GHARDESHGARAN SHIRAZ TOURS & TRAVEL AGENCY

Fars Provincee

Fārs or Pars (Persian: فارس) is one of the 30 provinces of Iran. It is in the south of the country and its center is Shiraz. It has an area of 122,400 km². In 1996, this province had a population of 3.8 million people, out of which 42% resided in rural areas and the rest were urban residents.
Nominally, Fārs is the original homeland of the Persian people. The native name of the Persian language is Fārsi or Pārsi. Persia and Persian both derive from the Hellenized form Πέρσις Persis of the root word Pārs. Fārs is the Arabicised version of Pars. The Old Persian word was Pārsā.

Geography and climate

The Zagros Mountains stretch from the northwest to the southeast, dividing the province into two distinct geographical regions. The first is located on north-northwest, while the second is located on the south-southeast of the province, and both are mountainous highlands. According to the latest divisions, the province contains the following counties: Estahban, Abadeh, Eqleed, Bovanat, Jahrum, Darab, Sepidan, Shiraz, Fasa, Firouzabad, Kazeroon, Lar, Lamerd, Marvdasht, Mamasani, Khonj and Nayreez.
There are three distinct climatic regions in the Fars Province. First, the mountainous area of the north and northwest with moderate cold winters and mild summers. Secondly, the central regions, with relatively rainy mild winters, and hot dry summers. The third region located in the south and southeast, has moderate winters with very hot summers. The average temperature of Shiraz is 16.8 °C, ranging between 4.7° and 29.2 °C.

History and culture

Before Islam, two main Persian leaders named Cyrus The Great and Ardeshir Babakan rose from Anshan and created the vast dynasties of the Achaemenids and Sassanids respectively. Alexander later established many cities in the province as well.

The ruins of Persepolis still impose their grandeur and elegance on the visitor, after being burnt by Alexander of Macedon.
The cities of Fars province put up a firm resistance to the Arabs during the Islamic Conquest of Iran, particularly in areas around Istakhr. The province however, as well as most of Persia ultimately fell to the conquest.
Fars then passed hand to hand through numerous dynasties, leaving behind numerous historical and ancient monuments; each of which has its own values as a world heritage, reflecting the history of the province, Iran, and western Asia. The ruins of Bishapur, Persepolis, and Firouzabad are all reminders of this.
Thus due to the geographical characteristics of Fars and its proximity to the Persian Gulf, Fars has long been a residing area for different natives and tribes from other parts of the world such as the Turks, Semites, and Aryans who were under the influence of Iranian culture. However, the original tribes of Fars including Qashqai, Mamasani, Khamseh and Kohkiluyeh have kept their native and unique cultures and lifestyles which constitute part of the cultural heritage of Iran attracting many tourists.

Fars today

Fars is a colorful place with 715 listed historical attractions according to the Iran Cultural Heritage Organization.
Shiraz Airport is the main international airport of the province. The cities of Lar and Lamerd also have airports linking them with Shiraz and Tehran and nearby Persian Gulf countries such as the UAE and Bahrain. Shiraz is along the main route from Tehran to southern Iran.
Agriculture is of great importance in Fars. The major products include cereal (wheat and barley), citrus fruits, dates, sugar beets and cotton.
Fars has major petrochemical facilities, along with an oil refinery, a factory for producing tires, a large electronics industry, and a sugar mill.
Tourism is also a large industry in the province. Many come to see the superb handicrafts such as the silver smithing, marquette and skill-embroidery of Shiraz; the Giveh weaving of Abadeh; the ceramics in Estahban ; and the rug, jajim (fine carpet made of wool or cotton), and Gelim (carpet made of goats' hair) of Firouzabad. The tribal woven rugs, the rose water made in Firouzabad, the sweets produced in Fasa, and the lime juice and plant essence extracted in Shiraz are of the highest quality.
Shiraz is also where a famous Persian ice cream named faloodeh is made as well.
UNESCO has designated an area in the province, called Arjan (known as Dasht e Arjan) as a biosphere reserve.

Fars Attractions:

SHIRAZ

Shiraz is one of the country's most important and beautiful cities. With its green trees and fragrant flower gardens, it is an absolutely pleasant place to stroll through, a romantic city of poetry, roses and nightingales. Shiraz is the second only to Isfahan in the splendour of its monuments and is the city of Iran's honored poets, Hafez and Sa'adi, whose tombs are visited by many visitors. The name "Shiraz" is mentioned in many Achaemenian epigraphs. As nearby is the splendid Persepolis built by Darius I the Great and as an alternative to Susa it was created to be a spectacular setting for New Year celebrations. Persepolis was destroyed by Alexander the Great when he invaded the city in 330 B.C. Vakil Bazaar is a transaction center to trade Iranian carpets, copper inlaid woodworks, tribal jewels, mosaics, cigarette boxes and many other various things. The historic and ancient artworks are now being kept and exposed in Metropolitan museum in the USA, convey the glory and splendour of Shiraz during the ruling time of Sassanid, Selukian, Ashkanian dynasties.

FEEROZ ABAD

It is situated 100 km to the south of Shiraz and was called "Shahr-e Ghour" and "Ardeshir-e Koureh" in the past. It is an ancient town in a mountainous area with a moderate climate on the north and warm one on the south. The establishment of the town is related to Ardeshir the founder of Sassanid dynasty. The present name of it is derived from Feeroz the name of the forefather of Anooshiravan. After capturing the town by Muslems in 28-29 AH (lunar calendar), the town was called Feeroz Abad by Azodel Dawleh Daylami. The historical works and designs, remained in this city are valuable and belong to the ancient eras of Iran.

