Sharif Cultural Institute ,IRAN,1998

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FARS

Dating back to antiquity, Fars province
has been a significant center of the persian
culture and civilization. During some
important Iranian dynasties, including the
Achaemenids, Fars was the capital of the
country . Considering numerous historical
monuments , Fars is an exponent of the
Iranian and Islamic art and history. Some of
the greatest Iranian poets and philosophers
are from this province . The identity of this
province and the whole country is so much
merged that Iran was once known as Pars
(Persia).
Located in the southern Iran and
covering an area of 133000 square kms ,
Fars is bounded on the north by Yazd and
Isfahan , on the west by Kohgiluyeh va Boyr
Ahmad , on the south by Hormozgan and
Bushehr , and on the east by Kerman.
The climate of Fars is complex , ranging
from cold in the mountainous regions to
warm in the southern and eastern areas .
The cities of Sepidan and Nurabad are
located in the mountainous regions.In the
cities of Shiraz , Kazerun , Fasa and
Firuzabad the weather is mild, while Lar,
Khonj and Evaz have hot dry summers .
The Zagros range stretches from the
north-west to the south-east.In the north
and north-west of the province there are
lofty mountains like Barm Firuz and
Azamat. The famous defile of Koli Kosh is
in this mountain .The mountains near
Shiraz are Sabz Pushan , Kuh-e Bamu ,
Kuh-e Tudaj and Kharman Kuh.
The most important river is Karkheh ,
originating in the northern mountains,
passing by the city of Marvdasht and
emptying into lake Bakhtegan .
This river across which the large dam of
Derudzan has been built irrigates many
areas and creates spectacular views .The
dam is suitable for water sports.
The other rivers of Fars most of which
flows into the Persian Gulf are as follows:
Qara Aqaj, Shapur,Dalki,Firuzabad and
Fahlyan.The waterfall of Margun in the
westernmost of Fars is very high, attracting
large numbers of people.
There are three impressive lakes in
Fars: Bakhtegan (Neyriz), Parishan (Famur)
and Maharlu. Lake Bakhtegan in the
eastern Fars is linked with a smaller lake
called Teshk. Teshk is a shallow lake and is
located in Neyriz. Lake Bakhtegan is the
habitat of some species of migratory birds.
Lake Parishan, situated in the south-east of
Kazerun, is a centre for fishing and fish
farming. There are recreational facilities on
the lake. Lake Maharlu located 18 Kms east
of Shiraz has salt-water from which salt is
obtained.
In the mountainous regions there are
impressive caves , the most important of
which are as follows : Tadevan cave, located
120 Kms east of Shiraz on the road of
Jahrom-Shiraz this cave where a lot of bats
live , is one of the largest caves in Iran.
Heydar Beyg, in which there is a well, is
located in Beyza.
Shafaq cave, located 140 Kms east of
Shiraz, Shah-e Qandab cave , 45 Kms away
from Abadeh , and Kan-e Gohar cave 36
Kms away from Suryan in Abadeh are caves
having eye-catching stalactites and
stalagmites . Shapur cave , 30 Kms from
Kazerun , in which there is a pool is a point
of intrest . A statue of Shapur I, a king of
the Sasanian dynasty , with a height of 7
meters is in front of the cave.
The vegetation of the province is rich in
variety including goat's thorn , acanthus,
milfoil , oak, almond , and fig trees . The
forested areas are the stretches of the
forests of the Zagros .
Wildlife , includes ibex , gazelles ,
mouflon , deer, wild boars , foxes and
jackles. Birds found in the province are
partridges , pheasants, eagles , and some
species of migratory birds . The national
park of Bamu ,in the northern Shiraz ,
covering an area of 40000 ha, abounds with
deer . Wildlife sanctuary of Arjan ,
established in the west of Shiraz includes
forests and many springs. A rare variety of
Iranian deer lives in this area . Bahram-e
Gur , Harmad and Bakhtegan are other
wildlife santuaries.
The ruling dynasty of the Persian was
settled in Fars by the Achaemenids. From
then on Fars has been a major centre of the
Iranian culture and civilization . Farsi is the
language which is predominantly spoken .
The religion of the majority of the people is
Islam. Religious traditions are of greatest
significance in the eyes of the people . The
religious minorities are Zoroastrians, Jews
and Christians. One of the biggest Iranian
tribes called Qashqayee lives in Fars .
All cities of the Province are linked with
each other and with the neighbouring
provinces by asphalt all-weather roads . The
International airport of Shiraz connecting
Shiraz with many cities in Iran and abroad
plays an important role in transportation of
both passengers and goods. The cities of
Lar and Lamard also have airports linking
them with Shiraz and Tehran . Shiraz is on
the main road from Tehran to the southern
Iran .
Agriculture is of great imporrtance in
Fars .The major products include cereals
(wheat and barley) , citrus fruits, dates,
sugar beets and cotton.
The Fars's industries are of high
significance, some of which are the
petrochemical industry, an oil refinery , a
factory for producing tyres, electronics
industry, and a sugar mill.
Fars province consists of 15 cities.
Shiraz is the provincial capital and the
others are as follows : Abadeh , Estahban,
Eqlid, Jahrom, Darab, Sepidan, Fasa,
Firuzabad, Kazerun, Lar , Lamard,
Marvdasht, Mamasani and Neyriz. Shiraz is
world-famous as a historical city.

