Walking through an Iranian bazaar with piled-up souvenirs at every corner can astonish and yet confuse any traveler. The variety of Iranian souvenirs can make you anxious if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Most souvenirs found in Iran are Iranian handicrafts. Iran has a long history with a rich culture, which means the unique handicrafts of Iran, are made with so much love and meaning. Every Iranian souvenir has a story of where the artistry heritage comes from. Each Iranian city has its special souvenir, but there are some you definitely shouldn’t leave Iran without purchasing. Souvenirs are the best reminders of a trip to any country.
Persian Carpet
The handmade Persian carpets are world-famous due to their unique design and high quality. They tend to be very expensive but also worth the money you spend. But if you’d like to purchase cheaper options Gilim (Kilim) and Gabbeh (Gabba) may be right for you. Both Gilim and Gabbeh are made of natural handspun wool yarn with colors created by natural plant dye. You can find Persian carpets everywhere in Iran, but Tabrizrugs are the best of the best.
Minakari
Minakari is an art of painting with more than 5,000 years of roots resulting in some of the most famous Iranian handicrafts. Combining fire and soil with the art of painting creates beautiful patterns of flowers and birds. Isfahan is the center for this amazing art craft. In the old bazaar of this city, you will see many samples of Minakari in the form of plates, pots, cups, and other decorative objects. Due to the diversity of types and materials, you can find prices more to your liking. If you pass by Isfahan while visiting Iran, make sure you check out these special blue and turquoise-colored pieces of art.
Khatam
Khatamis the art of putting wooden or bone-made polygons together with special glue. This delicate art is made of inlaid pieces of wood, different metals, and bones to create decorative and practical objects. If you want to know how to pick the best khatam, it’s the one with no space between the inlaid smaller polygons. Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tehran are the main centers of this art in Iran.
Termeh
Termeh, handmade cloth with silk thread is usually made into tablecloths. There are threads of gold woven in them as well. The special yarn and perfect design make it expensive to purchase. Even though you can find mechanically made Termeh everywhere, the handmade ones are still much more valuable. You can find the most beautiful pieces of Termeh in Yazd. You can find Termeh in products such as tablecloths, purses, shoes, etc.
Ceramics & Pottery
Even though Pottery and ceramics are not specific to Iran, the Persian culture and history of art have specialized in this art in Iran. Lalejin, a city in Hamedan is the center of this art in Iran, also known as the center of pottery in the Middle East. If you’re looking for a small and cheap piece of Iranian souvenir, look no further, Iranian pottery and ceramics are the way to go.
Ghalamzani
Ghalamzani is yet another ancient art in Iran which is a kind of metalwork. This art includes carving patterns and drawings on the surface of metals such as gold, silver, bronze, and copper. Shirazand Isfahan are the main spots to find these souvenirs in Iran. Even if you don’t plan on buying any, you can witness the one-of-a-kind experience of skilled artists doing their work at no cost.
Giveh
Giveh is an Iranian type of summer shoe. These are lightweight, durable, and suitable for long walks, mostly used in rural. You can find these handicrafts mostly in Fars, Isfahan, Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari, Kermanshah, and Zanjan. Designed with beautiful colors and patterns, Giveh is completely made by hand out of rug, silk, fabric, and leather. Nowadays in an attempt to make youngsters interested, local artists have tried to revive this ancient art and bring it closer to modern taste.
Tea Sets
If you only know one thing about Iranians, it’s probably that they constantly drink tea. There are sets decorated with a traditional design known as Shah Abbasi with mostly decorative use.
Turquoise
Turquoise, Iran’s national gemstone, comes from the northeastern part of Iran, specifically the city of Neishabur. Iranians have the belief that turquoise can protect the owner from the evil eye. This precious stone is used to make different shapes of jewelry such as rings, necklaces, and pendants.
Sweets, Nuts, & Spices
Iranians are famous for having sweet tooth. Some of the most beloved sweets are Sohan of Qom and Gaz of Isfahan. Iran is also known as the center of pistachio production in the world, and the best place for tourists to buy it as a souvenir. Another famous souvenir is Saffron, widely used in Iranian foods and pastries, it is known as red gold. Mashhad is the main city producing saffron in Iran. Some of the best Iranian sweets, nuts, and spices to take back home as souvenirs are:
Saffron
Iran (mostly Mashhad) is one of the biggest producers of some of the highest quality Saffron in the world.
Pistachio
Dried fruits and nuts are the best-selling Iranian souvenirs for tourists and the natives as well. Famously known as “smiling pistachio”, Kerman’s pistachios have a worldwide reputation as the best in the country.
Sweets
As a tourist, you’ll be amazed by the variety of sweets found in Iran. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll probably think you’ve landed in heaven since each city has its own unique sweet. Gaz from Isfahan, Sohan from Qom, Ghotab, and Baghlava from Yazd are just a few of the sweets you can buy as souvenirs.
Spices
Spices play an important role in Iranian cuisine. As you walk in Iran’s bazaar, their aroma will tempt you to purchase some. You can choose from cardamom, rose petals, and Limoo Amani (a kind of lime), to add some Iranian taste to your dishes.
Tea
The most beloved drink in Iran is tea. It’s common in Iran to follow your meal with a cup of tea. Persian tea is known to be one of the most qualified ones around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, souvenirs from Iran are not just mere objects, but a gateway to the rich and diverse culture of this ancient civilization. Each piece, whether it’s a Persian rug, a box of saffron, a piece of delicate Minakari, or a beautifully crafted piece of Termeh, carries with it a story of the Iranian people and their heritage. These souvenirs serve as a tangible connection to the history, artistry, and spirit of Iran, making them more than just keepsakes. They are, in essence, fragments of Iranian identity that visitors can take home with them, allowing the beauty and charm of Iran to live on in their memories. So, when you visit Iran, don’t forget to explore local bazaars and shops to find that perfect souvenir that speaks to you. It will be a cherished token of your journey to this fascinating part of the world.