Eram Garden

Eram is the most well known garden of Shiraz with its enchanting building which dates back to the time of Qajar. The most beautiful and famous tree of Shiraz, a Cypress named Sarve Naz, which indeed seems a work of art are grown in the garden. Infact Eram is a garden where various species of plants, trees and flowers are grown.

Mausoleum of Sa'di

Sa'di, a writer, a poet and an orator in the13th century BC was born in Shiraz. After travelling and educating in places such as Baghdad, Sham, Hejaz and north African, he returned to Shiraz and made many books in verse and prose. His mausoleum is locataed in a village called Tang Sa'di which is now joined to Shiraz and known as Sa'di Zone. Several rulers in various times have repaired the tomb and now the main gravestone is kept in Louvre museum in Paris. The tomb is surrounded by an octagnal room with tall walls on each some lines of Sa'di's verses are engraved in a nice garden. There are also a traditional tea-house located in a cellar for visitors to rest. An always watered pool is in the garden full of coins inwhich according to general belief one makes a wish and drops a coin.

Vakil Baazar

The bazaar, which Karim Khan had built in the city, is unique in Iran for its size, solidity and beauty of its brickwork. The bazaar is located in the city center of the town and has always been the business quarter. Crafts of this area are coppersmithing, making fine inlaid woodwork called Khatam Kari.

Arg (Citadel) of Karim Khan

An attractive citadel located in the center of the city. There are four 14 m. towers in the citadel. The fine ceillings and walls of the construction have just been repaired. It was once Karim Khan's home and seat of government. Later in Pahlavid period it was changed into prison. At the present time it is considered as a historical and attactive place to visit by tourists.

Mausoleum of Hafez

The mausoleum of Hafez, one of the most famous and world-known poets who was born in 14th century BC, is located in a large garden with two northern and soutern courtyards in an area called Hafezieh. His tomb is on the northyard and decorated with a marble gravestone engraved by some lines of his own poetry complex. In the 19th century BC, during the reign of Karim Khan a water reservoir with a veranda stood on four pillars was made in the courtyard of HafezTomb. The tombs of some other poets, scientists and governers are also in the garden. At present, one can enjoy its traditional tea-house which also serves Shiraz famous Saffron ice-cream and Paloodeh (a sweetbeverage containing starch jelly in the form of thin fibres). Two bookshops offering Iranian books and posters are in the sides of the garden.

The Ghavam Orangery (Narenjestan Museum)

Being a significant monument of the Qajar period, it is located on the northern side of the luxuriant Narenjestan (Orangery) Garden. The museum is a collection of weapons and various kinds of guns, photographs and slide, initiated by Professor Pope, is also preserved here.

Persepolis (Takhte Jamsheed)

The center of the great Persian empire, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenians and the showpiece of Achaemenian art is located 60 km to the northeast of Shiraz and it is reachable by the road, which the Iranians have given the name"Takht-e Jamshid" to it. Jamshid being the first, probably mythical ruler of Iran. This is the most important source of our knowledge on ancient Iran. Its various royal buildings, palaces, audience halls, treasury, store rooms, stables, etc. were built, as indicated in an inscription carved on stone, during the period of Darius the great (521-486 BC). The whole process taking about 150 years. This magnificent court was the summer residence of the Achaemenian emperors and their official reception quarters. According to professor Pope, the complex of buildings formed a ritual city whose very existence was kept secret from the outside world. Although put on fire and destroyed by Alexander the Great (331 BC) in a gesture symbolizing the destruction of Persian imperial power, it's still impressive ruins permit a fairly complete reconstruction of its original appearance. One of the features of the building that all the foundations, staircases, bases, windows, door ways, and many of the columns of the main palace made of stone, the roofs made of wood and the walls of brick. Thus, even had there been no fire, it is inconceivable that any single building could have remained intact. Surprising is that so much has survived so well. The palaces on the platform are arranged in 4 separate levels, each being two meters higher. The Apadana palace and surrounding structures for the Nobles are higher. The storage rooms and administrative offices on the back are the lowest. The Royal quarter is visible from all areas and should therefore be used as reference. There are two palace structures outside the platform of Persepolis, which were probably used to organize the reception, receive the delegations of the subject people, and register the grievances, which were forwarded to the king for action.

Naqsh-e Rostam

A pre-Achaemnian , Achaemenian and Sassanian Persian holly archaeological site 7 km northwest of Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rostam, is dominated by tall ocher-colored cliffs, cracked and wrinkled by the wind through the ages. On the mountain side in Naqsh-e Rostam, the Achaemenian necropolis consists of four hypogeal, or rock tombs cut into the cliff sides which date back to the 4th and 5th centuries BC and the most famous is the tomb of DariusI. Darius was the first king who chose the site of his tomb. In the tomb of Darius the great, there is a long inscription in cuneiform script, the main part of which is in adoration of Ahura Mazda, the remainder giving an account of the religious and moral beliefs of Darius the Great

Naqsh-e Rajab

It is a recess in the rock in which carved figures can be seen. Entering the recess three large carvings will be found. On the right an equestrian investiture scene, and on the left a relief of Shapoor surrounded by his generals.

BAVANAT:

Bavanat is a long and narrow valley with the width of 5-12 km and 60 km length. It is located along Zagros Mountain Ranges and is 3 hours from Shiraz.

Bavanat is too cold in winters, but it enjoys a mild weather in summer which makes it a suitable destination resort for nomads during summer.

The main occupations of the people in its villages are agriculture, gardening and breeding walnut and almond trees.

From the geographical point of view, it is located along Marvast Desert. But due to the high altitude of the region, the climate of Bavanat is different from that of a desert. This is the main reason why there is a tangible climatic variance in less than 10km which makes Bavanat cold, but Marvast Desert hot.