Numerous historical monuments, charming gardens, tombs and various museums make Shiraz a significant destination in Iran. A city of history, poetry and literature where orange aroma delights everyone. But the first monument that will delight you is the "Quran Gate". The gate is located at the north entrance of Shiraz, so if you travel to Shiraz from Tehran, Isfahan or Yazd, the Quran gate is on your right side. If you arrive after sunset, the lighting of the gate and the surrounding mountain will be eye-catching enough to start loving Shiraz.

The name comes from the two Quran books (Holy Book of Islam) which were held on the upper floor of the monument. The idea behind it comes from an Iranian belief as they believe passing through a Quran for a trip would bless the trip with safety.

The Qurans have been famous for being large and heavy, so they were called the “Seventeen Kilos”. Those manuscripts are written in the thuluth script and later were transferred to the Pars Museum. Although the initial Quran is not there anymore, the current design of the gate is also covered with the verses of the Quran.

Take part in Shiraz tours or Shiraz city tour to enjoy the glory of the gate and its lighting at night.

Around the gate is very beautiful and pleasant to spend happy hours. Your visit to Shiraz will not be complete if you don’t take a pic next to the Quran Gate. Quran Gate is a monument that has its interesting to visit both day and night.

Let us introduce you the easiest way to get an Iran Visa to visit Quran Gate if you have the temptation of visiting this historical gate. As soon as you are in Iran you may need a comfortable Airport Transfer. Let us arrange it for you at the lowest rates.

Quran Gate in the Travelers’ Narration

The historical monument of Quran Gate in Shiraz had a prominent impact on travelers that has been mentioned in many travel memoirs and history books by Iranian and foreign travelers.

The Quran gate in Jane Dieulafoy's journey:

Jane Dieulafoy, the French archaeologist said: “the only way through which they entered Shiraz from Isfahan was Tang-e Allah Akbar, which was one kilometer away from the city. From the point of view of this traveler, the reason why this gorge was known as Allah Akbar was that after enduring long hardships, when the travelers arrived at this place and saw the greenery and enchanting scenery of Shiraz, they were astonished and said Allah Akbar (a phrase of astonishment)."

The Quran gate in Chardin's journey:

Chardin, the French traveller said: “After Tang-e Allah Akbar, there is a big street that is more beautiful than other streets. This street is long and straight and its width is fifty steps. On both sides of the street, there are gardens two hundred feet long with a large entrance. On this entrance, a mansion is built. The garden doors are symmetrically spaced in front of each other. In the middle of this street, there is a large square-shaped pool with marble edges that is always full of water."

Why Visit the Quran Gate of Shiraz?

Here are some interesting points if you come to this question that why I should visit Quran gate:

• It is one of the most important historical attractions of Shiraz.
• The stepped park around the Quran Gate is relaxing where the tomb of a famous Iranian poet, Khawju Kermani is located.
• Spend relaxing time watching Shiraz from above, drinking tea, eating ice cream or faloodeh, the famous Shirazi desert.
• The Quran Gate is very spectacular at night for its colorful lights.

How to Enjoy Visiting the Quran Gate?

As a first-timer, that is always better to know how to enjoy a monument the best. Here, we will talk a bit about the facilities and entertainment around this historical gate. A historical route starts from the Quran Gate to the tomb of Hafez where you will pass pleasant gardens, tombs of Shirazi elites, and some contemporary buildings and meet the Shirazi people who come to visit or climb the stairs.

The monuments on this route are Quran Gate, Khawju Kermani tomb and stepped garden, Gahvareh Did, Jahan Nama Garden and Hafez tomb. The most important contemporary buildings in this direction are Shiraz Grand Hotel, Kuhpayeh Park, Documents Center and National Library.

After visiting the Quran Gate, you can climb up the stone steps of this park, explore its stepped structure and finally enjoy the breath-taking view of Shiraz while enjoying a tea at the teahouse up there.

On the other side of the road, there is Kuhpayeh park where a hundred or two steps take you to the top of the mountain. At that top, there is another historical monument belonging to the old ages of Shiraz, a watchtower. Perched atop the mountain, this centuries-old dome with arched windows offers panoramic city views of Shiraz. It is true that the place requires climbing stairs, but when you reach the top, a unique view of the sunset and the Quran Gate lighting is waiting for you.

Quran Gate through History

Historically, Shiraz was surrounded by a wall for security reasons so the entrance to the city was done through the 6 gates. The narrow Allah Akbar Strait located in the middle of two mountains Chehel Magham and Babakohi was the entrance of Shiraz from the north. Quran gate was originally built in 948 during the Adud Al-Dawla era and a Quran was placed in it so that travelers could be blessed by passing under it.

Then Karim Khan Zand in 1705 rebuilt the gate, added a room above it and placed two volumes of the great Quran known as the “Haftad man” or the “Seventeen Kilos" there.

During the Qajar era (1800-1900), the Quran Gate was severely damaged due to several earthquakes but was repaired. In 1936, the gate was completely destroyed by the municipality to facilitate the passage of the vehicles and the Qurans were transferred to the Pars Museum. The Quran Gate was restored in 1949 with the efforts of a merchant named Hossein Igar.

Today the Quran gate doesn’t have its historical use as the entrance gate but it is just a monument reminding us how the city looked like in the past. The Allah Akbar Strait is widened on the east side for a suitable highway to enter Shiraz.