Iranian unique souvenirs

Having one of the oldest civilizations around the world, Iran has inherited so many artworks and handicrafts through generations that are among wonderful choices of many tourists to put inside their souvenir’s basket. How about getting memorable souvenirs of a cultural and historical rich country, Iran? Find the most colorful and precious souvenirs of the world here

Beautiful, Mesmerizing Souvenirs of Iran

Be it in the area of culture, art, cuisine and even traditional medicine, you’ll definitely find Iran quite a rich country. Therefore, it’s surely worth it to take some of them as a souvenir with you back to your homeland. Walking through bazaars of Iran, you’ll see so many Iranian souvenirs that you won’t know which one to choose. Here you can get an overview of various types of Iranian souvenirs. These souvenirs include Iranian original handicrafts, native nuts, and traditional medicinal herbs to different types of sweets.

Handicrafts

Having one of the oldest civilizations around the world, Iran has inherited so many artworks and handicrafts. They are among wonderful choices of many tourists to put inside their souvenirs basket.

Carpets

Persian carpets are the hallmark of Iranian souvenirs. Persian handmade carpets and rugs are among the unique souvenirs that only belong to the contours of the Persian land. Some of the well-known carpet types available include Qom, Tabriz, Isfahan, Kashan Nain, Mashhad, Bidjar, Sirjan, Soumak, Suzani, Yelami, Herati, and Heriz. So, if you want to keep a precious souvenir of Iran, Persian carpet is an item that cannot be overlooked.

Iranian carpet

Termeh

Termeh is a precious fabric woven from very fine fibers, which is among the unique handicrafts of Iran. The fabric is usually decorated with cured patterns such as paisley patterns (using boteh) and Shah Abbasi flowers are used in different colors. Termeh is woven in a variety of designs in different parts of Iran. Yazd termeh is very famous for its beauty.

Minakari

With its history tracing back to 3rd millennium BC, Vitreous enamel is one of the most original and ancient handicrafts of Persia. In the process of making these handicrafts, the designs of art are shaped on copper, silver or golden glasses via a white pen. These types of designed metals are a great choice for those who want to add to the beauty of their homes.

Minakari

Khatam

Khatam making is one of the handicrafts that belongs to the ancient beautiful city of Shiraz. In this ancient Persian technique of inlaying, the artist decorates the surface of wooden objects with delicate triangular pieces in a mosaic way, and the more delicate these triangles are, the better the inlay will be the result. While walking inside Vakil Bazaar, you will surely encounter many Khatam works that are a popular choice of many tourists.

Miniature

Miniature

As a generic term, miniature refers to every work of art which has two important features; delicacy and little miniature painting is the art of being able to illustrate a whole situation inside a miniature frame. Iranian miniature has a long history that traces back to the first post-Islam centuries according to some historians. There are various methods of miniature painting inside Iran. Each of these methods have changed under the influence of many masters of miniature painting These works of art are of great value and can be great symbols of the great Persian history.

Qhalamzani (Toreutics)

Maybe you wonder how these ancient Iranian metalworks used to be garnished in the past. The answer is the art of Toreutics. Qhalamzani is the art of engraving patterns on metals to create a really beautiful work of handicraft. These handicrafts are among the most famous souvenirs local to the province of Isfahan and are of immense beauty.

Qalamzani (Toreutics)

Moaragh

Moaragh is an art of patching and putting different pieces next to each other and making a bigger final shape. The origin of this art is unknown but the finest Iranian works of Moaragh belong to the 7th and 8th.You can find these works in various cities of Iran such as Isfahan, Tabriz, Yazd and Kashan. Moaragh used to be utilized in the construction of historic monuments. Works of Moaragh are a good choice for those who like wooden works with a taste of Persian culture.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy

As much as Iranians are famous for their poems, they write beautiful and highly valuable quotes in an artistic handwriting. Nasta’liq (a predominant style for writing the Perso-Arabic scripts), Naskh, Suluth and Kufic as well as post modernism are among the most popular types of Persian calligraphy. Calligraphy is one the finest arts of Iranians and many tourists take it as a souvenir. Persiands used this art write the verses of holy Quran and well-known Persian quotes and poems. Some examples are poems of Hafiz, Rumi (Muhammad Balkhī) and Khayam.

Pottery and ceramics

With its history going back to the 7th millennium BC, pottery has been among the most ancient Persian arts. This work has been much influenced and evolved by the demand and preferences of the people overtime. Nowadays, Iranians use pottery and ceramic handicrafts as ornaments in houses. They  are a good choice as a souvenir of cities such as Yazd, Lalejin (in Hamedan) and Bandarabbas.

