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Qalamzani (also Ghalamzani) is an Iranian ancient metalwork art. It is engraving by chisels and hammers on different metals such as gold, silver, copper, brass, and some alloys. Its origin dates back to 5-7 thousand years ago; though its documented history goes back to the Sassanid era, about 700 A.D.

In the Achaemenid era, the golden age of metalworking, different methods of metalworking developed so greatly that influence over the next centuries and millenniums.

After Islam, Qalamzani was still prevalent in Persia. Unique bird and animal-shaped vessels have survived during this period. Qalamzani was chiefly flourished in the Seljuk and Safavid dynasties. One of the most special metalwork in the Seljuk period was inlaying silver and red copper on brass and bronze.

During the Safavid period, one of the specific designs was the inscriptions of Shiite Imams’ names. Utensils made of copper and bronze, as well as steel doors and windows for religious and sacred places, were common in this era. The designs mostly included winged animals with lion heads, plants and birds, the courtier parties and fights and hunting, dancers, musicians, and musical instruments, engraved on gold and silver. Safavid metalwork was produced so elaborately that gained the world’s reputation, and it was exported to different parts of the world at that time.

Though there are different methods for Qalamzani, all of them have the same process.

To engrave, the craftsman covers the backside of the work with tar to prevent making much noise or puncture. Then, the favorite design is copied on the surface of the work. When the designs are engraved, the craftsman detaches the tar by heating, and then covers the grooves and the chiseled area with charcoal powder. The designs usually include geometric, natural, human, animal shapes, and miniature. After cleaning and polishing the black lines, the design appears on the surface of the work.

Qalamzani is usually done on plates, trays, vases, etc. Different tools are used for Qalamzani such as various chisels, hammers, anvil, calipers, bending machines, and so on.

Two main styles of Qalamzani in Iran include Tabriz and Isfahan styles. In Tabriz style, the pressure for moving the chisel and engraving is done by the pressure of the wrist, and in Isfahan style, it is done by hammering.

There are some workshops in Isfahan as the main center of Qalamzani. Travel to Iran could be a great opportunity for those who wish to see this ancient art. It is also recommended as an exquisite Iran souvenir for the tours to Iran.

Shazdeh Garden, this green oasis, lies deep in the heart of the desert. Located near Mahan in the province of Kerman, Bagh-e-Shazdeh or Shazdeh Garden (Prince Garden) is one of the historical Persian gardens with a rectangular plan constructed during the Qajar dynasty in the late 1900s. Similar to other great Persian gardens such as Eram Garden in Shiraz, Dowlatabad Garden in Yazd, and Fin Garden in Kashan it is also inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. If you’re interested in Persian Gardens, make sure you pay them a visit during your travel to Iran.

Green Garden in Dry Desert

What is very remarkable about Shazdeh Garden is that it is located in the heart of the desert, where nothing exists but dry plains. However, the entrance of the garden welcomes tourists to the earthly paradise. Putting a step inside this mesmerizing landscape, one can see the pools streaming along the yard, the trees offering shade to the pathway, and the flowers spreading perfume everywhere. The façade of an old pavilion appears from behind the fountains, leading visitors toward a magnificent structure.

Shazdeh Garden Features

The perfect plan of this garden, the architecture of the pavilion, and its interior design and decorations all reflect the Iranians ‘elaborate art, culture, and lifestyle. There are two stories in the structure of Shazdeh Garden. A thatched brick wall surrounds the mezzanine’s eight watchtowers. On the southwest side of the garden, a pavilion stands at the end and the highest point. Many structures line the path between the pavilion and the entrance to the garden. There are five fountains in the pool in front of the pavilion, where the water can rise to eight meters.

Shazdeh Garden Greenery

In order to supply water, the Qanat technique is applied. Since there is a natural slope in the garden, gravity helped the Iranian engineers water the plants. Therefore, water enters the yard on the upper side, and the stream runs through the terrace-shaped pools of the garden to irrigate trees and flowers. That is why Shazdeh Garden enjoys a variety of trees with different functions; the windbreak trees like pine and cypress, shade trees like poplar or wild elm, and fruit trees like peach or plum. Separated from its surrounding desert by high walls, the garden offers visitors an oasis of comfort. As a great sample of Persian gardens, Shazdeh Garden hosts many tourists who travel to Iran, especially in spring and summer. Therefore, tourists will have the chance to explore the specific features of Shazdeh Garden and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere.

