Souvenirs of Qom

The city of Qom, located in the central part of the country, holds a special place in religious tourism. In fact, after Mashhad, it ranks as the second most important religious city in Iran. Its close proximity to the capital has also contributed to its constant attention, and despite its small size, it hosts a large number of visitors and pilgrims.

Beyond the popularity of Qom’s religious sites, the city’s variety of souvenirs is also noteworthy. You might be familiar with the delicious and famous Sohan, but while this sweet treat is the most well-known and undoubtedly the most delicious souvenir of Qom, it is not the only one. The city’s souvenirs extend beyond this tasty delight, encompassing a range of different colorful delicacies and various handicrafts that are less known to tourists.

Therefore, this article is dedicated to introducing and explaining the souvenirs of Qom. We will explore the different options one by one, so that if you visit Qom in the near future for pilgrimage or sightseeing, you can return with a suitcase filled with more unique souvenirs.

Edible Souvenirs of Qom

• Sohan

It’s impossible to talk about Qom’s souvenirs without mentioning Sohan. Sohan is the city’s most iconic souvenir and is incredibly delicious—it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t enjoy its taste. Sohan is actually a type of traditional sweet or halva that has been made by Qom’s confectioners and chefs since the Qajar era. Not only is this delightful treat popular among domestic tourists, but its unique flavor has also led to its export in large quantities to other countries.

The main ingredient in this tasty sweet is wheat germ, which is mixed with various nuts like almonds and pistachios according to a special recipe. Given the long history of Sohan production, many creative variations have been added to its recipe over time, resulting in different flavors and types. Some of these include Sohan Asali (honey Sohan), Sohan Ajili (nutty Sohan), Sohan Gaz, and Sohan Loghmei (bite-sized Sohan). Before purchasing Sohan, it’s good to note that the oil used in its preparation can be either regular oil or animal fat, which significantly affects its taste.

Buying this famous and delicious souvenir is easy; you can find various types in any shop or confectionery. Even if you’re not in the city center, getting Sohan is still convenient. Since most visitors to Qom travel by bus or car due to the lack of direct flights, many souvenir stalls can be found along the highways.

• Halva

Traditionally, halva has been made in almost every city in Iran, and Qom is one of those cities with its own unique recipes for different types of halva. In the past, many people in Qom were involved in the halva trade, and their gathering place was in the Asar Khaneh neighborhood behind Qom’s Old Square. Over time, the halva trade declined, and the number of halva sellers in Qom decreased significantly, but halva and its varieties remain among the city’s main food products and souvenirs.

These include a wide range of local halvahs, with the most famous being Halva Ardeh, Halva Konjadi (sesame halva), and Halva Shahdaneh (hempseed halva). If you choose halva as your Qom souvenir, keep in mind that while all of them have high nutritional value, you should be cautious when buying them for the elderly or those with high cholesterol, as their high-calorie content may pose some health risks if consumed excessively.

• Qom’s Kasma Bread

Qom’s Kasma bread is a delicious and tasty souvenir that tourists are encouraged to try at least once. This traditional bread can be bought as a souvenir from bakeries or souvenir stalls. It is made using flour, egg yolk, brewed saffron, sugar, turmeric, and syrup, and the traditional version is baked in large home ovens.

It’s worth noting that there are three types of Kasma bread, and you can choose one according to your taste preference. These three types include Kasma Konjadi (sesame), Kasma Shakari (sugar), and Kasma A’la (premium). The premium type, considered the best quality, contains a large amount of cardamom, saffron, and ginger, and sesame seeds are sprinkled on top for decoration. The price of premium Kasma bread is higher compared to the other two types.

• Flour-Coated Figs

Figs and fig-related products are among the most delicious and healthy natural snacks, and they are highly popular due to their nutritional value. Flour-coated figs are one of the products made from this tasty fruit and are considered a delightful dried fruit that also serves as a souvenir from Qom.

Flour-coated figs consist of a string of soft figs rolled in flour and contain anti-cancer compounds, making them a recommended alternative to chemical and unhealthy snacks for between meals. However, it’s important to note that people with diabetes should consume these snacks cautiously, as they contain high amounts of sugar. To buy these delicious figs, just visit the shops around the Shrine of Fatima Masumeh in Qom, where you’ll find large flour-coated figs hanging in most stalls, enticing passersby to try this unique and tasty souvenir.

Handicraft Souvenirs of Qom

• Khar Mohreh of Qom

Qom’s handicrafts can be the perfect choice as a valuable and memorable souvenir from this city. Among these artistic souvenirs, the Khar Mohreh of Qom is one of the most famous and well-known, so much so that it was registered among the ancient Iranian handicrafts at the 2000 Expo in Hanover, Germany. The art of making Khar Mohreh dates back to the Achaemenid and Parthian periods. Khar Mohreh refers to ceramic and clay beads that have a unique blue color and are used as decorative items. Interestingly, the blue color of these beads is so distinct and beautiful that it is known as “Persian Blue,” which not only adds stunning beauty to the beads but is also very calming.

Many enthusiasts of this art believe that these Khar Mohreh beads are not only important for their beautiful and artistic appearance but also possess other properties that make them even more valuable. These individuals believe that Khar Mohreh beads can be used as tools to ward off the evil eye and negative energies. It is worth noting that today, various types of Khar Mohreh, in a wide range of designs—over 160 different models—are made in workshops in Qom and are available in Qom’s souvenir shops.

