Updated: 8 July 2019
Commonly known in Iran as “the desert bride,” Yazd is the trifecta of great sites, great food, and [by far] great people. Aside from its well-known bâdgir (windtowers) that dot the city and the wonderfully singsongy accent, there are a number of unique souvenirs from Yazd. Discover the 5 best souvenirs from Yazd to buy for yourself or as gifts to take back.
Shamad
Throughout my entire childhood, whenever we took a siesta, we always used shamad (thin cotton blankets), the perfect lightweight cover for the summer. Little did I know that the best are from Yazd. Even the manly pahlevân of the Zurkhaneh had these draped around their shoulders as they warmed up. Yazd has good cotton, and that’s what makes these so special. But they don’t just come in blanket form. You can also get these cloths in smaller sizes which are quite practical for the kitchen.
Shamad are thin, cotton cloth souvenirs from Yazd
Talâ
Talâ (gold) from Yazd is quite famous as it’s usually 22 or 24 karats. Walk through the Gold Bazaar and just marvel at the different styles. Brush up on your chooneh zadan (bargaining skills) should you decide to buy something, though. Or else go with someone who can chooneh well.
Gold from Yazd is 22 or 25 karats
Termeh
Termeh is an elegant, hand-embroidered silk fabric with fine threads of gold woven in, similar to a brocade. Usually in paisley designs you can find it made into a variety of products such as shoes, bags, tablecloths, and jewelry pouches, or you can, quite simply, buy the fabric itself.
Termeh is a kind of brocade souvenir from Yazd
Ceramics and Pottery
Ceramics and pottery have a long history in Iran. A quick visit to the National Museum of Iran or the Glassware and Ceramic Museum of Iran in Tehran will quickly prove this fact. These days, towns like Lalejin, Meybod, and Natanz continue this age-old tradition with hand-painted dishes and decorative items. Meybod is located close to Yazd, so you can find some fantastic products there or in Yazd itself. Check out the store Isatis, just next to Alexander Prison.
Yazd is one of the Iranian cities with the best pottery
Copper
Yazd and Kerman are known for their copper, so if you need anything copper related, visit the Coppersmith Bazaar. There are all kinds of pots, trays, cups, and decorative items available at very affordable prices. But even just walking through the bazaar is an experience as you pass stores with workers busy hammering in designs or whitening the pots to make them safe for use.
Copper is a souvenir from Yazd and the Coppersmith Bazaar is full of workers
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