Shiraz, Glory of Iran (part 2)

Sepideh Afshar Rezaee

Translated by Shiva Shakib

Religious Beliefs in Shiraz

The official religion of people in Shiraz is Islam and although the majority of Jews in this city migrated in the second half of the twentieth century, there are still a minor crowd of them living in Shiraz. Due to promotional activities of Christians during the nineteenth and twentieth century in Shiraz, small groups of Christians still live there.

Poetry and Poets

Shiraz is known as the Iran's city of poetry. Among the great Iranian poets, Jahan Malek Khatoon and Khajooy Kermani lived in Shiraz, who are of course in addition to worldwide famous poets such as Hafiz and Sa’adi and for such reasons Shiraz can be called the capital of culture and literature of Iran. Actually the literature and culture of this land has a deep connection with this city.

Historical Monuments

From a long time ago, Shiraz has been famous for its enchanting gardens and orchards, some of which are among significant tourism centers. Eram Orchard, Delgosha Garden and JahanNama Garden are among them. As Shiraz has several historical monuments, both Iranian and foreign tourists visit the city frequently. There are several temples, orchards, old buildings, mosques, palaces, castles, schools, museums, bazaars, tombs, gates and other historical and ancient beautiful places in Shiraz which enchant tourists all the time.

Meanwhile, Shiraz posses natural landscapes, fountains, springs, parks, mountainsides as well; each of which reveal a unique beauty. During centuries the social and economic structure of Shiraz has been developed by these constructions, and historical monuments. The holy shrines of many religious Imams’ descendants are there because during the Abbasid caliphate a number of Imam Musa ibn Ja’afar's sons- including Ali ibnHamzeh and Shah Chiraq- took shelter in this city.

Agriculture as an Industry

Plenitude of water in this region has led to development of fertile lands proper for agricultural purposes and therefore farming is a prominent part of its economy. The agricultural products of the city are: grapes, Seville orange, dates, nectarine, pomegranate, and wheat. Flowers and rugs are also among the well-known products of the city. Among the handicrafts of Shiraz the following crafts can be mentioned: marquetry, tile working, carpet weaving, and carpentry. Major industries such as electronics, oil refinery, petroleum complex, cement factory, tire production, dairy products and textile manufacturing.

Souvenirs of Shiraz

Shiraz has so many and diverse souvenirs that are impossible to encounter them all here. In addition to great and tasty sweets such as masqati, sesame bread, distilled liquids, komaj bread, rose water, and natural syrups, it also has great handicrafts. In spring many tourists visit the city as it has the most pleasant climatethen. In the middle of spring, May, 5^th, is named as Shiraz day.