• Maroor Weaving of Qom

Maroor weaving is a branch of handicrafts practiced in many parts of the country, and recently many men and women in Qom have engaged in this craft, making its products one of Qom’s souvenirs. Maroor is a type of wicker that is mostly sourced from areas around the capital, and with it, various products, primarily baskets, can be made.

These products, in terms of shape and material, are similar to those made from bamboo, including items like baskets, lanterns, chairs, and containers. The color of Maroor-woven products tends to be a golden yellow. If you’re interested in purchasing this type of souvenir, you can visit Qom’s handicraft stores, where you can find a variety of Maroor items at affordable prices.

• Silk Carpets of Qom

Carpet weaving is one of the oldest and most authentic Iranian handicrafts, renowned not only among domestic tourists but also among visitors from other countries. In Qom, this industry began about half a century ago, but it has gained significant attention in recent decades. With recent advancements in Qom’s carpet weaving industry, the city now produces some of the finest examples of Iranian silk carpets.

Therefore, if you are looking for a luxurious gift to give as a Qom souvenir to your loved ones, purchasing one of these carpets would be an ideal choice. The main feature of Qom’s silk carpets is their delicate stitching and design, making them resemble a painting. In creating the design, a group of artists collaborates to produce creative and artistic patterns inspired by mythical and historical stories. Since the silk used in these carpets is of high quality and pure, their price is usually high, making them a luxury souvenir.

• Pottery

Pottery is a branch of handicrafts that is usually very popular in tourist areas and is one of the favorite souvenir options in every city. In Qom, this industry is also thriving due to the presence of high-quality clay, with a history dating back around 5,200 years. Therefore, tourists in Qom can consider various pottery items as important souvenirs to gift to friends and family. Pottery products in this city include a variety of pottery containers and decorative items. Most of these products are made from clay and have a glazed finish decorated with different patterns.

• Woodcarving and Marquetry

Among the handmade crafts that have always had many fans are woodcarving and marquetry. These arts involve creating artistic works using wood as the primary material. In marquetry, only wood is used to create the crafts, while in woodcarving, wood is combined with other elements such as ceramics, metals, and other materials to create a piece of art.

If you’re one of those people who are fascinated by marquetry and woodcarving panels, you should know that these beautiful artistic panels are also considered Qom souvenirs. Gifting them as a memorable souvenir from Qom is a great idea. In the design of most of these exquisite panels, you can see elements of religious motifs, reflecting the strong religious beliefs of Qom’s artists, which are evident in their artwork. However, the designs of these works are not limited to religious themes, and various designs catering to all tastes can be found in these types of panels.

• Seven-Color Tilework

One of the prominent handicrafts in Qom province is tilework, particularly the famous seven-color tilework style. Seven-color tiles are a type of tilework dating back to the late Timurid and Safavid periods. This tilework style is often seen in the decorations of religious sites in Qom and various city buildings, such as mosques. However, Qom artists have also created this beautiful and traditional art in smaller dimensions, so they can be purchased as Qom souvenirs. It is worth mentioning that in seven-color tiles, colors like yellow, green, ultramarine, turquoise, white, black, brown, and gold are used.

• Handmade Rings of Qom

If you prefer to choose a non-edible souvenir from Qom, handmade rings from Qom are also a great option. These rings, which come in various materials, often feature decorative stones and can be used as accessories. Among these accessories, men’s rings with agate stones are among the most popular and in-demand types that tourists love to buy. However, the stones in these rings can also be made of emerald, diamond, and turquoise.

One of the most unique and stunning types of decorative rings from Qom is the “Seven-Gemstone Ring,” which, with its distinctive design, is very eye-catching and attractive. Each gem in this ring is made from a different type of stone. It is clear that distinguishing between fake and genuine stones in these cases requires special expertise, as these types of rings usually have a higher price compared to rings with ordinary stones. Interestingly, Qom has many agate mines, and the craft of making rings with agate is said to have a long history dating back to about 2,000 years ago. One of the city’s symbols is a large, ornate ring installed in a square near the Holy Shrine, and currently, more than 1,000 ring-making workshops are active in the city.

• Traditional Paintings

Traditional paintings are also considered souvenirs from Qom, consisting of artworks designed and executed on various bases. These paintings are typically created on glass, wood, pottery, leather, ceramic, and stone pieces. The patterns used in these paintings usually include floral, arabesque, animal, and hunting scenes. These paintings can be used as wall hangings or decorative objects, reminding you of your pleasant trip to Qom whenever you look at them. If you gift them to others as souvenirs, the recipient will undoubtedly admire your artistic taste.

Spiritual Souvenirs of Qom

Since Qom is a religious city, and many even consider it the religious capital of the country, it is only natural that one of the best options to consider when buying souvenirs is spiritual items. Spiritual souvenirs refer to items with religious and spiritual significance, including prayer mats, prayer beads (tasbih), and prayer stones (mohr).

If you agree that these items are among the most essential souvenirs from this city, it’s good to know that the best place to purchase them is when you visit the Holy Shrine of Lady Fatima Masumeh (SA) for pilgrimage. The area around the shrine is filled with numerous shops offering a variety of souvenirs, especially religious ones. However, you can also find these spiritual souvenirs in abundance in the city center.