There are many different Iranian souvenirs, a country with deep roots and a multitude of traditions, each one represents an unparalleled part of Iran’s history. The soul of Iran can be found in the busy bazaars, through the winding streets of villages, in the narrow alleyways around the mosques, and even at the local souvenir stalls. This blog post will show you some of the souvenirs you should buy when you visit Iran. If you are interested in getting to know the delicious and amazing Iranian food and cook it once, you can go to the page of Iranian food.
Handicrafts(precious Iranian souvenirs): A Window into Iran’s Soul
Nothing could be better than handicrafts, which act as reminders of the town or city. Iranian Handicrafts speak volumes about their creativity and long traditions dating back to the ages of times.
Ghalamzani(Iranian souvenirs): The Art of Metal Engraving
In the traditional Iranian artwork known as Ghalamzani, various designs are carved on metals like brass, silver, or copper. The engravings can be seen on vases, plates, sugar bowls, candlesticks, etc. Esfahan is the heart of this art with many artifacts present also in Tehran, Tabriz, and Mashhad as some of the main cities.
Minakari(Iranian souvenirs): The Intricate Art of Enameling
The other traditional Iranian art is Minakari which also is referred to be painting and decoration using colors above another object. There is evidence that this style of music has been around for as long as 1500 B.C. It is played on gold, silver, and copper utensils and the pottery. Minakari is produced in Esfahan which has some of the finest craftsmen and women engaged in Minakari.
Khatamkari(Iranian souvenirs): The Beauty of Marquetry
Khatamkari involves marquetry made up of tiny pieces of bone, wood, and metal placed over different objects2. Such patterns are very beautifully created and placed on the exterior of the object1. Some of the khatamkari items are jewelry cases, bowls for candy, chess boards, tissue cases, clocks, and picture frames among others.
Pottery and Ceramics(Iranian souvenirs): Echoes of Ancient Traditions
Pottery in Iran dates back from over eight thousand years ago. Especially from Yazd, Natanz, and Lalejin in Hamedan province called Iran’s Pottery Central.
Textiles(Iranian souvenirs): Threads of Tradition
In Iran, these handmade clothes are different for each city. It also includes traditional textile printing of Esfahan used for creating floral, geometrical, and arabesque patterns on cotton fabrics (Ghalamkâri). This naturally dyed and hand-woven wool material is called pateh in Kerman. On the other hand, Yazd has become world-renowned for its Termeh, which is a very expensive and delicate cloth woven with fine stripes of silver or golden thread.
Giveh(Iranian souvenirs): Traditional Footwear
The second giveh is typical footwear found in the mountain parts of the Kermanshah province. They are made similar to today’s style of “espadrilles”, except they are white woven cotton over a leather sole. Local artists have recently revived them with a modern touch .
Sweets, Nuts, and Spices(Iranian souvenirs): A delight for the taste buds
These include sweets, nuts, and spices characteristic of Iran. Two of the favorite Persian desserts include Sohan from Qom, a buttery brittle, and gaz from Esfahan, a Persian nougat. Iran dominates the world pistachio market, and red gold, or saffron, is very popular in Persian cuisine. Another important component in particular for Iranian confections, especially those based on rice, is rose water prepared from the fragrant Mohammadi roses, the finest of which are grown in Kashan.
Home Furnishings(Iranian souvenirs): A Touch of Persian Elegance
The best and most authentic Iranian product is a Persian rug. If you are not yet ready to spend on a pure silk carpet or even a wool-silk blend, opt for something small like a carpet or even an ottoman with tribal patterned wool.
Home Furnishings(Iranian souvenirs): A Touch of Persian Elegance
Nothing is more appropriate than Persian rugs to commemorate an Iranian visit. Do not be afraid to go shopping for lesser-priced items such as tribal pattern wool ottoman and pillows cover, or a smaller yet cheaper rug such as kiilim, even if you are not yet prepared to buy pure silk or wool-silk blend rug.
Finally, it can be noted that Iran has lots of memorabilia which is the epitome of their culture. If you enjoy handicrafts, textiles, local types of shoes, desserts, dry fruits, spices, and household items then there is no doubt a souvenir from Iran will be waiting for you12.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What do tourists often take as a souvenir from Iran?
Handicraft items such as miniature art, khatamkari marquetry, ghalamzani metal engraving, minakari color-filigree, pottery, carpets, and so on are some of the souvenirs that you should purchase Other products include traditional textiles, giveh (traditional footwear), sweet, nut, spice, Persian rug.
Do you sell such souvenirs in Iran?
In different cities of Iran, you can buy these souvenirs even in local markets and bazaars. Such as Esfahan has its Ghalamzani, Minakari, and Khatamkari. The cities of Yazd, Natanz, and Lalejin have been noted as pottery centers. There are different varieties of textiles such as ghalamkâri of Esfahan, pateh of Kerman, and termeh from Yazd.
What is the traditional handcraft of Iran?
Some examples of these traditional handicrafts are Ghalamzani, Minakari, Khatamkari and pottery. While each one of them uses its own technique and material, it is all related to Iranian art.
When were handmade items such as jewelry made, and why are they significant?
For instance, these handicrafts have a long history in Iran. For instance, Ghalamzani is an ancient settlement that goes over one millennium before Christ. Minakari was introduced into Safavid Iran whereas Khatamkari evolved into Isfahan provinces. The start of pottery making in Iran dates back to the early Neolith period around 7000 BC.
Where can I get Persian carpets of various kinds?
Iran has produced high-quality carpets that have gained international recognition. The best known is the Iranian Persian carpet. These items are available for sale in carpet stores throughout Iran. In case of a low budget, one may consider a kilim, wool ottoman, and pillow covers with tribal patterns, among others.
Can you please tell me about some traditional Iranian candies, nuts, and spices that I may take with me?
Irans are well known for their sweets, nuts, and spices. Gaz from Esfahan and sohan from Qom are famous sweets. The country leads in the production of the best pistachios on the global market as well as Saffron which is known as “red gold” and widely used as an ingredient in national cuisine. The other important component, particularly for Iranian desserts, is rosewater from the most superior Mohammadi roses that come from Kashan.
Are there any special home decorations or furniture that I can purchase while in Iran?
You can also purchase a variety of other household furnishings items such as kilims, wool ottomans, and pillows covered with tribal designs besides the classic Persian rugs. Such articles will impart some Persian glamour to your house.
Where and what are the traditional textiles of Iran?
Ghalamkâri of Esfahan, pateh of Kerman, and termeh of Yazd are considered traditional textiles of Iran. The different textiles used have their techniques, reflecting the centuries-old practice of Iran’s textile production and its traditions.
Why do Iranians consider saffron so significant and where are they able to find it?
Often known as red gold, saffron is an important element of Iran’s food and culture. It is widely deployed by Persians when cooking a meal and it is also utilized for medicinal purposes. Saffron is available in all the local markets and a spices shop in the country of Iran.
What traditional Iranian shoes/sandals I could buy for myself and my friends?
Galesh: It is common footwear in Iran’s northern provinces. The Galesh unlike most other galoshes is always a hand wove of a particular class of fabric. These were the shoes that used to be worn by the people of Persia before the influx of the present-day shoes.
Giveh: Gheveh is also a type of Iranian footwear widely favored throughout the country before . Initially, they were supposed to be worn by men who need comfortable and lightweight shoes that can allow quick respiration. Nevertheless, women too appreciate them in many territories, mainly during hotter periods of time.
