Shiraz

Shi·raz

noun \shi-ˈräz\

Definition of SHIRAZ

: syrah

Origin of SHIRAZ

probably from French chiraz, alteration (influenced by Shiraz, city in Persia) of syrah, syrac Syrah

First Known Use: 1927

Shi·raz

geographical name \shi-ˈräz, -ˈraz\

Definition of SHIRAZ

city SW cen Iran pop 848,289

Shiraz

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Industrial and commercial city (pop., 2006: 1,227,331), south-central Iran. It was important during the Seleucid (312–175 BC), Parthian (247 BC–AD 224), and Sasanian (c. AD 224–651) periods but reached its economic and cultural peak later, during the Islamic period. In the late 14th century, Timur twice occupied Shiraz, which had by that time become a Muslim centre rivaling Baghdad. In 1724 it was sacked by Afghan invaders and later became the capital of the Persian Zand dynasty (1750–94). Famous for its wine, gardens, shrines, and mosques, it was the birthplace of the Persian poets Sa'di and Hafez, who remain local icons and whose tombs are located there.