Top 10 Iran Souvenirs

Visiting the traditional bazaars of the cities of Iran is extremely stimulating and fascinating and if you are not familiar with what to purchase for souvenirs, you will probably be confused with the Persian goods. The large amount of variety, especially among Iranian handicrafts and Iranian sweets, will offer you many options which will make it difficult for you to choose between them. For tourists who travel to Iran, the Iranian souvenirs are the most intriguing part of their trip when traveling to different cities and villages of the country. Iran souvenirs are not limited to one or two items in each city and region, and in almost all provinces, you will most definitely find savory foods and sweets that are special to that region, along with countless radiant and exceptional traditional Persian handicrafts.

Here we will guide you with a list of the top 10 Iran Souvenirs you can buy that represent the rich culture and heritage of Iran.

Traditional Iran Souvenirs

Iran boasts outstanding capacities in historical and natural tourism and it is the focus of many tourists all over the world. Souvenirs of Iran and souvenirs from different cities of the country are symbols of the culture, authenticity, and traditions of the Iranian people.

With the booming of the tourism industry, the possibility of economic progress in handicrafts and local products has increased, and residents of cities and villages far from the capital have benefited from better facilities.

A significant part of the supply of souvenirs and handicrafts in different cities is the expansion of the unique culture of obscure regions, like Iran, among domestic and foreign tourists.

Any souvenir from a city can show the cuisine or common customs of that city to other cities and countries and create a deep connection between all people in the world. Many people give souvenirs of different cities as gifts and souvenirs to their loved ones to share in the joy of traveling to different regions.

Handicraft souvenirs from different cities of Iran are among the most valuable goods in the world, which are made by skilled Iranian artists and craftsmen. Most of these traditional crafting industries are rare in the world and can be seen as one of the most popular souvenirs of Iran for any foreign tourist. We will introduce you to the most popular souvenirs of Iran so you will get to know the best to the cheapest souvenirs and handicrafts purchased in the Iranian cities.

Iran Souvenirs List

When visiting Iran, there are a ton of popular souvenirs to consider. Here is a list of the top items you might find worth buying. Iran is known for its rich cultural heritage and offers a wide variety of souvenirs that reflect its history, art, and traditions.

1. Saffron

Iran is one of the largest producers of saffron, and bringing back a small quantity can be a flavorful reminder of your trip. Saffron, known as the “Red Gold” of Iran is prized for its color and medicinal properties. Saffron is a highly valued spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the saffron crocus.

Each saffron strand is actually a stigma from the flower, and it takes thousands of flowers to produce a small amount of saffron, which is why it is one of the most expensive spices in the world. It has a distinctive flavor and golden hue, making it a popular ingredient in various cuisines, especially in Middle Eastern dishes, as well as in traditional medicine and cosmetics.

Saffron is also known for its potential health benefits, including antioxidant properties and mood enhancement. Besides being one of the important edible souvenirs of the country, Iranian saffron is also dominant as an export product.

2. Persian Carpets and Rugs

Iranian rugs and carpets are the most well-known works of art in Iran, which are very appealing to foreigners as Iranian souvenirs. Skilled carpet weavers in every corner of Iran are the makers of the best Iranian rugs and carpets, who weave them in different styles and sizes.

The designs of Shah Abbasi, Kheshti, Shekargahi (Huntsmen), Paisley (Bote-Jeqeh), Afshan, and Derakhti (Tree-like) are among the most popular and ancient designs of Iranian carpets. Persian carpets have always been one of the most beautiful and high-quality carpets in the world and are still very popular among tourists and people of other countries.

These valuable souvenirs can be bought in most cities of Iran, but high-quality Persian carpets can be found as souvenirs in the cities of Kashan, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Arak.

3. Persian Termeh

Cashmere Fabric or Termeh is a kind of precious fabric woven from very delicate fabrics like silk and is one of the elegant textile handicrafts of Iran. This fabric can be seen mostly in the images of kings and princes and their luxurious clothes.

Cashmere fabrics or Termeh are one of the most costly souvenirs of Iran, which are sold in different types of bedspreads, tablecloths, curtains, rugs, and even bags and shoes. Hand-woven Termeh is made of natural silk, wool, and thread through a painstaking process, and this makes this expensive souvenir one of the most popular souvenirs among tourists.

4. Enamel Work (Minaakari)

Among other Iranian souvenirs, you can find decorative Persian enamel tableware. Tourists are very interested in buying these items from Iranian bazaars. This dashing Iranian art, which is mostly done by artists in Isfahan, is drawing and painting on different metals such as silver, copper, and even gold dishes, which has a very long history.

Colorful and beautiful enameled dishes are produced in all kinds of vases, bowls and plates, photo frames, and ornaments and are designed with different geometric shapes or intricate paintings depicting nature.

Minaakari is valuable not only as a precious work of art for the effort to make it but also as a luxurious item and is considered one of the most expensive souvenirs of Iran.

5. Inlaying Technique (Khatamkari)

Khatamkari is another Iranian art related to the Isfahan province, from which aesthetical dishes, enchanting paintings, etc. are made. Unlike Minaakari, which uses paintings of nature to design dishes, inlay, or Khatamkari the main design is done only with small and delicate geometric shapes in the form of triangles.

