Zanjan Souvenirs
20 Persian Gifts to Bring Home from Zanjan Iran
Zanjan is renowned across Iran for the remarkable diversity and quality of its souvenirs. This wealth of delicious foods and exquisite handicrafts guarantees that every visitor finds a special memento to take home. Nationally celebrated as the "City of Knives," Zanjan's artisanal heritage extends far beyond bladesmithing. The city is also famous for its masterful coppersmithing, Varsho crafting (a traditional nickel-silver alloy), silversmithing, delicate filigree work, hand-stitched Charoq footwear, and intricately woven carpets. Zanjan's culinary souvenirs are equally delightful. Among the most beloved local specialties are Shasti pastries, Aardak bread, Angosht-pich pastries, Gol-Agha herbs, Matar herbs, wild mountain onions, and Saqqez (a fragrant resin).
Iran Souvenirs- Shasti Pastry, Homemade Organic Food
Shasti pastry is a celebrated edible specialty and a beloved souvenir from Zanjan. A visit to the city during Nowruz (the Persian New Year) reveals its ubiquity, as it is found gracing tables in nearly every household. Traditionally, Zanjan's women craft these pastries at home, preserving a time-honored recipe. True to its name (which refers to the thumb), a pastry maker uses their thumb to make a small well in each piece of dough, which is then filled with honey, grape molasses, date syrup, or jam. Each piece is finally coated in crushed pistachios and almonds, resulting in a uniquely rich and nutty flavor. This distinctive treat is consistently among Zanjan province's most popular and best-selling souvenirs.
Iran Souvenirs- Zanjan Ardak Bread
One of the most popular local delicacies in Zanjan province is Nan-e Aardak. This unique bread is prepared with barbari bread flour, milk, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and oil, with some recipes also calling for whey based on the cook's preference. The dough is kneaded with these ingredients before being deep-fried until golden and crisp, after which it is ready to serve. Originally prepared at home by local women, Nan-e Aardak has a long history in Zanjan. Thanks to its widespread appeal among both residents and visitors, it is now widely available in local bakeries and confectioneries. Today, it is celebrated not only as a beloved treat but also as a cherished edible souvenir from the region.
Iran Souvenirs- Rice Bread Pastry
Rice bread pastry, known for its immense popularity, is a beloved treat baked in cities across Iran, including Kermanshah, Yazd, Qazvin, and Zanjan. The Kermanshahi variety is distinguished by its use of Kermanshahi oil, while the Shirazi version is often adorned with purslane seeds. Meanwhile, the Yazdi rendition incorporates fragrant cardamom seeds. What sets each regional version apart is its unique baking method, reflecting the culinary character and local tastes of each province. Many in Zanjan proudly claim the city as the birthplace of this pastry, tracing its origins back to their region. In Zanjan, rice bread pastry is produced in both a simple, plain form and a delicately scented saffron variant, typically made from a blend of rice flour, sugar, wheat flour, eggs, rosewater, and oil. Today, it is cherished as one of Zanjan province's most popular edible souvenirs.
Iran Souvenirs- Angosht Pich Dessert
Engosht Pich, a name meaning “finger-rolling,” is one of Zanjan's most cherished pastries. The name itself describes any dense, malleable substance—such as honey or grape molasses—that can be coiled around a finger. To prepare Engosht Pich, locals combine egg whites, rosewater, sugar, and water, stirring the mixture continuously until it reaches a thick, honey-like texture. Once set, the confection is often decorated with an assortment of nuts, including almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts. Traditionally, this delightful and flavorful dessert is made in Zanjan during the holy month of Ramadan.
Iran Souvenirs- Zanjan Felt Weaving
Felt, crafted from wool, is one of the traditional handicrafts produced in Zanjan. Unlike weaving, the felting process does not interlace fibers; rather, artisans compact wool through the application of pressure, moisture, and heat. Spring sheep wool is favored in Zanjan for its quality and suitability in creating durable felt. Interestingly, the amount of wool used in felt-making is comparable to that used in carpet weaving. However, because felt can be completed rapidly—sometimes in as little as a single day—it is generally offered at a more accessible price point than handwoven carpets.