Shiraz

Situated in a plain surrounded by two
mounthain-ranges , Shiraz is 895 kms away
from Tehran. It enjoys a mild climate and
its magnificently impressive gardens have
been famous from distant past. Being the
home town of tow of the greatest Persian
poets, this city has been the tourists' focus
of attention . Chardin, the french traveler ,
and Flandin are among others who have
visited Shiraz. Being the capital of Iran in
different periods it includes numerous
monuments, some of which are as follows.

Arg (citadel) of Karim Khan.

Located in the central area of the city,
this citadel has been the seat of government
and the residence of Karim Khan Zand
(1750 - 79) , first of Zand dynasty , and for
a while it was used as a prison. This
magnificent building which is a triumph of
architecture, has impressive plasterwork,
wooden windows and tilework. It is
encircled by four great towers.

Jame' mosque of Atiq

This stone and brick building is among
the earliest mosques built in Iran. It has
four iwans and a square building with
beautiful tilework in the middle of the yard.
It includes a sanctuary with many columns
and a pulpit made of stone.

Vakil bazaar

Dating back to the Zand dynasty, this
bazaar is of significance from architectural
point of view. In the southern side of the
bazaar there is a caravaserai called Seray-e
Moshir. Today it is a centre for selling
handicrafts.

The Quran Gate

To the north of the city there is a
beautiful gate going back to the Deylamites.
There were two exquisite Quran kept in a
room over the gate that are displayed in
pars museum now.

Pars museum

It is a building with an impressive
pavillion used for formal meetings during
the reign of Karim Khan . Being near the
citadel of Karim Khan , this building has
been used as a museum since 1937. Articles
belonging to different periods are displayed
in this museum .

Shrines

The most important shrine in Shiraz is
the musoleum of Seyyed Mir Ahmad
(Shah-e Cheragh meaning the king of
lights), the brother of Imam Reza, the
eighth Imam of the Shi'ites, dating back to
the 10th century. It attracts a large number
of pilgrims to Shiraz every year. The other
shrines are the following mausoleums :
Seyyed Mir Mohammad, Ala'addin Hoseyn,
Shah Mir Ali Hamzeh and Seyyed
Tajaddin-e Gharib.

Gardens

Shiraz has had a world fame for its
gardens. Eram (Bagh-e Eram) is of the
highest importance.Its Sasanid architecture
and mirror-encrusted stalactite are unique.
The impressive cypress trees, one of which
dates back to 300 years ago , create an
eye-catching scene. The other gardens are
Narenjestan (that is both a garden and a
museume) , Bagh-e Afif (that is also a
museum of weapons) , and Bagh-e
Delgosha.

Mausoleums

The mausoleums of three of the
greatest Iranian poets‹Hafiz , Sa'di and
Khaju‹are of the greatest importance,
attracting many people. Each mausoleum is
architecturally unique.

Abadeh

Located 280 kms north-east of Shiraz,
this city has cold winters and mild summers.
The historical castles around the city are
among points of interest Marquetry and
making givehs (light cotton summer shoes)
are major handicrafts. Abadeh has a
suitable hotel for tourists.

Estahban

This town is situated in a mountainous
area, 190 kms east of Shiraz . Fruit gardens
abound there. The major agricultural
product is fig, which is well-known in the
province.

