The city has a warm and dry climate. Its numerous historical attractions can be seen in a four- or five-day trip.
Shazdeh Gardan and Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine are in suburban areas, while Jame’ Mosque of Malek, Mozaffari Jame’ Mosque and Zoroastrian Fire Temple are inside the city, according to the Wednesday edition of Iran Daily.
It has a beautiful bazaar established in Safavid era. It is part of Ganjalikhan Complex that includes a bazaar, bathhouse, square, caravanserai, water reservoir, mosque and mint house.
The domed Kerman Bazaar has cool weather. It has two entrances: one linking Moshtaq Avenue and the other linking Arg Square.
The bazaar has the longest alleys in Iran. If visitors enter from Arg square, they will see a square with a fountain and greenery surrounded by shops in which all kinds of goods are sold.
The entrance from Arg Square has a portal decorated with tiles. It used to be a place for selling local garments and textiles. However, today, all kinds of commodities are sold there, including garments, shoes, cellphones and electronic goods.
The bazaar includes Caravanserai of Indians, Vakil Caravanserai, Water Reservoir, Vakil Bathhouse, Mint House and a mosque.
Vakil Bathhouse has been converted into Anthropology Museum, in which wax statues with traditional garments are displayed.
The Mint House has been converted into Coin Museum.
The water reservoir and caravanserai have been closed for a long time for renovation.
Although Kerman Bazaar needs a facelift, it is a very bustling place with shops selling nuts, clothes, copperware and handicrafts.
Bazaar of Coppersmiths is one of the major attractions. However, the section producing copperware has been moved to the suburban area.
Kerman’s other souvenirs include cookies such as kolompeh, qottab, komaj and date bread, as well as spices.
Also, Kerman’s special cuisine Boz Qormeh (comprising cooked and thickened yogurt, boneless lamb meat, crushed peas, garlic, saffron, onion, salt, turmeric and pepper) is served in traditional eateries. The dish is usually eaten with bread but can also be eaten with rice.
Many domestic and foreign tourists used to visit Kerman and Bam Citadel years ago, but the Bam earthquake and security issues led to the omission of Kerman as destination by many foreign tour operators.
The city can again thrive and become an ideal tourist site, provided security concerns and infrastructural development are taken into consideration.
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Tehran, July 1, IRNA - Kerman, in southern Iran, is a historical city known for souvenirs such as termeh (hand-woven cloth using silk and wool), caraway, copperware and cookies.