Iran Souvenirs- Jajim
Jajim weaving is a widely practiced craft in Zanjan, where many artisans dedicate themselves to creating this traditional handwoven fabric. Woven from tightly twisted wool known as "Alwan," Zanjan jajim serves a variety of purposes, ranging from bedspreads and doormats to elegant floor coverings. In some variations, cotton thread, silk thread, and yarn may also be incorporated into the weave. These jajims are celebrated for their vibrant patterns and rich color palettes, making them a favorite keepsake among visitors who take them home as cherished souvenirs of Zanjan.
Iran Souvenirs- Needlework
Beadwork and embroidery, both esteemed forms of needlework, are practiced with great skill and tradition by the artisans of Zanjan. These intricate arts are employed to adorn clothing and textiles with exquisite detail. As enduring mementos of Zanjan's rich cultural heritage, beautifully crafted pieces of beadwork and embroidery make for exceptional souvenirs to bring back to your home.
Iran Souvenirs- Charoogh
The Charogh is a traditional Zanjan footwear historically worn for navigating rocky and rugged mountain terrain. Crafted from cow leather and stitched with silk or metallic brocade thread, its construction is both durable and ornate. This shoemaking art traces its origins to the Sassanid era and flourished notably during the Safavid period. Today, the Charogh stands as a distinctive and prized souvenir of Zanjan province. Primarily designed for women as decorative overshoes or indoor slippers, Charoghs are also produced for men. Artisans create them in an array of patterns and styles—including all-leather, lace, netted, and all-skin—available throughout the city's markets. As a handicraft with deep historical roots, the Charogh remains a meaningful emblem of Iranian heritage, now often cherished as elegant home footwear.
Iran Souvenirs- Mountain Onoin
One of the distinctive edible souvenirs from Zanjan is mountain onion, a wild herb native to the province's surrounding highlands and villages. Locally known as "Valk," this wild onion is prized for the unique and irreplaceable flavor it brings to traditional dishes like salads and ash, a hearty Persian soup. Beyond its culinary value, Valk is also valued in local folk medicine for applications ranging from restoring natural hair color to treating ailments such as lung infections and common colds. Its reputation makes it a popular and meaningful purchase for visitors seeking an authentic taste of Zanjan's natural bounty.
Iran Souvenirs- Knives
Zanjan province is celebrated for its exceptional knives, an industry rooted in centuries of craftsmanship. The region's historical claim is underscored by the discovery of a knife among the Salt Men of Chehrabad in Hamzeh village, dating back to the 18th century BC. Artisans forge these knives from stainless steel, subjecting them to meticulous hammering and heat treatment to achieve renowned sharpness and durability. Each piece is distinguished by its superior cutting power, precise balance, and elegant finishing, which includes distinctive plating styles and finely patterned handles and linings. For those seeking a knife from Zanjan, the city's markets—especially the Grand Bazaar—offer a diverse selection, including lock-blade, fruit, hunting, and kitchen knives, as well as daggers and multi-purpose tools. It is often said that the finest souvenir from Zanjan is indeed a knife from Zanjan. .
Iran Souvenirs- Zanjan Filigree
Filigree, an intricate form of metalwork, stands as one of Zanjan's most celebrated and ancient handicrafts. Its tradition in the city dates back to the 10th century Hijri (approximately the 16th century AD). Artisans craft these exquisite pieces by meticulously shaping and arranging fine silver threads into elaborate patterns, including the iconic Eslimi motifs such as "Boteh Jegheh" (paisley), "Rizeh Jegheh," and delicate botanical forms like leaves, buds, and tendrils. This art form is applied to create a range of luxurious items, from decorative sugar bowls, trays, and candlesticks to ornate picture frames, jewelry, and brooches. In recognition of its exceptional heritage, Zanjan was officially designated the "World City of Filigree" by the World Crafts Council in 2018.