The finer the design of the Khatam dishes, the higher its value and the double its beauty. The art of inlaying or Khatamkari is one of the most sophisticated arts that can be applied to various items. This original art is the initiative of Iranians, which first spread in Shiraz and then in Isfahan. You can find Khatamkari on various items and even on Persian gameboards like Takhteh.

6. Gaz (Iranian Nougat)

Gaz is one of the top favorite souvenirs of Isfahan. During the Qajar era, Gaz was exported to other countries and it was one of the sweets that were gifted to the kings of various lands.

Gaz is also the most popular Iranian souvenir among foreign tourists. A delicious combination of rose water, pistachio, egg white, sugar, etc. is so fragrant and tasty that many tourists choose Isfahan as their destination to try and buy Gaz. The finest Gaz is also found in other cities like Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Hamedan, Kerman, Fars, and Yazd.

7. Dried Fruits and Nuts

Iranians are famous for their delicious dried fruits (like figs, apricots, raisins, and berries) and nuts (such as pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts). Inside traditional bazaars, you will find decorative wood boxes containing first-class and high-quality edible nuts and dried fruits.

You can gift these delicious and deluxe boxes to your loved ones on various occasions as a gift. Iranian Nuts may also be combined with sweets and candies like Basloq.

8. Copperware

Copper and brass handicrafts, often crafted into decorative items and utensils are often purchased by travelers both for their beauty and health benefits.

Copper dishes are one of the best and most popular dishes in the market because they are made of copper, they have high conductivity and can help us in cooking all kinds of food.

Helping to produce red blood cells, boosting the immune system, improving cardiovascular health, and preventing depression are some of the benefits of these unique copper items sold in Iranian stores.

9. Miniature Paintings and Calligraphy Art

These intricate artworks often depict scenes from Persian literature, history, or everyday life, exhibiting outstanding craftsmanship. Persian calligraphy is an ancient art form; you can find beautiful pieces that showcase this skill.

These writings are categorized into many types such as Islamic texts or famous Persian poetry from Rumi, Hafiz, Ferdowsi, Shams, and countless other great poets of Iran.

10. Lalejin City Pottery

Pottery has long been one of the main handicrafts of Hamedan province and Lalejin city. The hard work of Iranian artists in preparing beautiful and diverse pottery has made this product popular among tourists visiting Hamadan.

Lalejin has become the pottery capital of the world. Pottery is not only a handicraft but also a part of the culture of Hamadan province. You will find so many vibrant and colorful dishes and decorative items in this ancient city.

When purchasing souvenirs, consider looking for items that are ethically produced and sold, and check local regulations regarding exporting certain goods.

Cheapest Things in Iran

There are numerous souvenirs you can purchase in Iran to a point you may find it difficult to choose between them. Some of the items mentioned above may be expensive due to the effort put into making them; also, their prices may vary based on their quality. Some cheaper souvenirs you can buy in Iran can be:

Tasbih and Rings

While walking in any market in Iran, you will come across many shops full of rosary beads in different colors, which are striking offers as Iranian souvenirs.

Rings made of silver, bronze, copper, or precious stones are considered to be the best souvenirs and gifts that have different types of prices. Almost in most shops that have handicrafts, you will find rings that fully display the art of Iran.

Spices

Spices are the secret of the Iranian cuisine. Especially for foreign tourists, spices are a unique souvenir. Since almost every city in Iran has its own spice, by traveling to each city, you can buy a special spice as a souvenir.

Many of these spices, such as damask rose petals, cardamom, Heracleum Persicum, etc., have suitable and pretty packages that you can use as a souvenir or even a perfect gift.

Iranian Candies

Another tasty Iranian sweet souvenir is Sohan. This delicious souvenir from Qom is produced in different types and is one of the best-selling souvenirs in Iran.

Some more sweets are Zulbia Bamiye, Qotab, Fuman cookies, Berenjak, Pashmak (Persian Cotton Candy), Baklava (Tabriz), Halva, Komaj cookies (Hamedan), Masqati Jelly, Gata (Armenian bread), Loz, Nan Panjereie (Window cookies), Nan Qandi (Sweet Dry Bread with sesame), Noghl (Suger coated nuts), Angosht Pich, Nogha sweets, etc.  

Persian Tiles

Patterned and colored tiles can be one of the best options for cheaper souvenirs. In many traditional stores in different cities of Iran, especially in Yazd and Kashan, you can choose your favorite tile and buy a valuable souvenir from among thousands of attractive options, each of which is painted with a beautiful design and a special symbol. You can also use very small tiles painted in Persian textures as magnets for your fridge or room.

Final Word

Souvenirs of Iranian cities are the best items when traveling to different parts of the country. The souvenirs of each Iranian city represent a part of the culture and identity of the people of that region. Handwoven carpets with intricate designs and vibrant colors are among the most sought-after souvenirs from Iran. Each carpet tells a story through its patterns and colors, making it a unique piece of art that can serve as a lasting reminder of one’s visit to Iran. Other popular options include saffron, hand-painted ceramics, and traditional sweets and spices.

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