Visit Shiraz to take a journey through poetry, fragrance and timelessness
Shiraz, the capital of Fars Province, is known for its various elements, with poetry being one of the most important. Hearing the name Shiraz alone can lift one’s spirits, let alone visiting this city. The city is the resting place of Hafez and Sa’di - two great Persian poets whose poetry books can be found in almost every Iranian household. Perhaps the reason for this city’s deep association with “love” can be traced to the fact that it has been the wellspring of romantic poetry, a continuing influence that even today’s poets and lyricists draw upon.
Shiraz is renowned for its spring, which is why a day is specifically designated as “Shiraz Day” right in the middle of this verdant season. Although finding tickets to travel to Shiraz during this period by any means other than a personal vehicle may be a challenge, a trip to this city is record-breaking for a simple reason: the pleasant weather, ISNA wrote.
As soon as you exit the airport, train station, or terminal, one of the first things that will catch your eye within a short distance are the trees, whose fresh and green foliage invites your eyes to rest. In this situation, just taking a few deep breaths will help you better understand why the “spring of Shiraz” is so widely spoken of. The combination of the fragrance of fresh plants and orange blossoms is intoxicating to everyone.
Shiraz is renowned for its orange blossoms. Even as you search for souvenirs in the Vakil Bazaar, walking past a dried fruit or perfume shop will lift your spirits with the scent of dried orange blossoms. Although your experience of this fragrance may be limited to just a few orange blossom petals, you can steep in your teapot at home to ease the fatigue of a hectic day.
Shiraz is a lively city where people know how to enjoy the present moment. Instead of worrying about the future, they embrace the joy of the present. It’s common to see Shirazi locals singing traditional songs passionately in front of faloodeh (a traditional Iranian dessert) shops on spring nights. This lively atmosphere encourages even busy travelers to pause and immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of the city.
If you are a traveler with a short time to spend in Shiraz, you will need to move quickly! In addition to everything that has been mentioned about Shiraz, the city is also famous for its special sights and attractions; seeing all of them may not be possible in a short trip, which is why travelers often decide to visit Shiraz with a detailed plan.
However, the pleasant weather sometimes disrupts your calculations in a way that you may fall behind your previous schedule! Is it possible on an afternoon in late spring while strolling in the Afif-Abad Garden, to not be captivated by the drizzle of rain and easily leave this space? In such a situation, it doesn’t matter what time the next destination is open until - it is you who has decided to live each moment that may never be repeated for the rest of your life.
Shiraz is a big city, so if you venture away from the main historic sites like the Vakil complex, Narejestan-e Qavam Garden, Delgosha Garden, and others, you’ll find modern streets and highways like those in the capital city of Tehran. But Shiraz has more to offer than just historical and modern landmarks.
Exploring the city’s alleys can transport you back to the Safavid era of Shiraz, with no tall buildings or large malls in sight. Here, you’ll find elderly locals sitting under trees, eager to welcome and engage with travelers. If you show interest in their homes and stories, they may invite you in for a cup of tea and share their memories with you.
While life in this part of Shiraz may not be as lively as the memories shared by locals, the authenticity of the place and the architecture of houses that have stood the test of time, despite weathered walls, missing door frames, and chipped tiles, is still apparent. This local fabric offers a glimpse into the social life of the people, even though the last person who truly knew them may have passed away.