What to buy in Maragheh ? 8 Best Maragheh Souvenirs

Maragheh is the second-largest city in East Azerbaijan Province, with a history spanning thousands of years. The city boasts a wide variety of souvenirs, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a memento that suits their taste.

Situated in the eastern part of Lake Urmia and at the southern foothills of Mount Sahand, Maragheh enjoys a moderate to cool climate, making it a popular tourist destination during the summer. In the Islamic era, Maragheh was a significant center of science and culture, resulting in numerous historical artifacts in the region. Notable historical sites in Maragheh include the Red Dome, Circular Tower, Blue Dome, and the famous Iranian observatory, Maragheh Observatory.

Maragheh is also known for its natural beauty, mineral springs, and pristine landscapes. It has long been a hub for scholars and intellectuals, serving as a cultural and philosophical center during the Seljuk era. Prominent figures such as Imam Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, Shihab al-Din Sohravardi, and Ibn Arabi once resided and engaged in activities in Maragheh.

Setting aside the rich history and culture of this region, let’s explore the delightful souvenirs and handicrafts of Maragheh.

Delicacies:

1. Basloq and Sujuq:

Basloq and Sujuq are popular sweets in Maragheh, made with natural grape syrup. They serve as attractive souvenirs for both domestic and international tourists. Maragheh is renowned for its numerous vineyards, and grape syrup is a common natural product used in various culinary preparations. Basloq is made from starch, rosewater, butter, coconut powder, and walnuts. Sujuq, another beloved sweet, incorporates starch, grape syrup, almond kernels, rosewater, and cardamom in its preparation.

2. Doushab or Grape Syrup:

Doushab, or grape syrup, is one of the essential products of East Azerbaijan. The locals use grape syrup in various culinary and confectionery items. Grapes thrive in the favorable climate of Maragheh, leading to a bountiful harvest each autumn.

3. Halva of Maragheh:

Maragheh’s halva is one of Iran’s delectable local sweets, prepared with walnut kernels, chickpea flour, and grape syrup. As mentioned earlier, grape syrup is a key ingredient in many traditional Maragheh sweets.

4. Tea Pastry:

One of Maragheh’s famous pastries is the tea pastry, also known as sugar cheese or sugar paneer. It is named so because many people in Maragheh use it as a sugar substitute. Sugar cheese comes in various flavors such as lemon, cinnamon, orange, and cardamom, packaged in recent years. Its primary selling season is spring and summer, and historically, it was used instead of sugar in mosques and religious places.

Dried Fruits:

Given the abundance of orchards in Maragheh, many fruit products reach the market as dried fruits. Notable among these are Qaisi and Aloo. Other dried fruits include almonds, walnuts, and pistachios. Numerous factories in Maragheh are actively involved in packaging dried fruits, making them some of the best souvenirs.

Honey:

Maragheh’s proximity to the foothills of Mount Sahand contributes to the production of high-quality honey. Besides catering to domestic needs, honey from the Sahand region is also exported to European countries, with Sweden being a primary buyer.

Soap:

One of the oldest souvenirs of Maragheh is soap. In the past, before the advent of various chemical soaps, many people used Maragheh soap for washing. The main components of Maragheh soap are sheep fat and alkaline substances. Maragheh soaps are available in yellow and white colors. Some soaps have a darker hue due to the inclusion of henna and cedar, which are believed to have less cleansing properties. Maragheh soap is known for its effectiveness in treating hair loss, strengthening hair follicles, and alleviating dandruff.

Maragheh offers a rich tapestry of souvenirs, reflecting its historical significance, cultural heritage, and natural bounty. Each item serves as a tangible reminder of the city’s diverse and vibrant identity.

Handicrafts:

1. Leather:

Tanning and leathercraft have been prevalent in Maragheh for centuries, establishing themselves as one of the city’s oldest industries. Large leather production factories operate in Maragheh, and the city has evolved into a hub for leather production and export.

2. Silk Carpets:

Maragheh is among the largest producers of silk carpets in the country. The carpets and tapestries from Maragheh are highly valued, known for their intricate designs and quality. These silk carpets are considered precious souvenirs of the city, reflecting the rich artistic tradition.

Feel free to share your opinions and experiences regarding your travels to Maragheh with us and other Gulf City Pedia users.