Turquoise

Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that has been used in crafting gemstones and ornamental stones throughout history. Iran has also been a notable place in making of these greenish-blue ornamental stones. You can find many fine works of Tuquoise in different Bazars of Iran, mostly in cities of Mashhad and Nishab

Mescobi

Mescobi is a handicraft made by placing small pieces of turquoise stone together in an artful and exacting manner. It makes a really great sight on the surface of dishes, ornaments and decorative objects (from bases made of copper, brass, silver, Warsaw or bronze). As an emerging type of artwork, Mescobi handicrafts are among the best-sellers of the city of Isfahan.

Giveh

If you are a fan of long-distance walking, Giveh is a very suitable pick. Giveh serves both as a souvenir and as a helpful shoe. Giveh was a historical type of light, durable and appropriate summer shoe. Lor and Kord ethnicities used Giveh in taking long distances. You can find Giveh all around you when passing through the traditional Bazars of the city of Kermanshah. Being woven of cotton, this type of shoe is really helpful in wending your way without getting tired. With its considerably low cost, Giveh is a typical choice of many tourists.

Saffron

If you are familiar with Iranian cuisine, you have noticed that Saffron has an important place inside Persian dishes. Saffron is a red-golden spice that farmers derive it from the flower of Crocus sativus. It is widely used as a spice to give Iranian dishes a great aroma, look and taste. With around 95 percent of the world’s Saffron coming from the country, Iran is the center of Saffron production. You can buy Saffron for a much cheaper price (around 80 cents per gram).

Red saffron (crocus sativus) stigmas - luxurious spice in table. Iranian expensive spice.

Iranian Pistachios and Nuts

Iranian Pistachios and Nuts

You can call it a four-season country, since Iran encapsulates all various climates inside a single country. Having also dry and hot areas in the center, Iran is also famous for fruits and nuts.

Pistachio

Originating from Central Asia and the Middle East, Pistachios are the fruits of a plant which is a member of the cashew family. Iranians consume this fruits widely as part of Ajil (nuts) in Nowruz festival among Iranians, as it has both a favorable taste and many benefits for health. Be careful that the salted pistachio is not a good choice for those who might be in risk of hypertension.

Pistachio

Pistachio

Walnut

Walnuts (Juglans regia) are the edible seed of a tree nut belonging to the English and Persian walnut. Having a wealth of so-called good fats and being rich in phosphorus and many vitamins, walnuts improve human health, reduce heart disease, and result in preventing cancer. Walnuts are also beneficial for the skin which explains why many beauty brands have products extracted from these seeds. Walnuts are a great source of hair-friendly nutrients as well. Therefore there are many shampoos containing walnut-extracted materials that help keep your hair healthy and shiny.

Hazelnut

With it’s oval or spherical shape, hazelnut is the nut of hazel tree that has an outer fibrous shell. You can find Hazelnut in various parts of the world. In Iran, farmers mostly cultivate hazelnut in the provinces such as Mazandaran and Gilan. Hazelnut is another component of Ajil in Nowruz festival and is therefore very popular among Iranians. Being rich in various nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and good fats, hazelnut can play a role in maintaining and improving health, regulating blood lipids and blood pressure, reducing inflammation as well as preventing potential cancers.

Pistachio

Pistachio

Almond

Almond is one of the delicious and popular nuts that has many nutritional and medical benefits. This product is native to Iran. Almond is also an important component of Ajil in Nowruz festival. In addition to being energetic and delicious, almond can bring some other health benefits as well. Lowering cholesterol level, prevention of cancers, protection against diabetes and prevention of birth defects are the benefits of this nut.

Date fruit

Date is the edible sweet fruit of palm trees whose cultivation goes back to around 5 millennium BC. It is originally a Middle Eastern and Indian fruit. Since this fruit requires a hot climate typically farmers cultivate it in the southern regions of Iran. Date is a very energetic fruit and a superb natural sweetener. Since date fruit is a rich source of many nutrients and fibers, it may promote brain Health, skin health, help natural labour, and play a role in curing some gastrointestinal problems as well as Anemia.

date

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower Seeds

While sunflower plant is originally from North America, the edible plant seeds are a popular snack in Iran. Iranians do use it when they are watching a game, an interesting movie or during family get-togethers. Sunflower seeds are also very common to be used in Yalda night. Yalda is the longest night of the year when Iranian celebrate and stay awake. These seeds have significant properties and benefits for physical health, among which are improving heart health, skin care, helping weight loss and providing a better sleep.