Iran Souvenirs- Mastic Gum
One of the distinctive edible souvenirs from Zanjan is "saqez," or mastic gum, a natural resin harvested from incisions in the wild pistachio, or ben, tree. Traditionally chewed for its refreshing properties, saqez is valued for aiding digestion, combating bad breath, and helping prevent tooth decay. It is also applied topically in folk medicine as a healing salve for minor wounds.
Iran Souvenirs- Ghazyaghi Vegetable
Zanjan's highland flora offers a variety of cherished mountain herbs, including wild chives (tareh kouhi), goosefoot greens (ghaziaghi), and mountain onion. Prized in local tradition, these herbs are celebrated not only for their distinctive flavors but also for their health-promoting properties. They are believed to support cognitive function, bolster the immune system, aid in reducing cholesterol, and contribute to overall wellness, including eye health and resilience against certain illnesses. When visiting Zanjan, sampling or sourcing these regional herbs is a delightful way to connect with the area's natural heritage.
Iran Souvenirs- Coppersmith
Coppersmithing is one of the world's most ancient metalworking traditions, with a particularly rich history in Iran. This craft is so esteemed that dedicated coppersmith bazaars can be found in cities across the country. In Zanjan, artisans employ intricate engraving techniques to adorn the metal, creating a diverse array of both functional and decorative copper vessels. These range from humble household items to ornate showpieces, all available in the city's specialized markets. The vessels, including traditional boilers, bowls, and tankard tubs, are crafted from copper sheets using time-honored methods such as hot and cold hammering, a process that continues to define Zanjan's celebrated coppersmithing heritage.
Iran Souvenirs- Carpet
The craft of carpet weaving in Zanjan boasts origins tracing to the early Sassanid era. The region is renowned for its distinguished patterns, most notably "Riz Mahi" (small fish), "Mahi Darham" (intertwined fish), "Qaltogh," "Afshar," and "Bijar." Among these, the Afshar carpet stands out as a finely woven piece, prized both domestically for its quality and internationally as a key export from Zanjan.
Iran Souvenirs- Kilim
Kilim weaving holds a cherished place as both a vital handicraft and a quintessential souvenir of Zanjan, with its practice extending throughout much of the province. Many local villagers, in addition to their work in agriculture and animal husbandry, are skilled artisans dedicated to weaving carpets and kilims. Notable centers of this craft include the villages of Qarahposhtlu and Anguran, which rank among Zanjan’s most important kilim-producing hubs. Artisans here draw inspiration from the natural and symbolic world, skillfully incorporating intricate animal, botanical, and geometric motifs into their vibrant kilim designs.
Iran Souvenirs- Dyeing
Renowned across Iran, Zanjan's dyeing industry is distinguished by its highly skilled artisans, who expertly color everything from yarn and fabric to finished clothing.
Iran Souvenirs- Khatamkari
Khatam-kari, the intricate art of marquetry or inlay, involves decorating surfaces with meticulously arranged geometric patterns, often formed from tiny wooden, metal, or bone triangles. In Zanjan, this exquisite craft is applied to a range of handcrafted items, including copper candlesticks, sugar bowls, vases, and decorative frames and plaques. Each piece is produced in a variety of sizes and designs, reflecting both traditional artistry and skilled contemporary craftsmanship.
Iran Souvenirs- Miniature Painting
Persian miniature painting is a traditional art form consisting of intricate, small-scale illustrations on paper, historically created for books or personal albums. In Zanjan, this delicate craft occupies a place of particular cultural importance, with local artists renowned for creating distinctive and celebrated works. Among their notable achievements is a remarkable miniature depicting the Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (Miraj), a testament to the skill and spiritual devotion of Zanjan’s master artists.
Iran Souvenirs- Zanjan Pottery
Zanjan province offers a distinctive selection of handmade pottery, from functional storage jars and yogurt strainers to elegant pitchers and traditional tandoors, each serving as a beautiful and authentic souvenir of the region.
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