Shiraz history

Shiraz is one of the most iconic cities in Iran, with a history rooted in deep antiquity. Located in a fertile valley within the Zagros Mountains, it has been a vital centre of Persian culture, power, and trade for millennia.

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Shiraz spans over 4,000 years. The earliest references to a settlement at this location were found on Elamite clay tablets (circa 2000 BC), where the city is referred to as Tirazis. However, the modern city was founded or significantly rebuilt in 693 AD by Arabs following the decline of Istakhr, the ancient capital of the Fars province.

Key Factors of Development

The rise of Shiraz was driven by several factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position in a sheltered and fertile valley made it a natural hub for agriculture and trade, connecting the shores of the Arabian Gulf with the country's interior regions.
• Political Power: The city repeatedly served as the capital for powerful dynasties. It reached its zenith as the capital under the Buyid dynasty (10th-11th centuries) and later, in the 18th century, under the Zand dynasty. During these periods, Shiraz was actively developed and fortified.
• Trade: Shiraz was situated at the crossroads of important trade routes, which contributed to its economic prosperity. Local souqs, such as the famous Vakil Bazaar, have been centres of business life for many centuries.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Shiraz established itself as a cultural and intellectual hub. Even in the early period, it became known as the "city of poets, flowers, and wine". Great Persian poets such as Saadi and Hafez lived and created their masterpieces here, and their legacy still defines the city's cultural identity. The city's economy relied on thriving agriculture, particularly grape cultivation, as well as highly developed crafts, including mosaic making and carpet weaving.

Key Dates in the History of Shiraz

The history of Shiraz is a kaleidoscope of ups and downs, periods of flourishing as the capital of mighty empires, and times of decline. Below are the main milestones that shaped the appearance of this legendary city.

• Circa 2000 BC — The first written mention of a settlement named Tirazis, located on the site of modern Shiraz, is found on Elamite clay tablets.
• 693 AD — Considered the year of the city's foundation or significant reconstruction following the Arab conquest of Persia and the decline of neighbouring Istakhr.
• 869 — The city comes under the control of the Saffarid dynasty, weakening the influence of the Baghdad Caliphate and strengthening Persian cultural traditions.
• 933 — Shiraz becomes the capital of the powerful Buyid dynasty and transforms into one of the region's main cultural and scientific centres.
• 13th Century — Thanks to the wise diplomacy of local rulers, the city avoided destruction during the Mongol invasion led by Genghis Khan.
• ~1210–1291 — The years of the life of the great Persian poet Saadi, who was born, worked, and was buried in Shiraz.
• ~1325–1390 — The era of the life and work of Hafez Shirazi, the city's most famous poet, whose tomb is a place of pilgrimage today.
• 1387 — The troops of Tamerlane (Timur) capture and sack the city, marking one of the tragic periods in its history.
• 1762–1779 — The "Golden Age" of Shiraz under the rule of Karim Khan Zand, who made the city the capital of Persia and initiated the construction of iconic landmarks such as the Vakil Bazaar and Mosque.
• 1794 — The Qajar dynasty comes to power and moves the capital to Tehran, after which the political importance of Shiraz diminishes.
• 19th Century — The city endures several earthquakes and epidemics, leading to a significant reduction in population and decline.
• 20th Century — Shiraz gradually restores its status as a major cultural, university, and economic centre of southern Iran.

Stages of Shiraz's Development

The history of Shiraz is a journey from an ancient settlement to a cultural capital and an important economic hub. The city has experienced several eras of prosperity and decline, each leaving its mark on its architecture, economy, and cultural heritage.

• Capital of the Buyid Dynasty (10th-11th centuries) — During this period, Shiraz first became the capital of a powerful state. The city turned into a major scientific, cultural, and economic centre of the East. Construction was actively pursued, laying the foundations for future prosperity.
• Era of Mongol Invasions (13th century) — While many Persian cities were destroyed by the Mongols, Shiraz managed to avoid ruin thanks to the wise diplomacy of its rulers. This allowed for the preservation of its cultural heritage and attracted many scholars, poets, and artisans from across the region.
• Cultural Flourishing (13th-14th centuries) — Shiraz became the home of the greatest Persian poets — Saadi and Hafez. Their work forever cemented the city's status as the "city of poets, love, and flowers," turning it into a centre for literary pilgrimage.
• "Golden Age" under the Zand Dynasty (18th century) — Under the rule of Karim Khan Zand, Shiraz once again became the capital of Persia. This period was marked by large-scale construction: the Karim Khan Citadel, the Vakil Bazaar, and the Vakil Mosque were erected, which remain key attractions today. The city experienced an economic boom, with crafts and trade developing rapidly.
• Transfer of the Capital and Decline (Late 18th - 19th centuries) — After the Qajar dynasty came to power, the capital was moved to Tehran, and the political significance of Shiraz fell. A series of destructive earthquakes and epidemics in the 19th century exacerbated the decline, leading to population loss and economic stagnation.
• Revival in the 20th Century — In the 20th century, Shiraz gradually regained its position. The opening of the university in 1945 transformed it into an important educational and scientific centre for southern Iran. Industries developed, including textiles, food processing, and oil refining, alongside agriculture.
• Modern Stage: Cultural and Tourist Centre — Today, Shiraz is one of Iran's main tourist destinations, attracting travellers with its historical monuments, gardens, and unique atmosphere. The city continues to be the heart of Persian culture, carefully preserving its rich heritage.

