Quran Gate: The Majestic Entrance to Shiraz
A Historic Gateway with Deep Cultural Significance
The Quran Gate is a must to visit for anyone traveling to Shiraz. It is not only a stunning and historic site, but also a distinctive and special way to enter the city! Imagine that you are entering the city just like people would do in hundreds of years ago! The breathtaking architecture and marvelous tilework will haunt you, and the views of the city from the entrance are truly unforgettable. Additionally, the gate accommodates a small structure known as a “Zarih,” which holds a copy of the Quran, emphasizing the site’s religious importance.
Contents
Introducing Quran Gate
Shiraz once had 6 entrance gates. The Quran Gate in Shiraz was one of them and now is one of the city’s historical and significant sites. You can find it the northeastern part of the city. It is recognized as a cultural and historical gem! The Quran Gate of Shiraz was listed in the national monument registry in 1997. This gate attracts numerous tourists annually from around the globe who wish to engage with the rich culture and history of Shiraz.
The History of Quran Gate
If you want to know about the history of the construction of the Quran Gate, I need to tell you that is dates back to the Safavid era! I mean that old! During the reign of Shah Abbas I (1587-1629), Quran Gate was built as one of the main entrance gates to Shiraz. The purpose of building this gate was to 1. create a magnificent entrance to the city which everyone would talk about! and 2. honor the Quran as the holy book of Muslims! It is said if you pass under Quran, you will have a safe trip!
Throughout history, the Quran Gate has experienced many changes. After part of this gate was destroyed in various earthquakes, numerous restorations and reconstructions have been carried out on it. Especially during the Qajar period, many efforts were made to preserve and maintain this historical monument.
The Quran Gate has many legends and stories that add to its charm. One of these stories is that people who pass under this gate, especially on Eid days, will achieve happiness and prosperity. This belief has made visitors and locals attach importance to passing under this gate, especially during special occasions and celebrations.
Quran Gate Attractions
The Quran Gate is strategically located, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and gardens. These views are especially beautiful and spectacular in the spring and autumn seasons.
The landscaping around the Quran Gate also adds to the beauty of this place. There gardens near this location and they made the place to be an ideal spot for visitors to gather in a picnic for instance and have a lot of fun and enjoy the greenery specially during the warm months of the year.
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Quran Gate Location
The Gate of the Quran is located in the northeast of Shiraz, in the Allah Akbar Gorge between Chehel-Maqam and Babakouhi Mountains, and is located at the exit of Shiraz towards the city of Marvdasht.
Distance from Airports & Public Transportation
- Shiraz International Airport: 13 km with around 22 min drive
- Bus Stop: 200 with around 1 min walk
- Railway Station: 22 km with around 30 min drive
- Metro Station: 5 km with around 14 min drive
Nearby Attractions
- Tomb of Khwaju Kermani: 1 minute walk
- Tavous Square: 3 minutes’ walk
- Jahan Nama Garden: 11 minutes’ walk
- Tomb of Hafez or Hafezieh: 4 minutes’ drive
- Haft Tanan Museum: 5 minutes’ drive
- Delgosha Garden: 6 minutes’ drive
- Tomb of Baba Koohi: 9 minutes’ drive
- Arg of Karim Khan: 9 minutes’ drive
- Eram Garden: 10 minutes’ drive
Nearby Hotels
- Shiraz Grand Hotel, 5 stars: 6 minutes’ walk
- Shiraz Royal Hotel, 4 stars: 9 minutes’ walk
- Persepolis Hotel, 5 stars: 5 minutes’ drive
- Zandiyeh Hotel, 5 stars: 8 minutes’ drive
- Aryo Barzan Hotel, 4 stars: 8 minutes’ drive
- Chamran Grand Hotel, 5 stars: 15 minutes’ drive
The Best Time to Visit Quran Gate
The Quran Gate of Shiraz is one of those buildings that has its charm both day and night. During the day, the details of the building and its architectural decorations are more clearly visible, and you can certainly take more photos. At night, with lighting, this building takes on a different look. If you are planning to visit Shiraz in Spring or Autumn, you can have the most of your visit!
Fun Facts about Quran Gate
- The people of Shiraz had a special belief in passing under the Quran at this gate. According to an old custom, the people of Shiraz would come to this gate on the first day of every lunar month and pass under the Quran, thus insuring themselves against calamities under the protection of the heavenly book until the end of the month.
- Above the gate were two manuscript copies of the Quran in the Thuluth-e-Aali script attributed to Ibrahim Sultan, son of Shahrukh Timurid. These Qurans were apparently large and heavy books, and for this reason they became known among the people as “Hefdah Man” meaning very heavy! In 1316 AH, the two manuscript Qurans contained therein were transferred to the Pars Museum, where they are still kept.
Final Words
The Quran Gate of Shiraz stands as a symbol of culture and history, valued by both residents and tourists in the city. This gate is acknowledged as a prominent tourist attraction in Shiraz because of its rich historical importance and picturesque beauty.
If you want to engage with the history and culture of Shiraz while having memorable experiences, you may want to visit Quran Gate for sure!
Frequent Q&A
What are some nearby attractions?
Tomb of Khwaju Kermani,Tavous Square, Jahan Nama Garden, Tomb of Hafez or Hafezieh, Haft Tanan Museum, Delgosha Garden, Tomb of Baba Koohi, Arg of Karim Khan, and Eram Garden are just a few nearby attractions!
Who ordered the construction of the Quran Gate of Shiraz?
The Quran Gate of Shiraz was built by order of “Az-ud-Dawlah Deylami”, the greatest emir of the Buyid dynasty.
Is there a specific time to visit the Quran Gate?
The Quran Gate is open to the public at all hours of the day and there are no restrictions on entry. However, it is best to visit during the day to best enjoy the beauty of the grounds.
Is there any entrance fee to visit Quran Gate?
It is free of charge and you do not need to pay to visit Quran Gate.
