Shiraz (disambiguation) facts for kids

Shiraz is a word that can mean a few different things! It's most famous as the name of a city in Iran, but it's also used for a type of grape and even some people. Let's explore what Shiraz can refer to.

What is Shiraz?

Shiraz is primarily known as a beautiful and historic city in Iran. It's famous for its gardens, poetry, and rich culture. The name Shiraz is also used for a very popular grape variety, often used to make wine.

Shiraz, the City in Iran

Shiraz is one of the oldest cities in Iran. It is located in the southwest part of the country. For many years, it was an important center for art, culture, and learning. The city is known for its stunning gardens, like the Eram Garden, and its beautiful mosques.

Shiraz has a long history, dating back thousands of years. It was once the capital of Persia during different periods. Many famous Persian poets, like Hafez and Saadi, lived and wrote their poems in Shiraz. Their tombs are popular places to visit in the city.

The city is also known for its traditional bazaars, where you can find spices, carpets, and handicrafts. Shiraz is a vibrant place that mixes ancient traditions with modern life.

Shiraz, the Grape (Syrah)

When you hear "Shiraz" in relation to drinks, it usually refers to a dark-skinned grape variety. This grape is also known as Syrah in many parts of the world. It's one of the most widely planted grape varieties globally.

The Shiraz grape is used to make red wine. Wines made from Shiraz grapes are often full-bodied and can have flavors of berries, pepper, and spices. For a long time, people thought this grape originated from the city of Shiraz in Iran. However, genetic studies have shown that the grape actually comes from southeastern France.

Even though it's from France, the name "Shiraz" became popular for this grape in Australia. Australian winemakers started using "Shiraz" to describe their wines made from this grape. This helped the name become famous worldwide.

Other Meanings of Shiraz

Besides the city and the grape, "Shiraz" can also refer to other things:

• Vosketap, a town in Armenia, was once called Shiraz.
• Shiraz (band): This was a music group from South Africa in the 1980s.
• Shiraz (ship): This refers to a large ship that was once a naval vessel. It was later changed into a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, which is used in the oil and gas industry.
• Shiraz University: This is a major university located in the city of Shiraz, Iran. It is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the country.

People Named Shiraz

Many people also have Shiraz as their first or last name. Here are a few examples:

• Hovhannes Shiraz: He was a very famous Armenian poet. He is known for his beautiful and powerful poems.
• Shiraz Ali: He was a cricketer from Bermuda. Cricket is a popular sport, especially in countries that were once part of the British Empire.
• Shiraz Minwalla: He is an Indian scientist who studies string theory. String theory is a complex idea in physics that tries to explain how the universe works.
• Shiraz Shariff: He is a politician from Alberta, Canada. Politicians are people who work in government to make decisions for their communities.
• Shiraz Shivji: He is a computer designer. He has helped create important computer systems.
• Shiraz Sumar: He was a cricketer from East Africa.
• Shiraz Tal: She is an Israeli model and actor.
• Ghalib Shiraz Dhalla: He is a writer who lives in Los Angeles, USA.