Saray-e Moshir

Saray-e Moshir is one of the most notable historical and cultural buildings in Shiraz, Fars Province, taking visitors into the world of art, trade and architecture of the Qajar era. Also known as Saray-e Golshan, this historic landmark stands beside the Vakil Bazaar and is an integral part of the historical and cultural fabric of central Shiraz. The saray was built on the orders of Mirza Abolhasan Khan Moshir al-Molk, then governor of Fars, in the late Qajar period, and it was endowed under a valuable deed of endowment (vaqfnameh) dated Ramadan 1288 AH (lunar Hijri). With its traditional Iranian architecture, high arches, beautiful brickwork and tilework, together with a central courtyard and an eye-catching fountain, the interior of Saray-e Moshir is an outstanding example of urban art and the architecture of Iran's historic bazaars.

Over the centuries the building of Saray-e Moshir has served a variety of purposes, and today it plays an important role in offering handicrafts, traditional arts and cultural goods. With its two-storey rooms (hojreh) arranged around the central courtyard, the saray is a place to buy and view works of art such as mosaic work, khatam marquetry, gabbeh weaving, enamel work (minakari) and copper and brass wares. Strolling through the covered passages, visitors can watch local artisans at work and even interact with them directly. In addition, some parts of the saray are used as exhibition halls and a traditional teahouse, giving travellers an intimate experience of the culture and urban life of Shiraz. The bazaar consists of a northern and a southern section, linked by a spacious chahar su (four-way crossing). The chahar su has a tall domed roof topped by a large windcatcher that keeps the bazaar cool. The main entrance of the bazaar is from the chahar su side, and in the southern part a short, stone-paved passage connects it to the Ordu Bazaar. The southern portal of the bazaar is decorated with beautiful tilework, which gives the building a distinctive character.

In the northern section of the bazaar, a passage connects Saray-e Moshir to this part. Saray-e Moshir has a tall, magnificent portal with muqarnas decoration and eye-catching tilework, a fine example of Qajar architectural art. Above the entrance is a marble tablet inscribed with the date of construction and the details of how the building was endowed. To reach Saray-e Moshir, simply head to the historic centre of Shiraz, next to the Vakil Bazaar and the streets of Lotfali Khan Zand and Taleghani; the area is easily reached by taxi, bus or on foot from other attractions in the city centre. The best time to visit this historic quarter is spring and autumn, when the weather is more pleasant for wandering through traditional bazaars and open urban spaces. During your visit, please practise responsible tourism: respect local artisans and shopkeepers, keep the place clean and observe the etiquette of visiting historic sites, so that this cultural treasure remains preserved for others as well.