Pasargadae; the Emanation of Power

Pasargadae Shiraz

The World Heritage site of Pasargadae is considered as the wonderful testimony to Achaemenid civilization in Persia. Glory and honor are apparent to the visitors as it also reflects the greatness of the king and the history that he made. For those who like history and architecture, it is one of the best sites to visit. It is better to have background knowledge about its historical context and then watch its historical beauties. That moment is the best time to feel its worthiness.

The arrival of Persians is one of the most critical issues in ancient history. When Persians got powerful, they founded an empire which included the ancient world except for some parts of Greece. The Achaemenid Empire was not the first Iranian empire, but it was the first multicultural one in Western Asia.

Before them, the Medes governed the country for a short time. Cyrus the Great was the first king of the empire who pronounced the declaration of the rights of man. He singled out Pasargadae as being his capital. This place is a collection of palaces, gardens and the tomb of Cyrus the Great which creates an important structure that demonstrates the art and the architecture of Achaemenid. These buildings were constructed far from each other, but they created an assemblage.

The Achamaenid was a vast empire which was extended from the eastern Mediterranean and Egypt to the Hindus River in India. The house of Achaemenid kings was erected on the order of Cyrus the Great. Pasargadae, the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire, is located near Shiraz, 42 kilometers far from Persepolis. It is located in a semiarid area where it drizzles in winter and the summer the weather is hot. For the tourists who decide to tour Iran, Pasargadae would be one of the places to visit and enjoy. There were palaces, gardens and the mausoleum of the Cyrus the Great in Pasargadae from which some parts of Tall-e-Takht and a royal ensemble of the gatehouse, audience hall, and residential palace remain.

The construction of the main palaces started when Cyrus the Great captured the territories of the Medes and Persia. Like Persepolis and Shoush castles, there is some embossment of legendary animals with human heads guarding the palace in Pasargadae. On the two sides of the main gates of the hall, there are also some embossments which demonstrate the king and his servants carrying something.

The tomb of Cyrus the Great is the most important part of Pasargadae which catches the visitor’s attention. This is the mausoleum of the first harbinger of the freedom and rights of man. The tomb is a simple but a great small room which is stood on six stone floors. Each of the stories is smaller than the lower level. After passing through the platforms, you reach a little and a narrow door. Architecturally, this tomb is comparable with Chogha Zanbil. In ancient times, the tomb of Cyrus the Great was located in a beautiful garden, however, nowadays there are not many trees around it, and nothing remains except some small parts.

Pasargadae remains unchanged from the beginning. Its general plan and buildings have not changed, and the remaining parts are authentic. If you are a fan of history, art, beauty, and architecture, do not miss this marvelous place.

 

Vakil Bazaar; a Treasure Chest of Wonder in Shiraz

Vakil Bazaar; a Treasure Chest of Wonder in Shiraz

The Vakil Complex is the most prominent attraction that was built on the command of Karim Khan Zand and consisted of the Vakil Mosque, the Vakil Bath, the Vakil Bazaar and the Arg of Karim Khan. One of the most famous cities of Iran, which had the reputation of the rich history, culture, art, and literature, is the city of Shiraz. During the Zand dynasty era, Shiraz was the capital of the country. There are lots of cultural and historical sites relating to this period in the city.

Amongst the well-known Vakil complex, the Vakil Bazaar is located at the heart of the city of Shiraz, between the Karim Khan and Lotfali Khan Zand Street which has well preserved its culture and authenticity. This gentility and nobility are glaring from the visage and the charming accents of the experienced shopkeepers.

A long narrow corridor with the tall walls, the domed ceiling, and the flagged floor, is hemmed in by the shops that are a few steps above the ground to be protected from the humidity. The Vakil bazaar has got the better of the modern, up-to-date stores of the city in both the distribution of any goods and attracting tourists and visitors in touring and buying them. A diverse group of people of different race and nationality, from low-incomes to international traders, from the western tourists to the eastern businessmen, from the statuesque blond men and women to the nomads with sunburn faded faces, individually or in the group are visiting and buying the goods. Occasionally, the appealing voice of the marketers with the delightful accent among the commotion in the bazaar invites the visitors to buy things.

At the entrance to the bazaar from the Karim Khan St. some stores welcome the tourists with the sweets and candies that tempt their palate. At the first intersection, the variety of beautiful merchandise would make it difficult for you to select your path. On the one hand the floor coverings including the beautiful hand-woven carpet, rug, drugget, and beautiful felt, on the other hand, the blanket and quilt either floral or straightforward and on the opposite side the vibrant costume and fabrics, catch all the visitor’s attention. The shops with enticing and tempting goods cause overcrowding and slow down the traffic.

After passing a varied route and a short bottleneck, in the middle of the bazaar, a light breeze freshen the visitors up. After a short distance, six pathways on six sides activate the six senses of the people. The smell of saffron, spices, the traditional herbal medicines, and the hanging leathers would be an enjoyable sensory experience.

