What are the souvenirs of Ahvaz Iran ? Introduce a comprehensive range of Ahvaz souvenirs

We all know Ahvaz for its delicious dates, but this beautiful city has many souvenirs and handicrafts as well. Ahvaz is one of the major cities in Iran that today, thanks to the dust particles, has a dark and murky sky for half of the year. This beautiful city with its warm-hearted people is one of the most beautiful spots in Iran, which, if it weren’t for the dust particles in spring, would be one of the best travel destinations. The name Ahvaz has its roots in the Khuzi or Huzi tribe, who were the native inhabitants of Khuzestan, and their language was the common language in Khuzestan until the Sassanid era and even several centuries after Islam.

Ahvaz was considered one of the major cities of Khuzestan during the Sassanian era and was a significant center for the textile industry in the region. It was also considered one of the Christian centers in Iran and one of the episcopal seats of Khuzestan. Additionally, the city served as a major trading center and, due to its location alongside the Karun River (suitable for shipping), it was a suitable place for commercial gatherings and trade negotiations.

Moreover, due to the construction of the Karun Dam, this city has become one of the important cities in the region, playing a significant role in irrigation. Beyond the historical significance of Ahvaz, let’s delve into the delicious delicacies and beautiful handicrafts of this region. Stay with us to discover the tasty treats of Ahvaz and the city’s handicrafts in more detail.

Delicacies

One of the most beloved souvenirs of Ahvaz is dates, which come in various types. In this article, we have attempted to examine the different varieties of dates from Ahvaz. Among other souvenirs of the city, mention can be made of “Halva Ardeh” (a type of sweet made from sesame paste), “Halva Shakeri” (a sweet confection), “Halva Sugar” (a sugary sweet), “Shir-E Ardeh” (a dairy product), traditional cookies, spices, and date palm leaves.

Dates

Dates are the best souvenir from Ahvaz and are renowned as one of the most delicious souvenirs of Iran. The province of Khuzestan, especially Ahvaz, hosts numerous palm groves that meet a significant portion of the country’s demand every year. In this city, we can find various types of dates. Generally, dates can be divided into two categories: fresh dates and dried dates. Fresh dates are those with syrup, like “Mazafati” dates. Dried dates are harvested later from the palm tree and are semi-dry. Dates, alongside the warm climate, have numerous benefits, including being energy-boosting, rich in iron, protein, dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamins.

The dates from Ahvaz have various types, including “Sayyar” (also known as “Estamaran”), Zahedi, Kabkab, Khedrawi, Gontar, Berim, Berhi, Shakari, Dilgari, Mekson, and Sudanese dates.

One of the most important export dates is the “Sayyar” or “Estamaran” date, which is from Khuzestan and Ahvaz and is exported to Europe and Australia. Sayyar dates are the best-selling type and have a reasonable price. These dates are dry and very tasty, making them a good choice for those who prefer this style of dates.

Kabkab Dates

Another premium date from Ahvaz is the Kabkab date, which is also produced in cities like Behbahan, Bushehr, and Yazd. In terms of appearance, Kabkab dates are smaller compared to other models. The syrup and sugar of these dates can also be considered as Ahvaz souvenirs, which are available separately.

Zahedi Dates

You might think that dates and raisins are the same, but they are not; dates have various stages of growth. In one of these stages, dates become dark and juicy due to sunlight, and at this stage, the fruit is called “Rutab,” such as Mazafati and Kabkab. If these dates remain on the tree, after a while of being semi-dry, they are harvested, and the resulting fruit is called dates, such as Zahedi and Piarom.

Date Products

We have examined several examples of popular dates from Ahvaz. In recent years, delicious products have been made from dates, including date seed coffee, date sugar, date vinegar, date syrup, food coloring, date halva, date chips, date bread, chocolate-covered dates, and various sweets.

Date Seed Coffee

They grind date seeds, resulting in what is known as date coffee. Date coffee is brewed, and alongside its pleasant aroma, it has many therapeutic effects on the human body. Additionally, from this powder, they also prepare ointments that alleviate eye swelling.

Date Sugar

In ancient times, they extracted sugar from dates, and since it was natural sugar, it had no harm to the body. Now you can easily obtain this sugar and use it as a suitable substitute for sugar in your diet. Date sugar is a harmless and beneficial souvenir from Ahvaz, especially for diabetic patients.

Ranginak

Ranginak is a type of southern dry dessert that is unlike halva. To make this sweet, dates and walnuts are used, resulting in a highly energetic food.

Date Syrup

Date syrup is very nutritious, and its consumption alongside “Ardeh,” another souvenir from Ahvaz, is considered a complete meal.

Handicrafts

Given the ancient civilization in the Ahvaz and Khuzestan region, the richness of the culture of handicrafts in this area is not surprising. Among the most beautiful handicrafts of Ahvaz, we can mention kilim weaving, woodcarving, calligraphy, mat weaving, and abaya embroidery.

Kilim Weaving

Kilim weaving is one of the most valuable handicrafts of Ahvaz, mostly woven by rural women and tribeswomen. Kilim, like carpet, is woven by hand, but it differs in that it is a flat-weave without pile. Each region has its own specific characteristics for kilims. Kilims woven by Arab villagers in Ahvaz have woolen warp and weft, with colors such as green, orange, pink, red, navy, white, and blue. Additionally, the designs used in them are geometric and inspired by the imagination. One of the most famous kilims woven in Khuzestan province is the Haftkal kilim.

Woodcarving

Woodcarving is an art where designs are created on wood using specialized tools. In Khuzestan, this art is mainly practiced in cities like Dezful and Behbahan, and you can see the beautiful works produced in these cities as well as in Ahvaz. The necessary tools for woodcarving include a saw, a drill, and a lathe machine, and the wood used must be soft and moist. Sepidar and Touska trees are suitable options for wood. With this beautiful art, items such as furniture, cradles, decorative vessels, paintings, and flower pots are usually made.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy is one of the arts prevalent in various cities of Iran. This art creates decorative vessels that attract everyone. If we were to define calligraphy, we could say that calligraphy is the art of creating designs on various metals. The method in calligraphy is to fill the inside of the vessel with a mixture of clay or tar mixed with ashes, then draw a design on it. With a hammer and chisel, a raised pattern is created on the designs, and then the raised areas are filled with enamel paste and placed in the kiln. Placing it in the kiln creates a colorful and transparent enamel layer on the raised parts.

Mat Weaving

Bori is a type of reed mat made from marsh reeds abundant in Khuzestan province. Weaving bori requires some skill and considerable physical strength, which is why it is woven by men. Bori is not only used as a mat but also sometimes used to cover house ceilings. This type of mat has more of a self-consumption aspect among the people of Khuzestan.

Embroidery

Mat weaving in Khuzestan is one of the traditional arts with a history of over 500 years. In the past, mat weaving was more common in cities like Susangerd, Shush, Behbahan, and Dezful, but today it is mainly practiced in Susangerd and Behbahan. The colors of the woven mats in these areas are mostly black, creamy, gray, and beige. Also, in terms of material, there are two types: one woven with thin threads used in summer, and the other, denser type, suitable for winter.

Enamel Work on Gold

Enamel work on gold is a special art of Khuzestan, especially in Ahvaz, which is carried out by skilled artisans (followers of Hazrat Yahya (AS)). Many artists in this field in Ahvaz are world-renowned, and their works are unique. They meticulously engrave palm and boat motifs on gold pieces, inspired by the Karun River and camel caravans, onto enameled surfaces. These pieces, including bracelets, cuffs, necklaces, pendants, earrings, and rings, not only hold economic value but also possess significant artistic value.