Fars

Fars Province

Fars province located in southern Iran, is one of the famous provinces of ancient and modern Iran. This expansive land has been the cradle of an ancient civilization, and governmental center of Iranian king of kings for centuries. Before the advent of Islam, the land has given birth to two great Iranian leaders, each of whom was the founder of a great dynasty, the Achaemenians ( Cyrus the Great ) and Sassanians (Ardashir Babakan). It is this heartland of Iran that has given its name to Persian Language "Farsi". This is the land of historic monuments, poets and philosophers, warrior, and kings, orchards, roses and fragrant blossoms.

Shiraz city

Shiraz, has been the center of Fars Province since the 7^th century A.D, and it has been provided a capital for several Islamic dynasties. Its most important function, has been as a major artistic center, synonymous with learning, nightingales, poetry and roses. Today it is an important city and has almost a population of 1,500,000.

Shiraz was founded during the Achaemenian Dynasty and became very important during Sassanian period.

To many, Shiraz is one of the most pleasant cities in Iran, with its relaxed and generous inhabitant, wide- trees- lined avenues, and multitude of monuments, gardens and mosques.

The most impressive of all are :

The Citadel of Karim Khan Zand: Located on the south bank of Khoshk River. The imposing citadel of Karim Khan with its four circular towers dominates the city center. This well preserved fortress was part of the royal courtyard in the time of Zand dynasty. Today, it houses the municipal offices.

Vakil mosque: This mosque dates back to 1773 and was restored in the 19^th century during the Qajar Dynasty and its main interest lies in the Haft Rangi tile work (the complete over-glazed design is painted onto the tile before firing instead of being made up of separate pieces).

The Eram Garden: Most gardens for which Shiraz was once famous are now long gone, but the town still has a number of parks and gardens, which are particularly pleasant to wander through in the summer. One of the most popular garden is " Eram Garden" in the north west of town which is famous for its cypress trees. The 19^th century Qajar palace lies in the middle of this garden, with its own reflecting pool.

The Tomb of Hafez: Is the closest to the town center, built in 1953. One of the nicest tea houses ( chaikhaneh ) in Shiraz can be found in the grounds, set around a rectangular pool. Hafez spent most of his life in the native town and died there in 1389. He is considered the undisputed master of the Ghazal (Lyric poem with a single rhyme) and his poems reflects a richness and a subtlety unequalled even by the obther great talent, Saadi.

The Tomb of Saadi: Located in the north-east of Shiraz. Set in a pleasant garden. Unlike Hafez, Saadi traveled extensively in Iraq and Syria. Upon his return to Shiraz, Saadi wrote his most famous works, the Boustan (The orchard) and the Golestan (The Rose Garden), which are moral tales written either in verse or in mixture of prose and verse. Saadi is said to have died in 1290 at the grand old age of 101.

Persepolis: Since the center of the great Persian Empire, ceremonial capital of the Achaemenians, and the masterpiece of Achaemenian art, Persepolis, is the greatest monument indicating the glory and magnificence of the ancient Persian. One of the most significant architectural components of Persepolis "The main hall and gateway of all Nations" was essentially constructed for holding New-Year ( Now Rooz ) celebrations.

Naghsh-e-Rostam: It is a sort of "Valley of Kings" dominated by tall yellowish-brown colored cliffs, cracked and wrinkled by wind through the ages. Literally, it means the picture of Rostam, the popular hero who was so strong no feat was beyond him.

PASARGAD: In the west of Marvdasht, within the limits of Sa'adat Shahr, sets the complex of Pasargad. It was the capital of Iran during the Achaemenid dynasty.