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Since Iran is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and is home to so many tribes varying in culture, lifestyles, and traditions, it has produced a variety of handicrafts throughout history. Persian art of handicrafts goes beyond textile weaving. It includes Iranian metalworks, woodworks, pottery, Persian miniature, calligraphy, straw-made products, mosaic, and stone. Persian handicrafts, each narrating the stories of the culturally diverse populations in different parts of vast Iran, are among the best souvenirs for tours to Iran. Here we introduce you to some of the most stunning Iranian handicrafts.

Iranian Handicrafts

Iranian weavings are well-known for their antiquity, elegance, durability, and variety. The most famous one is the Persian carpet. It has been used as the covering for floors for thousands of years in Great Persia. Different geometrical shapes, medallions, tendrils, and figures of plants and animals woven with local materials specific to each area, inspired by the natural environment, are reminiscent of Persian gardens, full of flowers and birds. Persian rugs woven by nomads are different in style and design. The most prominent nomad rugs include Gabbeh, Kilim, and Jajim.

Handwoven Fabrics

Iranian fabric named Ghalamkar is made by hand drawing or printing using patterned wooden stamps. Termeh is another Iranian hand-woven cloth, primarily produced in Yazd. Its weaving is very delicate and time-taking. The most famous of the factories producing traditionally woven Termeh is Rezaei Termeh. Another kind of Persian weaving embroidery is Zardozi. The designs are made using gold and silver threads, pearls, and precious stones. Nowadays, copper wires, polished by gold or silver, and silk threads are used as well. It also includes Golduzi (embroidery stitches), Baluchi Suzanduzi (needlework), Seke duzi (shisha embroidery), Rashti Qollabduzi (a special kind of broderie), and Kermani Pateh duzi (a style of Iranian embroidery).

Persian Metalworks

The beginning of Persian metalwork goes back to the Luristan bronzes. Iranian Metalworks include Minakari (Enamel working), Ghalamzani (also Qalamzani or Toreutics), and Firoozeh Koobi, wherein the metal is decorated with colorful coats and carved or hammered. Isfahan is well-known for its enamel artwork. Firoozeh Koobi is another Persian art that is a very popular Iranian handicraft. With the beautiful color of Turquoise used in the metals, they are among the best Iran souvenirs.

Iranian Woodcrafts

Woodworks in Iran comprise Moarragh or Moarraq (an Iranian handicraft made of small pieces of different woods) and wood carving. Khatam kari is another Persian art of marquetry dating back to the Safavid period. The artist decorates the wooden surface of the jewelry boxes, chessboards, desks, and suchlike with different shapes (generally star-shaped) of pieces of wood, bone, metal, and sometimes gold, silver, ivory, and brass. Sometimes it is combined with miniature to make a unique work of art.

Decorative Handicrafts

Persian tilework is one of the spectacular Iranian art crafts. In the past, Isfahan and Tabriz were the two main centers of the Iranian mosaic. Golestan Palace in Tehran is another outstanding example of Persian tilework for tours to Iran. The art of Miniature rose in Iran in the 13th century and continues to this day. It is a very detailed, usually tiny painting that requires great skill and proficiency and a thin brush to paint such detailed artwork. The best example of a modern Persian miniature is Frshchian’s. Persian calligraphy is another Persian art that has several styles. Iranian pottery, metalwork, and historic buildings often feature calligraphy. The art of calligraphy reached its peak in the illumination of the Quran, Shahnameh, Divan-e Hafez, and other well-known Iranian literature. Nastaliq is the most popular Persian calligraphy style, known as the “Bride of the calligraphy scripts”.

Best Souvenirs of Iran

Persian art goes beyond the abovementioned and includes stone carvings and mosaics. Turquoise Inlaying on jewelry or materials such as silver, copper, or brass is one of the most distinctive Iranian handicrafts. The turquoises of Mashhad and Nishapur have the most fame with the highest quality. Pottery and ceramics have a long history in Iran. The history of pottery dates back more than 6-7 thousand years ago in Susa, Tepe Sialk in Kashan, Jiroft, and Burnt City. Kalpuregan Museum in Sistan and Baluchestan province is known as the only live ceramic museum; because its working style has passed from generation to generation for over 5 thousand years without any change.