Eqlid

Eqlid is a town with very cold winters,
located 275 kms away from Shiraz. The
most significant points of interest are : the
water-fall of Tang-e Boraq, Jame' mosque,
inscriptions and towers.

Jahrom

Situated in a torrid region, Jahrom is
193 kms south-east of Shiraz. Palm and
citrus trees create eye-catching landscapes.
The castle of Gabri is the main tourist
attraction.

Darab

The historical city of Darab is 280 kms
away from Shiraz . The ruins of the ancient
city, known as the castle of Dehya, is in the
south-west. The following historical
monuments are of more importance :
Azarju Temple-fire (known also as
Masjed-e Sangi) , Naqsh-e Rostam and the
mausoleums of Pir-e Kalbi and Vahid-e
Calbi.

Sepidan

Sepidan a beautiful city with pleasant
mild climate in summer is located 100 kms
north-west of Shiraz . The water-falls,
springs and lush forests create fascinating
landscapes attracting Many people. Heavy
fall of snow in winter makes the mountains
suitable for skiing.

Fasa

Lying 160 kms south-east of shiraz, Fasa
is a historical city near which there are the
ruins of the ancient city. There are some
old castles in the mountains around the city.

Firuzabad

Situated 100 kms south of Shiraz ,
Firuzabad is a historical city beside which
there is the ancient city of Gur. The city
contains many historical monuments
including the castle of Qal'eh Dokhtar,
palace of Firuzabad, Sasani tower and the
rock reliefs going back to the Sasanian
Period.

Kazerun

Set beside the ruins of the ancient city
of Bishapur,150 kms west of Shiraz , it
enjoys mild winters,but its summers are
usually warm.
The points of interest are as follows :
Naqsh-e Teymur, the Temple of Anahita
(the goddess of the waters) , Shapur cave in
front of which there is a stone statue, the
rock reliefs in Tang Chogan,and highly
impressive lake Parishan.

Lar
Situated in a torrid area, Lar is 360 kms
south-east of Shiraz. The following are
among tourist attractions : The complex of
Qeysariyyeh including the bazaar and
caravanserai, the fire-temple of Sasani , and
the castle of Ejdaha Peykar.

Lamard

This town is located in a torrid area and
is the nearest province's town to the Persian
Gulf. Resources of natural gas are of high
significance.The town has an airport.

Marvdasht

Lying in an industrial region, Marvdasht
is of high importance. It includes also some
of the most significant historical buildings.
The follwing are of the greatest importance.

Takht-e Jamshid (Persepolis)

It is a ruined capital of Persia , 10 kms
north of Marvdasht and 55 kms away from
Shiraz . It is world-famous and includes
Achaemenid palaces. The most important
parts of Takht-e Jamshid are : Palaces of
Apadana, Tachar, Shora, Sad sotun and
Hadish, Harem and the gate of nations.
The mausoleum of the Sasanian kings is in
a mountain adjacent to the complex of
Takht-e Jamshid.In The west there is the
complex of naqsh-e Rostam, including four
catacombs of the Sasanian king built in the
mountain . There are also rock reliefs on
the slope of the mountain . Ka'beh-e
Zardosht, an ancient fire-temple is an
architectural triumph. The vastness of the
palaces as well as their diversity , the huge
buildings and the magnificently impressive
designes and patterns carved on the stone
walls , give Takht-e Jamshid highest
significance from architectural point of view.

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.

Mamasani (Nurabad)

It is situated 158 kms away from Shiraz
and lts most important historical
monumentes are the fire-temple of Mill
Ejdaha , tower of Ashkani and some relifes
dating back to the Elamitic period.

Neyriz

Neyriz is located 220kms east of shiraz ,
being a city of great antiquity. The points of
interest are : Kabir Jame' mosque, and the
lakes of Bakhtegan and Tashk.

Handicrafts

The handicrafts of Fars are rich in
diversity, the most signifacnt of which are as
follows : silver smithing, marquetry and
skill-embroidery in Shiraz ; giveh (light
cotton summer shoes) making in Abadeh ;
and ceramics in Estahban ; carpet, jajim
(fine carpet made of wool or cotton), and
gelim (carpet made of goats' hair) weaving
in Firuzabad. Other industries like
cloth-weaving and glass blowing are
scattered throughout the province. Carpets
woven by tribes, rose water made in
Firuzabad , sweets produced in Fasa , and
lime juice and plant essences extracted in
Shiraz are of the highest quality.

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