The beats of the coppersmith on the copper and the cast irons would enchant any visitor as well. On the other hand, you would see the art of the inlay, which has brought the art of Shiraz to its peak. If you are visiting this charismatic bazaar during the cold winter days, savor the delicious “Laboo” (beetroot) and if you are visiting during the hot summer days, do not forget to taste the yummy “Faloode” and also the local ice cream of Shiraz that would make your trip more pleasing.

You may become more interested in visiting this place if you become informed that there isn’t any cooling or heating system in the bazaar. However, the vaulted ceiling regulates the temperature of the bazaar. In summer, the bazaar is kept cool, and during the winter, it is warm.

The attractions of the Vakil Bazaar are not limited to shopping. In one corner, after a porch like a corridor, you reach the Saray-e-Moshir in which the artists’ arts are exhibited. There is a small pool full of clear water at the heart of this cozy place around which there are lots of rhinestone shops. The shops are laden with the exquisite rhinestones that have run circles around the gold and jewelry where you can buy lots of souvenirs to take back with yourself.

If you love strolling along with the markets or peeping the merchandise in stores, the Vakil Bazaar would be an appropriate choice. So delve into this bazaar to find more attractive features and sense a warm glow of pleasure.

By F. Cheraghi

Persepolis, The Glory of an Empire, The Heritage of a Civilization

Persepolis Shiraz Iran

In 550 B.C, Cyrus the Great, laid the foundation of a unique empire which was built on a model of tolerance and respect for other cultures and religions. After Cyrus, Darrius the Great, elevated the Persian Empire to its zenith. In his time, the empire was extended to borders of India in the east to Greece on the Mediterranean, down to Egypt an Ethiopia in Africa an up to Russia and Eastern Europe. Twenty-eight nations were rolled together under the rule of this man who was named as the king of kings.

To administer this vast empire, The Achaemenid King established four capital cities that Persepolis (near Shiraz) was the most magnificent of them all which was the most prosperous city under the sun at that time.

The Largest Empire the World Ever Have Seen

Persepolis was found around 519 B.C.  on a large platform (12500 square meters) which was created of giant blocks of stone and expanded in more than 50 years.

Clues to understanding the function of Persepolis are carved in its walls and staircases. They show the representatives of the 28 different governorships of Persian Empire who came on the New Year’s Day whit exotic presents from the farthest regions of the empire to confirm their loyalty and the power of the king.

The people who had the chance of being in that grand place faced a glory that they’d never seen before.

Apadana Palace

The first global empire was built on a model of tolerance for other cultures and religions. Tolerance was the keyword in beliefs in the vast Achaemenid Empire. Even though they were Zoroastrians, the Achaemenid kings didn’t force their will to other peoples. On the contrary, they helped them. They are the first example of international religious freedom found in the history of humanity.

The remains of Persepolis clearly show this policy. The friendship between nations is masterfully shown here. There is no force or enmity. This atmosphere of peace and harmony is portrayed on the walls were the noblemen are shown holding hands and chatting with one another.

What early Greek historians wrote about the wealth of Persepolis was not an exaggeration. It was full of gold and silver and all sorts of riches.

The Capital of Achamanedian

Hundreds of clay tablets have been found with inscriptions on them reported the amount of salary paid out to different workers such as woodworkers in Persepolis. This tells us that the workers of Persepolis were not slaves. The Achaemenid employed large numbers of men and women and paid them fairly in kind or cash according to their skills and the nature of their work. There were women supervisors as well, and some women sometimes awarded double than men.

According to these clays, working women received unique benefits for their maternity — payments to cover the whole year.

Persepolis the Ceremonial Capital

Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the greatest empire that the world has ever seen. But the beauty and glory of Persepolis lasted for only 2 centuries. It’s majestic halls and residential area burnt in flames when Alexander and his army conquered and looted the city in 330 B.C. He set fire to the palaces of Persepolis and that’s how the richest city under the sun, was no more.

The Hafezieh; Haunt of Lovers and Beloveds

Hafezieh

Shiraz, the city of culture, love, literature, and poem, is home to the tomb of great Persian poets such as Hafez, Saadi, and Khajouye Kermani. Each of these tombs (Hafezieh and Saadieh) is suited in the beautiful gardens which are filled with the romantic and spiritual atmosphere. Iranians have much respect for the Persian poets especially Hafez who is famous for the lyrical poems and his sonnets about love and the celebration of wine. Hence, in memory of Hafez, a commemorative structure have been constructed known as Hafezieh_ a pleasant spot for relaxing and enjoying your time in peace and seclusion.

Fortune Telling by Birds!

When you head towards the Hafezieh, you step into a flagged floor street which is embellished with the towering trees and is scented with the sour orange trees. As you go on, you encounter children or old men who welcome you with a little bird and pages of Falls which is a special kind of fortune telling that you can only find in Iran. The bird picks a page up randomly from the volume of Hafez in which it is said what will happen in the future.

