Fars Customs Introduction

 Mausoleums and Imamzadehs

Shah Cheraq Mausoleum

A place of pilgrimage but also worth visiting for its unbelievable mirror work, it contains the tomb of the brother of Imam Reza (P.B.U.H.) who died in the 8th century. The first construction of it is attributed to Atabak Sa'ad Ebn-e-Zangi. In the 8th century A.H. it was repaired and developed by the mother of Ishaq Injoo. In the early 10th century A.H., it was again repaired. But late in the century, an earthquake ruined it so it underwent renovation once more. In the year 1243 A.H., during the reign of Fathali Shah Qajar, some sections were added to it. In the year 1958 its dome was reconstructed. This shrine is one of the most famed places of pilgrimage for the followers of the Shiite sect in Iran and in the world.

Seyed Ala-edin Hossein Shrine

This pilgrimage site which is located in the south-east of Shiraz is the shrine of Shah Cheraq's brother. The main construction, with tile work adornments belonging to the Safavid era.

Imamzadeh Shah Mir Ali Hamzeh

This Imamzadeh is located near the Qoran Gate of Shiraz. It is known that the original structure is of the Azododoleh-ye-Daylami period and was repaired and reconstructed in Teimoorian, Safavid, Zandieh and Qajar eras.

Atiq Jame' Mosque

This mosque was built in celebration of the conquest of Shiraz by Saffarid Amroleiss in the year 276 A.H. and was completed in 281 A.H. It has been restored many times. The height of the building and its various nocturnal areas (Shabestans) with beautiful tile works on the ceilings, give a unique charm to this place.

Nasirol Molk Mosque

This mosque is situated at the end of the Lotfali Khan-e-Zand Street. Nasirol Molk, who was one of the elites of Shiraz, is the founder of this mosque. This mosque is unique for its tile work and architecture. The construction work of mosque began in 1293 A.H. and was finally terminated in 1305 A.H., by Mohammad Hassan Me'mar and Mohammad Reza Kashi Paz Shirazi.

Noe (Shohada) Mosque

it was formerly called the Atabak Mosque. Its construction work began in 598A.H. by Atabak Sa'd-ebne-Zangi and was completed in 615 A.H. This very large mosque has a ceiling that is 40 m. high and 25 m. wide supported by 12 lower sections. Its building has been recently restored.

Vakil Mosque

It is one of the most valuable monuments dating back to Zandieh period. Its construction was completed in 1773 A.D. The said premise with an area of 3600 Sq.m. has been furnished with large stones. Its nocturnal area or Shabestan (night prayer hall) with an area of 2700 sq.m. contains 48similar tall pillars of stone with a beautiful ceiling and a marble altar that is considered to be one of the master pieces of the Zandieh era.

Tombs

Koorosh Kabir (Great Cyrus) Shrine, Shiraz-Esfahan Rd

On the Shiraz - Esfahan Road and in the Morqab plains, this rectangular monument is built on a six-storey platform. On the top floor, which is 3 m. high, there are two tombs, one belonging to Koorosh, and the other to his wife Kassandan mother of Kamboujieh. These two graves are interconnected by a meter long and 35 cm. wide corridors.

Hafiz Tomb

Hafiz is one of the most famous Gnostics and poets of Iran, who was born in Shiraz in 726 A.H. and passed away 65 years later. The tomb of Hafiz also known as Hafizieh is located in north of Shiraz and comprises of two gardens. Many people still come to pay homage to this master of poetry. The mausoleum itself is located in a lovely garden, and has an atmosphere of peace and calm that is quite unique.

Khajoo-e-Kermani Tomb

The tomb of Kamal-edin Abu Ata known as Khajoo (689-756 A.H.) is located in the Allah Akbar Gorge close to the Qoran Gate of Shiraz. It is the tomb of a famous Iranian poet and Gnostic. This memorial was completely renovated in recent years.

Sa'di Tomb

Sa'di, a keen traveller and famous Gnostic, was a known poet of the 7th century A.H. he was born in Shiraz and passed away between the years 695-691 A.H. In 1942, the present building was constructed by the Association for National Arts and the tomb of Sa'di was placed in an octagonal mausoleum with high dome and interesting tile works.

Shah Shoja' Mozafari Tomb

In Takht-e-Zarabi and to the west of Tekiyeh-ye-Haft Tanan, the tomb of the most reputed monarch of the Mozafar Dynasty, i.e., Abolfovares Shah Shoja' son of Amir Mobarezedin exists. In 1971 a memorial was constructed on his grave which is of special value from architectural and historical point of view.

