One of the populous cities of Iran With a population of 1,700,000 people. Shiraz is Located in the middle of Zagros Mountains and one of the most important trade centers of ancient Persia. Among Iranian Shiraz is known as the city of flowers, poetry and literature. Two of the most famous poets of Persian literature belonged to this city, Saadi and Hafez (1315-1390). German famous poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe has been one of the advocates of Hafez. In one of his notes he mentions about Hafez like this:
"Hafez! What frenzy is?
Knowing myself similar to you.
You ride forward, like a ship, on the waves of
The sea,
With hoisted sails,
Bold and proud,
And I look like a piece of board …"
Shiraz is known for its beautiful gardens, In the Iranian culture they are called Pardis (means Paradise). During the reign of Zandieh dynasty, Shiraz was chosen as the capital of Iran (1762). The boom of Shiraz belongs to this era, beautiful and magnificent monuments of this era remain in Shiraz like: Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar and citadel of Karim Khan.
The most important attractions of Shiraz are: Vakil Bazaar (market), Eram Garden, Nasir ol-Mulk Mosque, Tomb of Hafez, Tomb of Sa’di, Karim Khan Citadel, Shah-e Cheragh Mausoleum, Persepolis (Takht-e Jamshid), Naqsh-e Rostam and Naqsh-e Rajab, Pasargade (Parseh).
