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In Southern Iran and to
the North of Persian Golf, lies a province called Fars (or
Pars), which in ancient times was the center of one of the
world greatest empires.
Now, the center of Fars is called Shiraz. It was built
about 695 AD. In 10th century Ad, in Safavid era, Shiraz
became more prosperous. It was chosen as the capital of
Deilamian dynasty, by "Ali Imadodoleh", founder
of the dynasty. Seljuk conquered the city. It became the
capital city of "Atabakan", Fars.
Shiraz survived from Mongol attacks. In 15th century AD,
it was one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with
its bazaars, gardens, waterworks,... and it's people.
In Timurid era, it was conquered and many people were
killed. During Safafid period, Shiraz was prosperous and
considered as the second important city inn Iran, after
Isfahan.
In Zand era, Shiraz was officially announced the capital
city of Iran. In Qajar era, beautiful palaces and gardens
were built in the city. Kings of Pahlavi, also, have built
several monuments and arranged ceremonies in Shiraz.
Shiraz
is situated in a plain, surrounded by two mounthain-ranges.
Shiraz is 895 km away from Tehran. It enjoys a mild
climate and its magnificently impressive gardens have been
famous from old time. Being the home town of tow of the
greatest Persian poets, this city has been tourists’
focus of attention. Chardin, the French traveler, and
Flandin are among others who have visited Shiraz. Shiraz
has been the capital city of Iran in different periods. It
includes numerous monuments:
Arg
(citadel) of Karim Khan
It is located in the central area of the city. This
citadel has been the seat
of government and the residence of Karim Khan Zand
(1750-79), first of Zand dynasty and then, for a while it
was used as a prison. This magnificent building, which is
a triumph of architecture, has impressive plasterwork,
wooden windows and tilework. It is encircled by four great
towers.
Atiq
Jame Mosque
This
stone and brick building is among the earliest mosques
built in Iran. It has four Eiwans and a square building
with beautiful tileworks in the middle of yard. It
includes a sanctuary with many columns and a pulpit made
of stone.
Vakil
Bazaar
In Zand dynasty, this bazaar is of significance from
architectural point of view. In the Southern side of
bazaar, there is a caravaserai called “Sarai Moshir”.
Today it is a centre for selling handicrafts.
Quran
Gate
To the North of Shiraz, there is a beautiful gate
going back to Deilamid. There were two axquisite Quran
kept in a room over the gate, that are displayed in pars
museum now.
Pars
museum
It
is a building with an impressive pavillion, used for
formal meetings, during reign of Karim Khan. It is located
near the citadel of Karim Khan. This building has been
used as a museum since 1937. Articles belonging to
different periods are displayed in this museum.
Shrines
The most
important shrine in Shiraz is the mausoleum of Seyed Mir
Ahmad (“Shah Cheraq” meaning the King of lights),
brother of Imam Reza, eighth Imam of the Shiites, dating
back to the 10th century. The other shrines
are: Seyed Mir Mohammad, Aladdin Hosein, Shah Mir Ali
Hamzeh and Seyed Tajaddin Gharib.
Gardens
Shiraz has had a world fame for its gardens. Eram (Bagh
Eram) is of the highest importance. Its Sassanid
architecture and mirror-encrusted stalactite are unique.
The impressive cypress trees, one of which dates back to
300 years ago, created a beauty scene. The other gardens
are Narenjestan (that is both a garden and a museume),
Bagh Afif (that is also a museum of weapons), and Bagh
Delgosha.
Mausoleums
The
mausoleums of three of the greatest Iranian poets Hafiz,
Sadi and Khaju, are of the greatest importance. Each
mausoleum is architecturally unique.
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