City of Love, Poem, and Wine
After our visit to Kerman, I found myself packing again and this time I was traveling from Tehran to Shiraz. Ceēnie’s wanderlust journeys continued. Shiraz – The capital city of the Fars Province, and one of the oldest cities of ancient Persia is known to be the city of Love, Poem, and Wine (gotta admit this three work incredibly well together).I had a mission, I knew what I wanted and what was I looking for: More unique Ceēnies, perhaps similar to the incredible handmade copper ones I found in Kerman.
In any historical city its a given that you’ll find the most eclectic and unique items within the heart of the city – the Bazaar. Interestingly enough Shiraz’s Bazaar shares the same name as Kerman’s: Vakil Bazaar. The trip began as my business partner and I got lost throughout the city, parts of the royal districts and enjoyed our time in the magnificent city as tourists.
The grand Bazaar left me speechless. Each ancient trade center than remains from reign to reign and era to era carry on the most beautiful, nostalgic and cultural characteristics. Some similarities were evident between Kerman and Shiraz’s Bazaars. Architecturally they spoke the same language, both even had a mosque and public bath in the near premises even though they’d been constructed during various periods under different rulers. While exploring the Vakil bazaar I came across so many beautiful hand beaded fabrics and hand crafted carpets, jewelry, souvenirs and that smell, a scent I will never forget, of fresh spices were just mesmerizing.
Much to my surprise I wasn’t seeing Ceēnies that I was envisioning, however; I didn’t give up. I knew there must be something spectacular to be offered by this magnificent city – so I kept my eyes open and looked further. Khatams stood out the most. ‘Khatam Kari’ – is an ancient Persian technique of inlaying. It is a version of marquetry where art forms are made by decorating the surface of wooden articles with delicate pieces of wood, bone and metal, precisely-cut in intricate geometric patterns.
As we explored, sights were unbelievably beautiful, especially Vakil mosque with its candy- twist columns and beautiful haft-rangi tile works. The tombs of two major Persian poets: Hafiz and Sa’adi are amongst popular destinations amongst tourists from all around the world. All the hype about Shiraz was no lie, it truly took my breath away. If you haven’t been to Shiraz yet, I hope one day you’ll get a chance to visit.
