Shiraz, Iran

Bazaar Vakeel - a huge ancient bazaar specializing in fine carpets, textiles, antiques and handicrafts, and spices . There is also a courtyard with a pool located in the bazaar like other bazaars in Iran, but it is called 'SARAYE MOOSHIR'.  I bought a lot of gifts to bring back to US, except carpets. The handmade one are beautiful yet heavy and expensive. So I bought a carpet design table clothes and a mouse pad instead. I still have 2 weeks to travel in Spain. 

The prices here are higher than Kashan and Esfahan. However, since the bazzras will be closed for Ashura during 11/13-15, I have to shop in Shiraz for all items before I leave Iran.

I tried Shirazi Paloodeh in the bazaar, which is an ice cream made of rice starch and takes the form of noodles. It is flavored with "sharbat" (sugar water), which can be of different flavors. Shirazian paloodeh is the best paloodeh in Iran especially when mixed with Bahar-e-Naranj Distill. After ordering it, I realized that I tasted it once it Esfahan.

Aramgah-e Shah-e Cheragh شاهچراغ آرام گاه SHRINE
(Mausoleum of King of the Light) Sayyed Mir Ahmad, one of Imam Reza’s 17 brothers, was hunted down and killed by the caliphate on this site in AD 835 and his remains are housed in this glittering shrine. The expansive courtyard is a great place to sit and take in the bulbous blue-tiled dome and dazzling gold-topped minarets while discreetly observing the pious at what is one of the holiest Shiite sites in Iran. In the shrine itself, countless minute mirror tiles reflect the passion within.

In theory, non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the shrine, but our host couched us to get in , and we took photos under disguide of the chadors. 

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque it was built during the Qājār era, the mosque has extensively colored glass in its facade, and other traditional elements such as panj kāseh-i (five concaves) in its design. It appears to be the most elegant and photographed mosque in southern Iran. Built at the end of the 19th century, its coloured tiling (an unusually deep shade of blue) is exquisite. There are some particularly fine muqarnas in the smallish outer portal and in the northern iwan, but the stained glass, carved pillars and polychrome faience of the winter prayer hall are the most eye-catching features. Photos should be taken in the early morning for the hall lit up through the glass.