Fig

Fig is the fruit of a tree which belongs to the Asian species of flowering plant in the mulberry family. Iranians use these sweet fruits in the morning alongside breakfast as they are a good source of energy. Iranians consume Figs in various forms such as the raw fruit, dried fruit and in form of a sweet blackish syrup. Figs have had a special place in Iranian traditional medicine and contain a wealth of nutrients and vitamins. Figs are useful for insomnia, curing constipation and can help treat hemorrhoids. Figs also have wonderful benefits to skin and hair. They are a helpful enhancer of skin rejuvenation and hair growth.

fig

raisin

Raisin

Raisin is the dried form of grapes that has a special place in Persian cuisine. People use Raisin in a raw form especially with chickpeas or as a component of Iranian dishes. In addition to its sweet taste, raisin has amazing benefits and properties. Some of its benefits are improving oral health, treating anemia, improving skin health and helping sleeping.

Berry

Being a delicious summer fruit, berry is very useful for both mental and physical health. A good news is that the sugar in berries is not harmful to people with diabetes. Iranians use Berry in both raw and dried form and there is a sweet syrup extracted from the raw fruits. Among the benefits of consuming berries are reducing anxiety and nervousness, improving digestion, lowering cholesterol level, helping lose weight, increasing blood circulation, building bone tissue and strengthening the immune system.

berry

dried fruits

Dried Fruits

Iranians used to dry many types of fruits in order to be able to enjoy them for a longer period of time. The dried form keeps most of the properties as well as the taste and aroma of the raw fruit while it can mostly be kept in the atmosphere temperature without going unusable. Apples, pears, apricots, peaches, figs, plums and blueberries are among the most popular fruits that dried forms can be found in many stores of Iran. Each of these dried fruits have their own taste, aroma and properties; but all in all, they are also beneficial for health. Being mostly rich in fiber, vitamin and carbohydrate, these dried fruits can both provide the necessary energy to the body and result in health benefits such as preventing high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, helping regulate body weight and even lowering blood sugar level.

Gheysi

Since apricot is easily found in Iran, it is used in several different types. Gheysi is a dried form of apricot in Iran that has a very sweet and pleasant taste. With its golden color, Gheysi contains many nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, beta carotene, iron, potassium, etc. that bring many benefits for the body. Iranian traditional medicine recommends, eating Gheysi as it helps cure pancreatitis and intestinal inflammation. The benefits of consuming Gheysi includes protecting the heart, preventing bad breath, relieving constipation, skin care and bone health.

apricot kernel

Apricot kernel

The kernel of apricot is another form of consuming this sweet and useful fruit. They are the seeds of apricot that you can either use it in raw form or to produce oil and chemicals used for medicinal purposes. Apricot kernels have a unique composition that may play a role in human health. Apricot kernels contain vitamin B17, known as amygdalin or laetrile that result in anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. But be careful that excessive use of apricot kernels and consuming it with several fruits like peaches, celery, wheat germ and carrots can have negative effects on your health.

Iranian Medicinal Herbs

Medicinal Herbs

With its history of traditional medicine, Iran offers too many different types of medicinal herbs as well. Farmers take these herbs from natural plants and people use them in different forms. Some forms are dried leaves or flowers, infusions or their extractions.

Echium (Gol gavzaban)

Herbal treatments ought to come directly from nature and thus many of them are dried form of herbal plants. Gol gavzaban is in the category of plants which people use it as dried form of the flowers. These dried flowers can be used in forms such as tea, herbal tea or added to foods. Relieving nerve pressure, helping cardiovascular health and improving skin care are among the most prominent benefits of this herb.

Lavender

Lavender is a flowering plant whose leaves and green parts contains oil essence. The flowers of this plants are either used to make an infusion or to extract a kind of oil from it. Lavender has many physical and mental health benefits including feeling healthy and relaxed, reducing anxiety, helping to treat insomnia, and keeping a healthy skin and hair.

Peppermint

Peppermint is one of the vegetable plants that, can also bring very good medicinal and therapeutic properties. Pennyroyal is also a ubiquitous plant that people around the world use it in various foods as a spice. One of the best forms of Pennyroyal is its herbal tea that can cure microbial sore throats and fights viruses and infections in the body. The antioxidant present in the plant strengthens the immune system and contains compounds that can fight against cancerous cells.

Mint

Mint is an herbaceous plant with fragrant and edible stems and leaves that sometimes has colorful flowers. It is a plant with many beneficial properties that has a warm and dry nature. The most important properties of mint tea are comforting gastrointestinal pain, including stomach, intestine and bloating. It also prevents bad breath and gum disease. Mint tea is also very useful for relieving chest pain and cough.

