I have had many trips and saw many places in Iran. From the north to the south of the country. But perhaps the best trip I took was to Shiraz in April last year. The people who travel to Shiraz in this month describe it as a paradise with lots of gardens and a pleasant smell of orange blossom flowers. I have always heard that the best time to travel to Shiraz is in late April and early May. My colleague Abbas and I went to Shiraz on a business trip on April 28, 2019. From the beginning of the trip to the airport, I was really excited. Because Shiraz is a city of Iranian culture, literature, and history and it is a world heritage and all Iranians are very fond of it.
The most beautiful monument to me in this city is the Qavam House. So the next day, with great enthusiasm, we rented an internet taxi and headed for the monument. The smell of orange blossom flowers had engulfed the whole city and made us intoxicated. I saw a lot of bitter orange trees along the way. The breathtaking beauty of Shiraz amazes every tourist. The museum is located on Lotfali Khan Zand Street. The building belongs to Ali Mohammad Khan Qavam, which was completed in 1888. As I entered the garden, I enjoyed seeing the bitter orange trees and the beautiful pond in front of the mansion. There were many tourists from different countries, constantly photographing. As we passed by the pond, we came across the building. It has beautiful plasters on the wall. We entered the hall of mirrors and were stunned. How beautiful it was. I could see myself in every mirror. The whole floor is covered with white and blue tiles. The building has two floors that are connected by two stairs. Upstairs there are beautiful paintings. It was really memorable to see this building.
Another museum located near the Qavam House is the Zinat al-Molk Museum located in the alley next to it. The architecture of the building is very similar to Qavam House, which was completed in 1923. The museum has a small courtyard with around 20 rooms and all of them are interconnected. The western building has a king-size hall, mirror, and plaster with European paintings. Underneath the house is a museum of fame with wax sculptures that doubled the beauty of the museum. From the basement of the house, there is also a way to the Qavam House, which only Qavam’s family members were commuting through. It’s really great.
From there we went to the Nasir al-Molk Mosque, which was about 5 minutes walk. This mosque is also known as the Pink Mosque. Its construction was completed in 1888. The mosque has one main entrance hall and two side entrances. The entrance to the mosque is very eye-catching with a wonderful tile and a beautiful wooden door. In the courtyard of the mosque, there is a large pool with a picture of the mosque and its minarets. The mosque has two summer and winter shabestan. The most beautiful part of the mosque is the western shabestan, with seven doors made of colorful glass. The sun shines through these doors throughout the day and creating a dream space inside the shabestan. You can’t believe how beautiful it is. You must visit this mosque once.
The same night, after a couple of business meetings, Abbas and I went to Tomb of Hafez, on Boulevard Azadi. A beautiful tomb in the middle of a beautiful garden. The tomb of Hafez Shirazi, one of Iran’s greatest poets. A poetic and pleasant atmosphere next to a poet whose poems adorn our Iranian nightlife. The people of Shiraz believe that this tomb is the most beautiful garden of Shiraz. Many Iranians gather in this place at the beginning of the Persian new year (Nowruz), read poems, sing and dance. The smell of orange blossom in this spiritual space with the beautiful song of Shirazi people is truly a reminder. The beautiful building of the tomb has also multiplied the beauty there. The construction of the tomb was completed in 1935. The memories of this night were very pleasant to me.
The next day we went to the Vakil Market in Zand Street to buy Shiraz souvenirs. An old-fashioned market is full of craft and perfume stores and herbal remedies and jewelry. The light shines through the ceiling holes into the market and illuminates it. This market has two orders. Part of the market is known as Saraye Moshir. When I arrived there I was amazed at the beautiful Iranian handicrafts. four leads with earring decorations, arches and corners make up the most beautiful part of the Vakil Market. The beautifully landscaped courtyard has made for a quiet place in the heart of the market. Here you can find any kind of crafts you want.
This trip was short but it was my most memorable trip. The Beauties of Shiraz in this month, along with the warm and kind people of Shiraz, made me beautiful memories. I recommend this wonderful trip to everyone. I can honestly say Shiraz is the best place in the world to fall in love. Everything comes together to make love to you. So look forward to meeting you in Shiraz in this dream month.