The architectural appearance of Shiraz is a living chronicle of its rich history. Unlike many other cities, here one can trace the smooth transition of dynasties and styles, each leaving its unique mark, forming a distinct and harmonious ensemble.

Early Islamic Architecture (9th-11th centuries)

During the rule of the Saffarid and Buyid dynasties, the foundations of the city's Islamic architecture were laid. The main monument of this era is the Atigh Jame Mosque (Old Friday Mosque), founded in 894. It is one of the oldest Islamic structures in Iran, which has been rebuilt many times but has retained its historical layout. This period is characterised by simplicity of form, massive columns, and large courtyards, reflecting early canons of mosque construction.

The Zand Era: The "Golden Age" of Shiraz (18th century)

The greatest contribution to the formation of Shiraz's modern historical centre was made by the Zand dynasty, when Karim Khan made the city his capital. The architectural style of this period is distinguished by elegance, functionality, and harmonious proportions, in contrast to the monumentality of the Safavid era. Key structures from this time form a unified complex:

• Karim Khan Citadel (Arg of Karim Khan): A mighty fortress combining defensive functions with a palatial residence.
• Vakil Mosque: Famous for its spacious prayer hall with 48 carved columns and unique tiling featuring delicate floral patterns, particularly with a prevalence of pink hues.
• Vakil Bazaar: One of the most beautiful covered markets in Iran, featuring a thoughtful ventilation and lighting system thanks to high vaulted ceilings.
• Vakil Bath: A public bathhouse adorned with exquisite paintings, demonstrating the high level of engineering art of that time.

The Qajar Period: Luxury and Colour (19th century)

After the capital moved to Tehran, the architectural development of Shiraz did not stop. In the Qajar era, which was influenced by European culture, wealthy citizens built luxurious mansions and mosques. This style is characterised by lavish decoration, the use of bright coloured stained glass, mirror mosaics (ayna-kari), and intricate tile work. An undisputed masterpiece of this period is the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, also known as the "Pink Mosque". Its winter prayer hall is designed so that the morning sun rays, passing through coloured stained glass, create a fantastic kaleidoscope of light and colour inside.

Modern Era: Reimagining Heritage (20th-21st centuries)

In the 20th century, the architecture of Shiraz developed along the lines of modernism but with deep respect for tradition. The brightest examples are the modern mausoleums of the great poets — Hafez and Saadi. Designed in the mid-20th century, they represent elegant pavilions combining modern concise forms with elements of classical Persian architecture, harmoniously integrated into the surrounding gardens. This symbolises the connection of times and the enduring role of Shiraz as the cultural heart of Iran.

Notable Figures Who Left a Mark on the History of Shiraz

Shiraz, rightfully called the heart of Persian culture, has given the world a whole galaxy of great poets, thinkers, scholars, and rulers. Their legacy not only shaped the unique character of the city but also had a huge influence on world civilisation. Here are just a few names inextricably linked with Shiraz.

• Hafez Shirazi (c. 1325–1390)

  Role: Lyric poet, philosopher. Significance: Hafez is one of the greatest poets in world literature, whose work represents the pinnacle of Persian poetry. His ghazals, full of deep philosophical meaning, celebrating love, wine, and the beauty of existence, remain immensely popular in Iran and beyond. The Tomb of Hafez in Shiraz is a place of pilgrimage and one of the city's main attractions, where his immortal verses are recited to music.

• Saadi Shirazi (c. 1210–1292)

  Role: Poet, thinker, moralist. Significance: Author of the famous works "Bustan" ("The Orchard") and "Golestan" ("The Rose Garden"), which are considered masterpieces of didactic literature. Saadi travelled extensively but returned to his native Shiraz, where he was buried. His work, combining worldly wisdom, ethical teachings, and subtle humour, has had a colossal influence on Persian and world literature.

• Karim Khan Zand (1705–1779)

  Role: Ruler of Iran, founder of the Zand dynasty. Significance: In the 18th century, Karim Khan made Shiraz the capital of his realm, which marked the beginning of a "golden age" in the city's history. Under him, many iconic structures were built, including the Karim Khan Citadel, the Vakil Bazaar, and the Vakil Mosque, which still define the architectural appearance of the historical centre today. His reign is remembered as a period of relative peace, prosperity, and cultural revival.

• Sibawayh (c. 760–797)

  Role: Linguist, grammarian. Significance: Persian by origin, Sibawayh is the author of "Al-Kitab" ("The Book") — the first and most fundamental work on Arabic grammar. This work systematised the rules of the language and is still considered an indisputable authority in Arabic philology. He spent the last years of his life and passed away in Shiraz.

• Mulla Sadra (1571–1636)

  Role: Philosopher, theologian, mystic. Significance: One of the most influential Muslim philosophers of recent centuries. Mulla Sadra founded his own philosophical school of "Transcendental Theosophy", synthesising various currents of Islamic thought. After long years of study and seclusion, he returned to Shiraz, where he founded a madrasa and engaged in teaching.

• Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi (1236–1311)

  Role: Polymath scholar, astronomer, mathematician, physician. Significance: An outstanding Persian polymath and student of the famous al-Tusi. He made significant contributions to various fields of science but is best known for providing the first accurate scientific explanation of the rainbow phenomenon. His encyclopaedic works and commentaries on the works of ancient and Islamic scholars were widely known in the medieval world.