Souvenirs & What to Buy in Mashhad, Iran
1. Golab-e-Ghesun Negin (Rosewater from the Shrine of Imam Reza)
Pure and fragrant rose water distilled from roses of the shrine's famous garden, symbolizing peace and purity.
- Uniqueness: Distilled at the holiest Shia site in the world
- Quality: Made using the finest rose petals
- Tradition: Over a century-old process
2. Khatam Kari (Inlaid Artwork)
Beautiful wooden items intricately adorned with inlaid patterns made from a variety of precious materials.
- Craftsmanship: Meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans
- Artistic Value: Combines Persian art and architecture
- Materials: Uses premium materials like ivory, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones
3. Turbans (Pashmina Shirin)
Exquisite turbans made from soft Pashmina silk, worn by local clerics and a symbol of Mashhad's religious heritage.
- Quality: Made using luxurious Pashmina silk
- Design: Varies in intricate patterns and colors
- Tradition: Follows centuries-old designs
4. Persian Carpets (Ghadami Bafghali)
Stunning hand-knotted Persian carpets featuring traditional floral motifs and intricate patterns.
- Quality: Crafted using premium wool and silk
- Design: Includes classic Persian floral motifs
- Skill: Hand-knotted by skilled artisans
5. Iranian Miniature Paintings (Miniature Kamāl-e Fārsī)
Tiny, delicate paintings showcasing scenes from Persian mythology, history, and literature.
- Artistic Value: Precious art form with a rich history
- Detail: Exquisite detail in the miniature paintings
- Tradition: Follows a centuries-old painting technique
6. Mashhad Saffron (Zaferan)
Premium saffron from the fertile lands of Khaf, renowned for its intense flavor and color.
- Quality: Among the world's best saffron strands
- Origin: Grown in the fertile lands of Khaf, Mashhad
- Taste: Intense flavor and color that enhances dishes
7. Traditional Iranian Music Instruments (Naqareh Khaneh)
Authentic Persian musical instruments such as the Tar, Setar, and Tonbak.
- History: Part of Iran's rich cultural heritage
- Quality: Crafted using premium materials
- Sound: Produces a unique and soothing sound
8. Persian Calligraphy (Nastaliq)
Beautiful calligraphic artwork using the Perso-Arabic script, showcasing classic designs and verses.
- Artistic Value: Expresses the beauty of the Persian language
- Skill: Requires years of practice to master
- Design: Includes classic calligraphic designs and verses
9. Mashhad's Traditional Costumes (Bozorg Bāzi)
Stunning traditional costumes worn during religious ceremonies and festivals in Mashhad.
- Design: Includes elaborate embroidery and beadwork
- Craftsmanship: Meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans
- Tradition: Follows centuries-old designs
10. Persian Tea Set (Chai Kheylah)
Traditional Persian tea set including a samovar, cups, and a teapot.
- Design: Includes intricate designs and patterns
- Materials: Made using premium materials like brass, copper, and silver
- Tradition: Part of Iran's rich cultural heritage
11. Iranian Spices (Adjīstān)
A variety of aromatic spices like saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom, enhancing the flavors of Iranian cuisine.
- Quality: High-quality spices sourced from across Iran
- Flavor: Intense flavors that enrich dishes
- Tradition: Used in traditional Iranian cooking for centuries
12. Persian Ceramics (Khākestār)
Beautifully crafted ceramic items featuring intricate designs and colors.
- Design: Includes elaborate designs and patterns
- Craftsmanship: Meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans
- Materials: Made using premium clay and glazes
13. Persian Silverware (Kārkāt)
Elegant silver items such as tea sets, trays, and boxes, reflecting Persia's rich silver-smithing tradition.
- Design: Includes intricate designs and patterns
- Material: Made using premium silver
- Craftsmanship: Meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans
14. Mashhad's Traditional Candles (Nahr-e Aghdas)
Aromatic candles made from olive oil and scented with essential oils, symbolizing light and purity.
- Quality: Made using pure olive oil
- Scents: Scented with a variety of essential oils
- Tradition: Part of Iran's rich cultural heritage
15. Iranian Persian Miniature Paintings on Glass (Agha Jamshid)
Delicate miniature paintings on glass featuring scenes from Persian mythology, history, and literature.
- Artistic Value: Precious art form with a rich history
- Detail: Exquisite detail in the miniature paintings on glass
- Tradition: Follows a centuries-old painting technique