A place that leaves a taste for more - 24 hours in Shiraz, Iran

 

A short flight from Sharjah took us to beautiful Iran for 24 hours, where we visited the city of Shiraz and the Persepolis. Iran is full of history and culture and its unique rich atmosphere definitely made us keen to come back.

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Umm Al Quwain

The wetlands in the smallest UAE emirate, seen from the plane flying out of Sharjah.

Iran

The rugged mountain area of southern Iran.

Approach

Landing approach in Shiraz.

Maharlu Lake

The seasonal salt lake is famous for turning pink in the summer months due to the red tide algae blooms.

Naqsh-e Rustam

The rock reliefs the Achaemenid and Sassanid periods, part of which date back 1000 B.C, are just a few kilometres from the Persepolis.

Ka'ba-ye Zartosht

The cube of Zoroaster in front of the tombs at the necropolis of Naqsh-e Rustam.

Persepolis

The western walls of the Persepolis. Notice the huge single pieces of stone used to construct the perimeter, with the humans for scale...

The Capital of the Achaemenid Empire

The earliest remains are from 500 BCE.

Ruins of the Apadana

One of the oldest buildings in the Persepolis.

The End

Alexander the Great is said to have destroyed the Persepolis in revenge for the Persian's attacks on Athens.

Overview

An aerial view of the site.

Tomb of Artaxerxes II

King of Persia from 404 BC until his death in 358 BC

Grounded

Some griffin capitals which fell from their columns are kept on the ground now.

Cypress Trees

The 18th-century gardens features beautiful tall cypress trees. The garden is a Unesco World Heriate site.

Eram Garden

A couple posing in front of Qavam House, built almost 150 years ago.

Shopping

A stall outside the Eram Garden.

Old School

Seems there was a time where people made a lot of calls.

The Pull for Knowledge

A statue close to the Tomb of Hafez.

Tomb of Hafez

The memorial site for Shiraz's and probably Persia's most well known poet.

Gardens

The tomb has been expanded with gardens and fountains lined with orange trees in recent years.

The Tomb

It was a busy public holiday weekend and the tomb attracts a lot of local visitors, reading the poet's work at the monument.

Shop

The place to buy the poet's works - crowded! Might be worth a read...

Joining the Master

Several tombs of other artists and poets have been added in surrounding buildings.

Arts and Crafts

Shiraz is a vibrant cultural and artsy city - Jahan Nama Garden is currenty being enhanced with wooden pillars featuring bird sculptures.

Morning Views

Looking out the window into the courtyard in the morning.

Iranian Hospitality

Taha Traditional Hotel in the old city was a good place to stay.

Entrance

The northerly entrance to Shāh-é-Chérāgh Mosque complex, with its beautiful tiles that Iran is famous for.

Devotion

A man kissing the entrance door to the complex.

Facade

The facade has intricate tile and paint work.

Tile glory

The site is full of beautiful tile walls and ceilings.

Passage

The passage way next to the Holy Shrine.

Shahecheragh Holy Shrine

The Shia Muslim mosque was built in the 12th century, although the dome has been re-constructed several times.

Watching

A man sits on the entrance wall of one of the shrines.

Persian Architecture

Beautiful spots all around.

Quiet

It was a public holiday and many shops were closed and streets less busy than usual.

Pedestrian Area

Shiraz features beautiful public places.

In the Sunshine

A couple enjoying the winter sun rays.

Naranjestan Qavam

A 19th century building with its lush gardens, now housing a museum with archaeological artifacts.

Influences

Many paint and tile works feature European features, such as this church like building.

Colour matching

A woman poses in front of the tile walls of the building.

Interiors

The crystal and mirror features of the porch.

Focal Point

One of the main features of the house.

Carpets

Persian carpets for sale.

Pots

For all your cooking needs.

Delicate Work

Carpet weaving is an essential part of Persian culture and Iranian art.

Smiles

Locals were friendly and welcoming.

Citadel of Kareem Khan

The interior courtyard of the citadel is now lined with orange trees.

Doors

The main building features several rooms connected by wooden doors.

Flexible

The citadel has been a government building, prison, living quarters and museum since it was built 250 years ago.

Glassworks

Some rooms featuring beautiful coloured glass windows.

Baths

Decorated walls lead through the various bathing areas.

Marble & Tiles

The main ḥammām of the citadel.

Leaning Tower

One of the four 14m towers connecting the citadel's walls isn't quite upright anymore.

Weighing as a Service

Warning: Iranian food is amazing.

Birds

Many shops keep birds, which are said to attract luck.

Gatekeeper

Who kindly let me into the building's courtyard.

Gallery House

A building with art and craft galleries in the ancient centre of Shiraz.

Black

Can never miss out on a cat shot.

Vakil Mosque

The entrance to another 18th century mosque, near a beautiful public square.

Laughter

The people of Shiraz are said to work to live, rather than the other way round.

Creative

The city is full of small art installations.

Tiles & Minarets

Another mosque near our hotel.

Alleys

A street in the historical centre.

Martyrdom of Fatima

Fatimah bin Muhammad was the youngest daughter of prophet Muhammad. Her death is commemorated during a public holiday in Iran, following Shia Islam.