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Shiraz Eram Garden is among the most beautiful Persian gardens in Iran. It is such a unique and gorgeous garden that is inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the holy book of the Quran, Eram is described as the paradise prepared for the blessed ones. It has a great atmosphere surrounded by tall cypress trees, fragrant flowers, and aromatic sour orange trees. Moreover, the sound of birds singing in the green space of the garden brings peace and quiet to the tourists, and it is quite pleasurable to have a stroll across the garden. In spring, Eram Garden catches the eye with its colorful blooms and blossoms, and it is a great tourist destination that attracts those who travel to Iran.

Eram Garden Shiraz

Eram Garden in Shiraz boasts a myriad of captivating highlights that enchant visitors with their beauty and historical significance. One of the top attractions within the garden is the stunning mansion, a masterpiece of Persian architecture adorned with intricate tilework and elaborate designs. Inside the mansion, visitors can marvel at the richly decorated rooms, each telling a story of bygone eras.
Another highlight is the tranquil reflecting pool, bordered by fragrant flowers and shaded by towering cypress trees, providing a serene spot for contemplation. The garden’s lush greenery, punctuated by colorful blooms and winding pathways, invites leisurely strolls and moments of relaxation amidst nature’s embrace.

Additionally, the soaring cypress trees, some of which are centuries old, add a sense of grandeur and timeless elegance to the landscape. For those interested in history and culture, Eram Garden offers a glimpse into Iran’s rich heritage with its blend of traditional Persian architecture and garden design.

Eram Garden History

The history of Eram Garden structured as a Persian garden, dates back to the Seljuk dynasty (approximately 400 years ago), while the old building within the garden belongs to the Qajar period. In later years, the landscape was purchased by a member of a Qashqai tribe, who built the original mansion and planted different flower and tree species. 

Nasir al-Mulk purchased the garden during the Qajar period, and his son finished it after his death. Iran’s Cultural Heritage Organization protects the Eram Garden and the building as a historical landscape within the Shiraz Botanical Garden.

Eram Garden Architecture

The garden area has undergone many changes over the years. The steep slope of the land presented a challenge for building this garden, which was overcome by using stairs. The ceramic tiles on the palace in the middle of the garden are unique.

A closer look at the arch of this building will reveal short animated stories painted on the tiles. The building has elaborate architecture decorated with tiles that are designed by poems by great poets such as Hafez and Saadi. Inside this building is a precious stone museum that can be very interesting.

It also has a view of the blue pool that enhances the picturesque scene of the garden and makes the environment cool during the hot days of summer. Owing to its variety of plants, Eram Garden is popular as the botanical garden supported and managed by Shiraz University and is open to the public to enjoy its many beauties.

Eram Garden Opening Hours & Price

The opening hours of Eram Garden are subject to change on special occasions, but on regular days, the garden is open from 8:00 in the morning until 8:30 in the evening. Whether you’re planning a leisurely stroll or a family picnic, consider Eram Persian Garden Opening Hours for the best experience in a serene and picturesque environment and to make the most of your visit to Shiraz.

Keep in mind that the best time to visit Eram Garden is during the spring season. Eram Garden price for foreigners is around 3€, which could be purchased before entering the complex.

Eram Garden Address: Eram Blvd., Shiraz

Eram Garden Reviews

Everyone admires the way the garden is well maintained with lots of opportunities to sit and spend some time. Traditional Persian beverages, faloudeh, and ice cream are offered in the garden’s tea house. Traditional Persian beverages, faloudeh, and ice cream are offered in the garden’s tea house.

Many visitors found the architecture of the palace a magnificent piece of artwork, loving the fascinating photography opportunities that seem to never end. With so much to admire and appreciate in Eram Garden, it’s no wonder that visitors fall in love with this place.

Last Words

Visiting Eram Garden is an indispensable part of any journey to Shiraz, Iran. Eram Garden boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a magnificent mansion adorned with exquisite tilework and intricate Persian architecture. From its elevated terrace, visitors can savor panoramic views of the garden and beyond, providing a glimpse into Shiraz’s storied past. Only walking along the shaded pathways and encountering fountains gushing with crystal-clear water, reflecting the colorful blossoms on the trees, enhances the whole experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a moment of respite from the bustling city, Eram Garden offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Shiraz’s charm and allure.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Please read things to do in Shiraz and check out our Iran tours.