Titled as “Half of the World”, Isfahan was one of the most fabulous cities of the world, and many voyagers and ambassadors mentioned it as one of the greatest cities of the world in their books and travelogues. Apart from its history and magnificent architecture, the royal city of Isfahan, which is never skipped during a trip to Iran, has been always known for its rich culture and outstanding art and handicrafts and is registered as a world handicraft city. Today, there are numerous artists and craftsmen in Isfahan who are producing precious handicrafts in traditional workshops and present their artworks in the market. One of the best places to buy some souvenirs in Isfahan is the UNESCO listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square, which is one of the most significant historical squares in the world and the most famous attraction of Isfahan.
With such a rich background and verity of arts and handicrafts, Isfahan is one of the best cities in Iran where you can buy amazing souvenirs. Here we have introduced some souvenirs to buy in Isfahan.
Read More: We suggest visiting Isfahan day tour page
All kinds of Isfahan souvenirs
-
Isfahan Carpets
With ancient background, carpet weaving is the most important Iranian art and a significant industry in many cities like Tabriz, Kashan, Qom, and Isfahan. Isfahan carpet is characterized with its wonderful designs including delicate arabesques, twisted spirals and the famous Shah Abbasi (lily) floral motif, and also the high weaving quality and eye-catching colors. All these make Isfahan carpets one of the most luxurious and popular souvenirs to buy in Isfahan. As a travaler you are allowed to take up to 20 square-meters carpet with you. Also, today many carpet shops in Isfahan are connected to world credit card system and you can buy your carpet with no problem in payment.
Isfahan carpets - Isfahan, Iran
-
Ghalamkar Textiles
Ghalamkar textile is one of the main handicrafts of Isfahan which has been produced in Isfahan since Mongul era and this art includes printing floral and legendary motifs on cotton cloth using hand carved wooden stamps. Ghalamkar textiles are usually used as table cloth, however today it is used in fashion as handbags and shirts or in home decoration as curtains or cushions. Ghalamkar textile is a great choice for travelers who are looking for light and less fancy souvenirs.
Ghalamkar textile - Isfahan, Iran
-
Negar Gari (miniature)
Iranian painting, which is known as Negar Gari, is a vast branch of art with roots in ancient Iran art. Iranian Negar Gari (Miniature) includes different styles like the School of Tabriz, the School of Shiraz, and the School of Isfahan (Safavid Dynasty), known as the zenith of Iranian painting. Today, Isfahan is one of the centers of Negar Gari and you can find delicate pieces created by masters of this field.
Miniature painting - Isfahan, Iran
-
Mina Kari (enameling)
Mina Kari (Mina work) is known as the art of heaven and is covering copper, gold, and silver objects like vases and plates with a layer of special glaze and gets cooked. The glaze is usually in turquoise blue and Persian blue and is ornamented with very delicate floral and arabesque motifs. It is believed that Mina Kari has been practiced in Iran since 5000 years ago and during millennia this art has got boosted by the artists of Isfahan. This type of handicraft is a very good choice as a souvenir to buy in Isfahan.
Mina Kari - Isfahan, Iran
-
Ghalamzani
The city of Isfahan is an important place in metal industry, therefore copper crafts have a special place in handicrafts of Isfahan. Ghalamzani or art of carving ornamental motifs on copper objects is an amazing art with an ancient background. By walking through the handicrafts bazaar of Isfahan you will hear the sound of hammer hitting on the copper objects.
Ghalamzani workshop - Isfahan, Iran
-
Khatam Kari from isfahan souvenirs
Khatam Kari is another world-known handicraft produced in Isfahan. Khatam Kari includes covering wooden objects like jewellery box or mirror frame by tiny triangular pieces of colourful wood, camel bone, copper, etc. in order to create a delicate geometrical surface. Like many other handicrafts, zenith of producing Khatam Kari in Isfahan was during the Safavid era.
Khatam Kari - Isfahan, Iran
-
Gaz and Sohan isfahan souvenirs
Apart from artistic handicrafts, there are other things that you can buy from Isfahan souvenirs. Gaz is the traditional sweet of Isfahan made with the sap of a rare local plant named Gazangabin, and is mixed with nuts like almond and pistachio.
Sohan is another super delicious traditional sweet made in Qom and Isfahan and is a saffron brittle toffee made with wheat sprout, flour, rosewater, and is topped with pistachio.
Gaz sweet - Isfahan, Iran