Caraway

Caraway or Persian cumin, is an herbaceous plant with hollow stems that have branches from the base. Cumin has two types, green and black. In order to prepare cumin tea, a tablespoon of cumin powder is grinded and brewed in a teapot with water at a temperature of 80°C for 15 to 20 minutes like tea. Then you can drink the herbal tea with a spoonful of honey and lemon juice. Cumin is useful for treating menstrual disorders and menstrual pain. Cumin tea is also useful for treating bloating, stomach pain and digestive problems. It has analgesic properties as well and drinking its infusion is useful in reducing pain, especially migraine headaches.

Thyme

Thyme is a plant that has medical uses in traditional medicine of Iran and Europe. This herbaceous and aromatic plant has many medicinal properties and it is used in various foods and cosmetics. The infusion of this plant is not only delicious, but also has antifungal, antiviral and immune-boosting properties.

Orange blossom

Orange blossom is the fragrant flowers of the Citrus sinensis tree. This flower mitigates the nervous pains, reduces headaches and migraines, and eliminates irregular heartbeats and anxiety. The water of this flower is clear aromatic by-product of the distillation of fresh orange blossoms. It has a warm nature and is beneficial for physical and mental health. The water is a strong appetizer and can eliminate irregular heartbeats, anxiety and help people with sleep disorders.

Ginger

Ginger is a plant that has long been used as a medicinal substance and also as a spice around the world. Its infusion is one of the most useful types of herbal infusions that is rich in unique healing properties. The infusion has several health benefits including eliminating stomach and intestinal infections, relieving painful contractions and muscle cramps, and also treating colds.

Garlic

Garlic is a species that is a close relative of the onion and is native to Central Asia and northeastern Iran. Garlic is a common treatment for hoarseness, is effective in treating toothache and a mixture of garlic and ginger relieves tooth pain. In addition, Iranians use this vegetable in various dishes and condiments.

Iranian spices

Spices

Spices construct an essential part of Persian cuisine and therefore you can find so many types of them in Iran. Spices are mainly responsible for the pleasant taste, favorable scent and beautiful colors of their dishes. Cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cumin, caraway, coriander, cloves and cardamom are the most popular types of Iranian spices. You can use dried mint, angelica, coriander seeds, black seed, black and green cumin, curry and turmeric in condiments; and use black pepper, dried mint with yogurt and cucumber; Turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper are used in Dizi (Abgoosht) and Red sumac or brown sumac are used in Chelo kabab dish. In addition, these spices bring several health benefits. Some of its benefits are weight regulation, pain relief, improving body health and treating different types of pain. You must ensure that you do not have an allergy to that specific spice before using it.

Iranian sweets

Iranian sweets

Iran is also a great place for those with a sweet tooth offering various types of flavorsome sweets with divinely tastes and appearance. Below are some of delicious local Iranian sweets with a brief description:

Qurabiya

Qurabiya is a type of local biscuit that has many fans in the regions of Azerbaijan, Zanjan, and Qazvin. This kind of sweet is manly prepared with almond, sugar and egg and is full of pistachio and almond kernels. This sweet is generally known as Qorabieh of Tabriz, although Qorabieh is not specific to Tabriz and has many fans all over the country. There are different types of this sweet such as walnut, coconut, and Greek Qurabiya.

Nougat

Nougat is a sweet made from honey, sugar, egg whites, nuts and sometimes pieces of fruit. There are different types of Nougat, among which the Tabrizi Nougat is one of the oldest traditional sweets that is also considered as one of the original souvenirs of that region.Tabrizi Nougat has such special place in the culture of this city that the people never forget to put this sweet on Eid tables and used in their celebrations.

Eris

Being among the most popular confections of Tabriz city, Eris is a tasty cubic sweet that is made of milk, sugar, vanilla, pistachios and cocoa. This delicious and lovely sweet is prepared in different types such as chocolate Eris, milk Eris, crisp Eris and rosary Eris that is in the form of large rosary beads.

Qottab

Originally, Qottab is a traditional sweet of Yazd city that consists of two outer parts (Dough or Qottab bread) and a middle part (almond powder, sugar, cardamom, etc.) and at the end of the work, it is rolled over in powdered sugar. There is also a type of Qottab known as Kerman Qottab with the only difference that Yazdi Qottab contains walnut or pistachio in its middle ingredients instead of almond.

Baklava

Baklava is a very tasty sweet that is made as a perfect combination of high-quality layers of filo stuffed delicious chopped nuts that are fastened together by a sweet nectar or honey. Cities of Qazvin, Kashan, Yazd, Gilan, Tabriz and Sardrood are famous for this kind of pastry which comes in different ingredients such as walnut, pistachio, almond and coconut and in various shapes including rhombus, square and roll.