 Palaces , Edifices , Castles and Citadels

Persepolis

On top of the rocky mountain of Rahmat in the plain of Marvdasht, the ruins of Takht-e-Jamshid palace are pre-eminent. Construction of these palaces commenced at the time of Darius I (521 B.C.) and was not completed in less than a period of 150 years. Takht-e-Jamshid is registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The entrance of the complex is formed by a two-ramp stairway composed of 110 rather wide and short steps. On top of the stairways is the main entrance or “The Great Gate”, marked by two statues of a bull with a human head and a pair of wings. There are two exits, one to the south and the other to the east. The south exit or gate connects to the Apadana Palace.

Pasargadae

This palace is 600 meters to the northeast of the Koorosh (Cyrus) Shrine. this palace is 2,620 square meters and includes a large hall (with eight columns) in the middle and four terraces in four directions and two rooms in the corners. To the east of the palace is Pasargadae, composed of a large hall with eight columns. There is a doorway on the north, east and western side of this hall. In the northern doorway, there is an impression of a winged human with two wings directed towards the sky and two wings to the bottom, whereas the hands are raised towards the sky in a gesture of prayer.
This edifice with 3,427 square meters area is located 15 km. northwest of the palace. The main hall has 30 columns made of white stone. A mass of black and white stones have been used as construction material. One of the characteristics of Pasargadae is the canals made of white stone, which were used, for irrigation.
There are equally other remains distributed in the province, some registered as national heritage monuments. These include the ruins of the Achaemenian Dynasty (Saravan Village), the Dokhtar Palace (Rastaq Village) dating back to the 3rd century A.D., the restored Sassanid Palace (Sarvestan) dating originally back to the time of Bahram Gour (year 420 A.D.), Ardeshir Babakan Palace (Marvdasht).

Karim Khani Citadel

It used to be the main residential palace of Karim Khan-e-Zand and his dynasty in Shiraz. Surrounded by high brick walls, there are four towers, each at a corner of the complex. This place was used as a prison for thirty five years until 1971. Although damaged as a result of misuse, renovations are taking place. This monument is a good representative of the architectural style which was typical of the Zand period.

Estakhr Castle

The Estakhr Mountain is to the extremity of the southwest of the Marvdasht plains; on top of which the famous Estakhr Castle was constructed in the Azododoleh-ye-Deilami period. In this place a large pool (Estakhr) was made, but unfortunately at present, only a very tall ancient cypress tree dating back to a century can be seen among the ruins of the stony building of the castle.

Dokhtar Castle

Dating back to the 3rd century, this historical site is found in a mountainous area overlooking the Firooz Abad plain. Many tourists come to visit this site. Tourists can reach the summit by existing mounting facilities.

Pars Museum

The Kolah Farangi pavilion located in the midst of the Nazar Garden in Shiraz, was converted to a museum in 1852 and was restored in 1901. In this museum eleven paintings by Aqa Sadeq, a well known artist of that time, is on display. The building is composed of a central hall with a dome and four alcoves. In the eastern side, Karim Khan Zand was originally buried. Valuable objects can also be seen in this museum.

Natural Attractions, Gardens and Recreation Places

Bamoo National Garden

With an area of 48,075 ha, it is located to the north of Shiraz. The climate is dry and warm (Mediterranean). This national park has many species of flora and fauna that are internationally known.
Basiran Hunting Prohibited Zone, Abadeh Situated 4 km. south of Abadeh, it has many unique species of plants and animals.

Delgosha Garden

Situated near the Sa'di Tomb in Shiraz, this garden dates back to the pre-Islamic period and the time of the Sassanids. With an area of 7.5 ha, it is a major attraction of Shiraz.

Eram Garden

With its beautiful flowers and decorative plants as well as its amazing edifice, it is now also known as the Botanical Garden of Shiraz University, and is in the heart of the city of Shiraz.

Golshan Garden (Afif Abad Garden)

Located in Shiraz, it has an area of 127 thousand Sq.m. The two-storey building has been constructed at the request of Mohammed Khan Qavamol-Molk about two hundred years ago. The baths, ceramic work and tea house are well worth seeing. At present this building belongs to the Defense Ministry and a museum of arms has been established in this structure.

Jahan Nama Garden

This garden dates back to the Zand period and is located near the main entrance to the city of Shiraz (Darvazeh Qoran). Within the garden there is an old building worth visiting.

Tang-e-Tizab Recreation Site

Located 20 kilometers northwest of Sepeedan in the vicinity of the Beshar River with diverse species of endemic fishes, this promenade has suitable forests with pleasant weather in summer.

Margoon Waterfall

Sepidan

Formed as a result of the Kamhar Watershed penetrating the rocky areas, the harmony of forest trees with unique topography of mountainous and river land regions have enhanced the landscape beauties of the Margoon Waterfall. This area created an ecosystem that attracts domestic and international tourists along with research, education and recreational capabilities.