Iranian Handicrafts and Unesco world Heritage Sites in Iran

Iranian Woodworks

Woodworks in Iran comprises Moaraq working (an Iranian handicraft made of small pieces of different woods) and wood carving. Khatamkari is another Persian art of marquetry dating back to the Safavid period. The artist decorates the wooden surface of the jewelry boxes, chessboards, desks, and suchlike with different shapes (generally star-shaped) of pieces of wood, bone, metal, and sometimes gold, silver, ivory, and brass. Sometimes it is combined with miniature to make a unique work of art. Another art of woodwork is Monabat, which is the process of cutting large pieces of wood and creating great forms out of it. It has a long history in Iran and is a reminder of the past.

Iranian Fabric

Iranian fabric named Ghalamkari is made by hand drawing or printed by the use of patterned wooden stamps. Termeh is another Iranian hand-woven cloth, primarily produced in Yazd. Its weaving is very delicate and time-taking. Another kind of Persian weaving embroidery is Zardozi. It is making designs using gold and silver threads, pearls, and precious stones. Nowadays, copper wires polished by gold or silver, and silk threads are used as well. It also includes Goldozi (embroidery stitches), Baluchi Suzandoi (needlework), Seke duzi (shisha embroidery), Rashti Qollabdozi (a special kind of broderie), and Kermani Pateh duzi (a style of Iranian embroidery).

Souvenirs From Iran

Iran, as one of the most ancient civilizations of the world, and the land of many tribes so different in culture, lifestyle, and tradition has enjoyed a wide variety of handicrafts during history. Persian handicrafts, each narrating the stories of the culturally diverse populations in different parts of vast Iran, are among the best souvenirs for the tours to Iran. Some of Iranian(Persian) handicrafts which can be used as souvenirs are Handmade Cloths, Giveh, Sweets, nuts, spices for the foodie, Minakari, Khatamkari, Ceramics and pottery, Tea set, Ghalamzani, Turquoise, tile work, Carpet, Kilim, Jajim, Gabbeh. In this website 12 top handicrafts of Iran are introduced.

Persian Food Gifts

Thinking of what to buy in Iran as food gifts? Here is a list of Iranian food souvenirs: A variety of delicious sweets are found in cities of Iran. You can buy Sohan from Qom, Gaz, Poolaki and Honey Sohan from Isfahan, Ghotab, Pashmak and Baklava from Yazd and etc. Iranian Saffron is a magical ingredient in Persian food for making aromatic foods and colorful desserts. This is also a good choice as a souvenir that you can buy it from Mashhad.

Dried fruits and nuts are another option for tourists as Iranian food gifts. Kerman’s pistachios, famous in the world are the best in the country. Buying packs of mixed nuts that come with cashews, pistachios, almonds, raisins, and walnuts are recommended.

Persian food has a vast variety of spices that are used. Iranian produce different spices due to various climatic conditions in different parts of Iran. dried lime, Turmeric, cardamom, rose petals, are some of the spices that you can buy from Iran. Rose Water, Caviar, Tea, Jam, Lavashak, Pickles, Zeytoon Parvardeh, Barberries, dry/fresh dates, Herbs are another options of Iranian food gifts.

Shopping in Iran

From the historical bazaars to modern and luxurious shopping malls, Iran is a paradise for shopaholics to enjoy the numerous lively places to explore. In Tehran's Grand Bazaar you can find everything from clothes, jewelry, fabrics, and Persian carpets to home accessories. Walking through colorful Tajrish Bazaar is a terrific experience. Feeling the aroma of fresh foods, vegetables and spices, hearing the sellers and buyers bargaining will attracts you.

In Isfahan you can go to the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, walk in the old Bazaar, and explore different alleys around it. The variety of handicrafts and the sound of hammering will most likely impress you the most. Beautiful handicrafts will definitely catch your eyes.

The Vakil bazaar in Shiraz, is divided into different smaller markets where you can buy high quality products. This is a combination of traditional and modern products. A suitable place for buying colorful souvenirs. The Fabric Market, Handwoven Products, Distillates and Mountain Plants Market and A Market for Foodies are some features of Vakil bazaar.

UNESCO Sites in Iran

UNESCO World Heritage Site is a collection of historical, cultural and natural sites registered by UNESCO. There are many forests, mountains, ponds, deserts, attractions, monuments and ancient cities around the world listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran. These sites belong to all human beings under the World Heritage Convention, and any state, regardless of religion or race, is obliged to protect and preserve them.

Naghsh-e Jahan Square and Jame Mosque in Isfahan, Persepolis and Pasargadae in Fars province, Tchogha Zanbil, Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System and Susa complex in Khuzestan province are some of Iran’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Throne of Solomon, Bam and its Cultural Complex, Soltaniyeh Dome, Bisotun, Golestan Palace, Sheikh Safiuddin Ardebili Khaneghah, Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex, Armenian Church Complex, Persian Garden, Dome of Qabous, Burnt City in zabol, Cultural Landscape of Meymand, Iranian aqueduct, Lut Desert, Historical City of Yazd and Hyrcanian Forests are another Iran’s UNESCO Heritage Sites.