Iranian Culture - Great Gift Ideas from Iran
Iran Shopping
Mariam Noronha
A visit to any shopping area in Iran's cities and towns is enough to
discover that the country is a shopper's paradise. Here are a
few things which could make great gifts for friends and family and are
unique to the bazaars of Iran.
Dry Fruits & Saffron
If you thought dry fruits simply meant almonds, pistachios and dates
then the wide variety of salted and unsalted dry fruits on offer in
every bazaar in the country will tell you there's a lot more to
be discovered. Salted nuts are something Iranians constantly snack on
and it could be anything from melon seeds to nuts of every shape and
size that are really beyond one's imagination. An assortment of
these goodies with a few savories makes a good present.
Saffron is another precious gift that is welcome in anyone's kitchen.
The best quality saffron is available in attractive packages and is
not really hard to find in most bazaars.
Sweets and Savories
"Gez" and "Sohaan" are two Iranian sweets that
are very popular and easy to buy from most cities in the country. From
plain to enriched with almonds and pistachios they are available in
numerous shapes, sizes and gift packs.
Trench Coats and Scarves
The Islamic dress code in Iran makes trench coats and scarves a "must
have" for most women visiting Iran. Buying these for use within the
country is something you would have to do but they could also make great
gifts for your family and friends. A mind boggling range of trench coats
in new styles according to season means that you could get feather weight
to woolens and everything in between to go well with a pair of jeans
or trousers. Dress it up with colorful scarves in a variety of fabrics.
Termeh
"Termeh House" in Tehran stocks the best "Termeh"
fabric in the country but you will find shops selling the fabric everywhere.
Available in rich colors, interspersed with golden thread, this traditional
Iranian woven fabric can be used to make great upholstery, bed spreads
and bags.
Artistic Gold and Silver Jewellery
Every shopping area in Iran has a number of jewellery stores where
you will find exquisitely crafted jewellery in 18 carat gold. Bangles,
pendants and rings are popular buys. The craftsmanship is impeccable
and the wares on offer are sure to dazzle you.
If gold is not your style then intricate silver jewellery studded
with rubies, emeralds, agate and turquoise is a specialty of Mashhad.
Bracelets, pendants and rings are easy to find though finding a variety
of earrings could prove to be a challenge.
Gemstones
If you are in Iran then not picking up a few gemstones could be a
big mistake. Quality agates, rubies, emeralds, turquoise, mother of
pearl, moonstones and many more are on offer at stores across Iran.
The shopkeepers are eager to educate you about the benefits and value
of these gems. What's more you can choose from just the gemstones
to pre-set ones in pendants, rings and bracelets.
Carpets
Hand knotted woolen carpets and rugs are other things you could consider
a "must have" from Iran. Rich colors and workmanship make your choice
a tad too difficult. If you would like something smaller that's easy
to carry then you could opt for wall hangings in traditional and contemporary
designs.
Handicrafts & Mementoes
Small and inexpensive handicrafts such as miniature paintings, handcrafted
wooden boxes, little bottles filled with colorful sand, pot pourie,
glass ware, figurines, bed sheets, bags and embroidered change purses
and cell phone covers are your options for mementoes. For the religiously
inclined there are prayer beads in glass, agates and gun metal and verses
from the holy Koran scripted in Persian calligraphy. You can get a good
deal at small stores and specialty ones in all major cities.
All in all shopping in Iran's bustling bazaars is a unique experience;
the quality wares on offer just make it even more interesting.
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