, and in some cases, silk and are not always to cover the floors. Some used them as a wall hanger as a part of a decorative reason. They also weave Kilims in Fars with a frame and some carpet tools. As a popular member of the Fars Handicrafts family, Kilims of Fars are different from Kilims of other places because they are the results of inspiration. The weavers do not use any pre-design map.

Lur and Turk ethnic groups, as they are the most population of nomadic tribes in Fars, are the masters of Kilim and Gabbeh, and you could find the finest of them in Vakil Bazar, Shiraz. Pottery is art with visible traces in history. Any country with a golden age has once used pottery to tell its story from ancient times. Iran has a famous figure in pottery.

Southern cities of Fars like Lar and Gerash, due to the quality of their land and soil, made handicrafts through pottery and exported them to countries around the Persian Gulf. Many pale and glazed potteries are still Fars Handicrafts. These days, because of the sense of nostalgia, the attraction of these pottery handicrafts has increased.

Maybe one could argue whether stucco is a handicraft or not. Stucco is handmade and goes back to the Achaemenid era. The Sassanid dynasty originated in Fars, mastered the art, and no Persian house went without stucco. The traditional method with bergamot, flower, and plant designs is a relic of the Zandiyeh era. Master craftsmen, especially the younger ones, have made innovations in the field of stucco and have tried to transfer this art from mere decoration to the decoration of things, such as paintings, mirror margins, and sculptures. Stucco is a handicraft in Fars that is gradually taking root.

Fars province plays house to yet another legendary handicraft. Cities such as Meymand, Firoozabad, and even Shiraz have workshops for glassblowing. Fars Handicrafts have solid backgrounds. 

From the pre-historical ages, glassblowing has made its way into decoration and jewelry. The glass is an amorphous solid, which heating could shape the glass into many objects. Masters of glassblowing heat and blow, then color it with natural colors. They make glassware, containers, decorative windows, jewelry, etc. Nowadays, glassblowing has a specific section for itself in any handicraft shop.

 

 Fars Handicrafts presents marquetry as well. Marquetry is a noble fine art that has made its way to the contemporary era with traditional patterns on wood. Long before marquetry on wood became so common, the artists would gather around small mosaics and make a picture in the form of large boards. They found these boards in Kazerun in Bishapur from the Sassanid epoch, where they were called the masters of this art. Marquetry as handicraft works on wood now, and it is more popular this way.

Shiraz was the capital city of Fars, and it still is. Therefore, when it comes to handicrafts, it is the origin of one of the finest arts called Khatam, the Persian way of inlaying. Khatam is a regular polygon with many sides, formed using different raw materials in different colors. This art needs high care and attention, which is why it has become one of the arduous and delicate Fars handicrafts. For example, the inlay of the pulpit (Minbar) and the roof of the Jameh mosque of Atigh in Shiraz are the highest models of this art. It needs special equipment, raw materials such as wood, bone, or metal, and tools like hammer saw drills and other types of razors. Khatam is a professional art used to decorate holy shrines, and wealthy benefactors paid the masters to do their best for these places. Later on, the margin of the mirrors, windows, the base of vases, decorative and jewelry boxes, and chess boards were also products of khatam inlaying. 

Fars handicrafts dose owe it all to the school of Shiraz. Miniature and its special techniques in Shiraz can be a worthy handicraft and a fine gift to give someone you respect. Painting a rose flower with a bird called nightingale (Gul-o-Bulbul) is a style of painting, and is a handicraft, originated from Shiraz.

 

Metalworking could also be one of Fars handicrafts. This branch of delicate production has two sub-branches like toreutics and silversmith. Toreutics is the fine art of making patterns and shapes on a metal which is usually copper. It could be nearly anything, a vase, a dish, the margin of mirrors, and even pens. Silversmith is close to making jewelry, and from how people have welcomed it, silversmith became widely available. And most of the handicrafts are crafts made out or produced from silver or somehow have silver. 

