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On the Road to Shiraz: A Journey into the Heart of Iran

Patrick Rothfuss

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Revolutionary Ride: On the Road to Shiraz, the Heart of Iran

by Lois Pryce

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Language	:	English
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Shiraz is a city in southern Iran that is known for its beautiful gardens, its rich history, and its delicious food. It is also a major center of commerce and industry.

The city was founded in the 6th century BC by the Persian king Cyrus the Great. It was later conquered by Alexander the Great and became part of the Seleucid Empire. In the 7th century AD, Shiraz was conquered by the Arabs and became part of the Umayyad Caliphate.

Shiraz reached its peak of prosperity in the 13th and 14th centuries during the rule of the Mongol Ilkhanate. During this time, the city was a major center of learning and culture. It was also home to some of the most famous poets in Persian history, including Sa'di and Hafiz.

In the 16th century, Shiraz was conquered by the Safavid dynasty. The Safavids made Shiraz their capital and built many of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Nasir al-Molk Mosque and the Vakil Bazaar.

Today, Shiraz is a modern city with a population of over 1.5 million people. It is a major center of commerce and industry, and it is also a popular tourist destination.

Things to see and do in Shiraz

There are many things to see and do in Shiraz, including:

Visit the ruins of Persepolis. Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It was built by Darius the Great in the 6th century BC and was later destroyed by Alexander the Great. The ruins of Persepolis are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the Nasir al-Molk Mosque. The Nasir al-Molk Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Iran. It was built in the 19th century and is famous for its colorful stained glass windows.
Shop in the Vakil Bazaar. The Vakil Bazaar is one of the largest and most famous bazaars in Iran. It is a great place to buy souvenirs and handicrafts.
Visit the tomb of Sa'di. Sa'di was a famous Persian poet who lived in Shiraz in the 13th century. His tomb is a popular pilgrimage site.
Visit the tomb of Hafiz. Hafiz was another famous Persian poet who lived in Shiraz in the 14th century. His tomb is also a popular pilgrimage site.

Getting to Shiraz

Shiraz is located in southern Iran, about 900 kilometers (560 miles) from Tehran. The city is served by Shiraz International Airport (SYZ) and there are direct flights from many major cities around the world.

Where to stay in Shiraz

There are a variety of hotels and guesthouses in Shiraz to suit all budgets.

Eating in Shiraz

Shiraz is a great place to try traditional Persian cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include:

Kebab. Kebab is a grilled meat dish that is popular all over Iran. In Shiraz, kebab is often made with lamb or beef.
Ghormeh sabzi. Ghormeh sabzi is a stew made with lamb, spinach, and herbs. It is a popular dish in Shiraz and is often served with rice.
Shirazi salad. Shirazi salad is a simple salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and mint. It is a refreshing dish that is often served as a starter.

Shiraz is a beautiful and fascinating city with a rich history and culture. It is a great place to visit for anyone who is interested in learning more about Iran.