Nan-e berenji (Shirini berenji)

Being a very popular traditional and Iranian sweet in Kermanshah, Nan-e berenji is a rice-flour cookie that is considered as one of the souvenirs of this province as well. This sweet is ubiquitously used in get-togethers and many Iranian festivals (such as Nowruz). There are many fans of this type of pastry due to its aroma and taste of Kermanshahi oil and saffron.

Nan-e Khormaei

Being among the great souvenirs of Kermanshah city, Nan-e khormaei (Bread and date) is made from a combination of dates, wheat flour, sugar, Kermanshahi oil, saffron, water, and eggs. In order to prepare this sweet, the pitted dates are crushed and covered with a Dough made of wheat flour and then baked in the oven. This sweet is a great choice to be used as a breakfast or as a snack.

Masghati

Masghati is one of the delicious and traditional Iranian confections that originally comes from Lar city of Fars province and has so many fans in the country. The main ingredient of this sweet is starch that is dissolved in water and cooked with sugar, rose, cardamom and sometimes saffron to thicken. Masghati is also garnished with pistachio powder and sliced almonds and is usually cut into rhombus shapes. This type of dessert is one of the most delicious and popular items that is used both as a dessert and as an appetizer.

Koloocheh

Koloocheh is a type of Persian cookie that is prepared by wheat flour, sugar and oil, and by adding dates or raisins or coconut, and by changing flavors different types of Koluche can be made. There is a type of Koloocheh belonging to the city of Foman that has so many fans in Iran. Koloocheh can both be used as a snack or it can be a complete food for a breakfast providing all the needed energy.

Badam Sookhteh

Badam Sookhteh is a delicious Iranian sweet coming from Fars and Kurdistan provinces of Iran that can be used instead of sugar and chocolate alongside tea or herbal tea drinking. Almonds and sugar are the main ingredients used in preparation of this type of tasty sweet.

Gaz

Coming originally from the province of Isfahan, Gaz is one of the best souvenirs of this city with its attractive and lovely taste. Basically, Gaz is available in different types such as mouthful or floury, pistachio and almond types. Floury Gaz pieces are kept among flour to keep their fresh form. Pistachio type is a very popular one, but all other types have a very pleasant taste as well.

Sohan

With its most famous type belonging to the city of Qom, Sohan is a kind of Iranian sweet that can also be called halva. This delicious sweet is made from wheat germ and has different types including honey, sesame, cotton, almonds, Sohan-e Gazi, Sohan-e Loghme and so many other types. The main ingredients of Sohan include: flour, sugar, oil, rose, saffron and cardamom and by replacing wheat germ with flour and adding other ingredients such as egg yolk, features such as durability and firmness and fragility can be added to Sohan.

Poolaki

Mainly belonging to the province of Isfahan, Poolaki is a type of candy that is a popular choice of many tourists as a souvenir. This candy is mainly made of sugar, water, white vinegar and some natural taste of saffron and is made in the form of very thin coins. Poolaki has a very pleasant taste that can be served with tea instead of sugar.

Kolompeh

Originally baked in the province of Kerman, Kolompeh is a pastry looking like pie that is made with a mixture of dates with cardamom powder and other ingredients. In the past, Kermani people used to cook this sweet with their local oil and dates from Kerman groves and firewood. Even today, these pie-like sweets are served on special days and in festivals such as Nowruz.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FLORA GENERAL SERVICES

Are the general services FREE?

Yes, our general services will be provided free of any charge.

Are Flora’s nursing services FREE?

Yes, they will be at your service for FREE as many nights and hours as needed.

Are Flora’s given foods FREE?

Yes, Flora agency will prepare you a menu on which you can choose what to eat freely.

Will the day by day program be sent before the flight to Iran?

Yes, they will be sent to you as soon as you confirmed your selected package in our online consultation.

Will Flora’s VIP transfer service be with us everywhere?

Yes, our VIP service will escort you completely through your stay in Iran.

Is the cost of residency a part of Flora’s general FREE services?

No, based on where you decide to reside, you may pay different costs.

Will the medications and paraclinical procedures be FREE?

Yes, all the necessities related to your medical procedure, including medications, medical photography, nurses, and so on, will be FREE.

will Flora’s certificated interpreter be always with us?

Yes, he\she will be there for you all the time.

Is it possible for patients to communicate with Flora’s medical team?

Yes, you can contact our medical experts 24\7.

Does Flora medical tourism agency have a CRM system?

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Is there any FREE sightseeing tour for Flora’s customers?

Yes, we provide an exciting tour for our customers which will be completely FREE (visiting from Tabiat Bridge and Palladium Mall).