 

One of the oldest, most delicate, and beautiful pieces of art in Iran is tiling. This way of decoration has carried on most aspects of Iran’s architecture. There are two main techniques in tilling. One is marquetry tiling, and the other is seven color tiles. In the latter, first, the master and designer draw the pattern with several colors (red, pink, blue, turquoise, yellow, black, and purple) on the tile, and then after firing it in a kiln, they make their masterpiece ready to be used on buildings. Shiraz has made a name for itself in this type of tiling. The most famous scenery decorated and designed by these seven color tiling is Nasir mosque. Seven color tile workshops in Shiraz are ready to sell tiles in frames and boards. This colorful craft is a fair gift to give to someone special or to keep as a reminder of your trip to Shiraz.

 

Iran’s decorative art in architecture, like any other country, has many categories. One originated from Iran existed during the Sassanid dynasty. Aina-Kari or Mirroring is a glamorous art and later turned into a glamorous handicraft. Shiraz always had an air about it that made the city loveable. Many kings of different dynasties, whether Shiraz was their capital or not, gave the city special attention. That is the main reason for so many styles in decorative art that exist in Shiraz. Qavam House and the mansion of Zinat-ol-Molk are examples of Aina-Kari, and many Persian traditional houses have a room with this decoration and Fars handicrafts.

Mirrors in Persian culture are symbols of brightness, joy, and positive energy. Producing different shapes of mirrors and combining mirroring with other handicrafts like silversmith or metalworking has made this category of Shiraz handicrafts welcomed with open arms. 

 

Other cities in Fars province have their specialty. Like handicrafts of the ethnic groups, you could find them in Shiraz too. But knowing where they originally come from gives credit to these handicrafts. In Fars province, specially Abadeh, wood carving goes way back, and some of the most beautiful pieces of works are in this city in the forms of boxes, chess boards, furniture, tables, etc. 

Wood carving means carving patterns of flowers and plants on wood so that they may seem alive. Nowadays, the patterns and shapes are not limited to just plants and green life, but usually, nature is the first source of inspiration. This delicate art goes back to 1500 years ago, and pieces of it were found as archeology pieces of evidence in Fars Handicrafts. With owning most of the wood carving workshops and wood carving professional masters are from Abadeh. As perfecting Fars handicrafts, this city has become the world’s capital of wood carving. 

 

There is a sort of footwear, also made in Abadeh, known as Giweh (some shoes like espadrille). Giweh is handmade, and the exclusive technique used in Abadeh for this type of shoe is called Maleki. These shoes are of carpet yarn or silk, cloth, and a piece of leather. Handcrafters from Abadeh create protrusions on the bottom of the leather part so that its surface would not be slippery. Today, with projects such as the Persian Traditional clothing, wearing Giweh has increased, and the Malekis from Abadeh are out of their obsolescence.

One of Fars handicrafts, ancient and yet nearly forgotten, is bulrush mat making. This type of handicraft is specific to towns like Zarghan. Bulrush mat making is some sort of mat made out of bulrushes that grew quite fairly near riversides. We could easily say it is even older than weaving. Handcrafters cut the bulrushes with a sickle, then pour water on them and pluck them to use them as textures. In some places, people use bulrush as thatches.

Mats made out like this were so popular, and giving it the time it needed to become an art, the way of weaving it turned into a specific technique. It made the object not only antiquity but a very delicate handicraft. Kazerun nomads, who live almost in the west of Shiraz, are also good artists in the bulrush weaving and making wicker baskets. Bulrush weaving in Kazerun is with swamp straw or palm tree fiber, and apart from women, men also have a skill in this art.

 

Estahban of Fars province, a city 175 km away from Shiraz, has succeeded in producing various types of pottery ceramics. This art was registered as an intangible heritage of Iran. The market for pottery ceramics has boomed since the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization supported the art. The technique used to make these special ceramic containers or decorations is from Estahban and has been distinguished throughout the country. At one time, these handicrafts were unknown, but today they are popular in handicrafts, especially when they are of high quality.

 

Fars Handicrafts are usually everywhere, apart from the concept of souvenirs; they are the particles of a country’s culture. As a guiding line, before any trip, we should have the necessary information about our destination. This information also includes handicrafts. In this article, we have tried to introduce you to the most prestigious handicrafts in Fars province and the most artistic ones, although the discussion does not end here. In general, paying attention to the handicrafts of each city, especially Fars province, with its background, enriches the journey ahead.