Top 15 Iranian Souvenirs

One of the most-asked questions that pops into tourists’ minds is regarding souvenirs of their destination. It is quite understandable that when we travel to a new place, especially a land such as Iran which is full of different ethnics, we are eager to know more about the various types of souvenirs we can buy to take home with us. In this article we are going to help you decide what to buy as an Iranian souvenir that suits your taste better. Iranian souvenirs fall into two broad categories: edible and non-edible.

Edible Iranian souvenirs

 

Different types of sweets, candies, pastries and special home-made confectionery are one of the Iranian souvenirs that not only natives, but also tourists love to buy and eat and take home for their loved ones. These types of souvenirs of Iran are mostly specific to cities meaning each of the famous delicious types of pastry are originally from different cities. But do note that over the last few years, you can buy different types of Iranian souvenirs from every city throughout the country and not just from the city where the souvenirs are originated from.

Gaz (from Isfahan)

This sweet-tasting nougat is made of rose water, flour, egg whites filled with pistachio or almond kernels. Gaz is a widely popular Iranian souvenir that you will absolutely love. Iranian people mostly eat it as a dessert with tea.

Masghati (from Shiraz)

 

This soft sweet candy is made of rose water, sugar, starch, saffron, cardamom and pistachio. Iranian people love to eat this Iranian souvenir with Koloocheh. What is Koloocheh?

Koloocheh (mostly from Northern regions of Iran)

 

This beloved confection is literally cookie but it has so many different types and various recipes. This Iranian souvenir is loved by native people to be eaten alongside their tea.

Baklava (mainly from Tabriz and Yazd)

 

Having so many fans, Baklava is one of Iranian souvenirs you should not miss trying. Baklava is a sweet Iranian dessert made from filo pastry which is filled with different nuts.

Qottab (from Yazd)

 

This delicious confection is also loved by so many people and is one of the greatest souvenirs of Iran you can take home. Made of flour, powdered sugar, almond and vegetable oil, Qottab has always stolen so many hearts by its taste.

Sohan (from Qom)

Having so many different shapes and types, Sohan is another one of sweet-tasting Iranian souvenirs made of flour, rose water, sugar, wheat sprout, egg yolks, butter, saffron, cardamom, and almond and pistachio.

Golab (aka rose water, from city of Kashan)

 

Golab is the Persian translation of rose water which obviously means water made from steeping rose petals. As you now know, this traditional Iranian souvenir has a lot of usages and is one of the things you will absolutely find in every Iranian household.

The list consisting edible Iranian souvenirs is not even close to finish but the mentioned ones are the most popular and loved ones among the souvenirs of Iran which we recommend you to try.

Non-edible Iranian souvenirs: Handicrafts

GhalamZani (Toreutics)

Cutting and curving beautiful designs and patterns on the surface of metals such as copper, gold, silver or brass using a hammer is called GhalamZani in Persian. This is a very ancient Iranian art. Nowadays, dishes designed by GhalamZani are so popular in Isfahan and can be considered as an amazing Iranian souvenir to take home.

MinaKari

MinaKari is the art of painting ad coloring delicate patterns on the surface of metals such as gold, silver and copper through enameling colors. MinaKari is sometimes done on ceramics and glass, making dishes a treat for the eyes. Isfahan is the center of making this Iranian souvenir.

 

KhatamKari

Decorating Khatam is an ancient Iranian art which is called KhatamKari. Khatam is wooden or metallic objects which can be polygon. Beautiful dishes can be made out of the process of KhatamKari which is decorating Khatams by pieces of wood, metal or bone cut into different shapes turning Khatams into valuable Iranian souvenirs. Isfahan and Shiraz are the centers of this art.

FiroozeKoobi

Isfahan is the center for another Iranian handicraft known as FiroozeKoobi, as well. Turquoise is one of the most valuable stones in the world and in the art of FiroozeKoobi, Iranian experts use this stone to design dishes and make charming Iranian souvenirs. To make this kind of Iranian souvenir, which is a new technique and not as old as the others, pieces of turquoise is used to cover copper dishes.

Persian Carpets

If you ever decided to visit Persia, don’t forget to consider Persian or Iranian carpets or rugs as an Iranian souvenir you want to take home with you. Various types of Iranian carpets can be used for different purposes such as using as a rug for your floor or putting it up on the wall. Iranian carpets and rugs have always been very famous all around the world and can be a great Iranian souvenir or gift for your loved ones.

 

Giveh

Those who have attended an Iran nomad tour may have seen Iranian nomads or natives of rural regions wearing Giveh all the time. A kind of soft, summer-friendly handmade shoe that can be an unforgettable Iranian souvenir helping you not forget your trip to Iran.

Persian Tea Sets

Over the last few years, buying Persian tea sets or tea cups has become very common among tourists. The pretty patterns and pictures on Persian tea sets have turned them into one of the most wanted among Iranian souvenirs.

Persian Pottery

Another ancient gift in the list of Iranian souvenirs is the Persian Pottery. Long ago, Iranian people started using clay in order to make pottery and throughout centuries they became really good at it. Nowadays, Persian pottery is available in different patterns, dishes, shapes and colors which you can buy from various bazaars in Iran.

 

Where can I buy souvenirs of Iran?

As already mentioned, you can buy different types of Iranian souvenirs in almost all of the big cities of Iran and in Iranian bazaars all over the country.