Experience Sense of Spirituality

Hafez is a prominent figure in the world literature that some of the great poets of the world such as Goethe were inspired by him and his poems. He is one of the greatest Persian poets whose Ghazals are popular among the Iranians. His Ghazals mostly ventilate love, wine, hypocrisy, and spirituality.

As you enter the mausoleum of Hafez, a sense of spirituality and love is palpable. The ravishing garden of the Hafezieh in the front, beguile any visitor. After passing through a passage which is surrounded by flowers on one side and the trees on the other side, you reach a hall with 20 pillars which is the highest part of the Hafezieh. Some excerpts of the Hafez poems grace some facades of the long verandah.

In front of you, the mausoleum of Hafez is surmounted by a dome in the shape of a Darvish’s hat which is ornamented with the colorful mosaics. The tombstone is also supported with eight columns that symbolically represent the century in which Hafez lived. You need to go up five stairs in order to get to the marble tombstone on which two of Hafez’s poems are stunningly inscribed. Additionally, various parts of the Hafezieh is decorated with his poems on the mosaics as well.

Divan-e-Hafez, a Memento

Behind the mausoleum, there is an area consists of several shops that sell handicrafts, jewelry, and the Divan-e-Hafez. You may be captivated by the colorful merchandise in the stores, and if you are looking for souvenirs to bring home, you can find them here. If you are eager to record the exotic and aesthetic value of the place, you can rent the traditional clothes at the place, and take beautiful pictures.

By the time you enter the Hafezieh, you can hear the traditional Iranian music playing over the place. Locals, lovers, beloveds and the university students are indigenous to the Hafezieh. People congregate to recite his poems and enjoy the environment. As you are perambulating the Hafezieh, you may be delighted when you see different groups of young people playing different musical instruments because they find this place exotic and inspiring.

The Place Where Love Flows

The attractions of the Hafezieh is not limited to its tomb and garden. The pools in different parts, as well as the tall trees and the various flowers, boost the beauty of the place. If you are looking for a place to refresh yourself, go to the surrounding ground. You can drink herbal tea, juice, eat Ash _something like broth and soup_ and also you can help yourself with “Faloode” at the place.

Do not miss its nights. The Tomb of Hafez is more beautiful at nights so that locals prefer to pay a visit to the place at nights. Locals also gather in the Hafezieh in some special ceremonies like Nowrouz and Yalda Night. On the whole, the Hafezieh is the place where love flows.

By: F. Cheraghi

Shiraz, the capital of the largest empire the world has ever seen

Persepolis

The Iranian that hears the name of Shiraz gets an excellent feeling of calm and romance, because of it being the city of poems such as Hafez and Saadi. City of culture and Gardens, Shiraz is indeed a city that should never be missed from one’s Iran trip itinerary.

Persepolis the Capital of Persia

Located 60 kilometers to the north of Shiraz is the World Heritage Site of Persepolis (Takht-E-Jamshid), which used to be the glorious capital of many Persian dynasties. Persepolis was used as a place for gathering and celebrations of significant events like Nourooz. It is also known as Parse and Hezar Sotun (Tausend Pilar). There used to be several palaces at this complex. Apadana, which is amongst the oldest palaces, Tachar, which translates to winter house, can be seen as a museum of calligraphy. Hadish, the private palace of the king, was named after his wife, queen’s palace, used today as a museum and the center of administration for the complex, Sad-Sotun (hundred columns) and Shora which was probably used by the king as the place for meeting. Shiraz is the capital of the largest empire the world has ever seen.

Pasargadae, the tomb of Cyrus the Great

Pasargadae, another World Heritage Site, situated at the heart of Pars, the first ever capital of kings, has numerous palaces built in it by the king’s order. Gardens and fountains were made at the time too, after Darius the great, this place was used as a holy place and also for crowning the kings.

Shiraz; the city of Roses and love

Shiraz is called as the city of flowers and gardens by many Iranians; the Eram Garden as one of the Persian gardens inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list is an ancient and historical garden in Shiraz, it comprises a royal villa set in the grounds. It used to be the king’s favorite relaxing place. There is a building in the garden and despite being small, is magnificent, and there a reflecting pool in front of the house. The garden makes good pavement for relaxation.

Traditional merchandise and handicrafts

The Vakil complex, which consists of a mosque, a bathing house, and a bazaar, was built by Karim Khan Zand’s order. This enormous bathing house has the most advanced architectural methods of its time. Vakil Bazaar is one of the most famous traditional and historical markets of Iran. It is most famous for carpets, but also handmade artifacts made by the locals can be bought from here too. At the site of the Vakil mosque, there is an inscription which has Fathali shah and Hossein Ali mirza’s name on it.

The land of poets 

Aramgah Hafez (Hafez mausoleum) is the resting place of the great poet Hafez. His marble tombstone has carvings of his poems; the site has eight stone columns beneath a tiled dome. What should be the fun activity of this place is performing the FaaleHafezz, which is seeing your future by opening a volume of Hafez.