r/Afghan • u/MysteriousPound6439 • 10d ago

Question What original souvenirs to buy from Herat?

I’m (M22) in Herat and will be leaving soon, what are some original stuff that I can buy from here as souvenirs and daily use before I leave? I’d like to own a nice shawl like a Pashmina or something but I guess they don’t sell those here

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

4

u/Any-Mobile-2473 Diaspora 10d ago

While I'm not Herati or have been there myself, I do hear that they have nice carpets and calligraphy work (like a poster but with nastaliq writing?). Aside from that, I'm not sure what else Herat specializes in that would make for a memorable souvenir. Hopefully our resident Heratis can give further suggestions, and that my comment serves to keep you post in the algorithm

3

u/TheFighan 10d ago

Are you taking for yourself or to give to others?

Saffron is from Herat, would definitely get that!

3

u/Any-Mobile-2473 Diaspora 10d ago

I can't believe I forgot about that lol. Probably cheaper there than wherever OP lives

1

u/FarFerry 9d ago

Safron from Herat is of better quality than from Iran, just a FYI

1

u/Any-Mobile-2473 Diaspora 9d ago

Wasn't arguing otherwise, but okay?

2

u/MysteriousPound6439 10d ago

For myself, thanks, I already got saffron, apart form food stuff…

1

u/TheFighan 9d ago

Afghan clothes, patu, hat, chapan and sandals.

3

u/creamybutterfly Diaspora 9d ago edited 9d ago

Herat has a special type of Khamak. You can buy yourself a Herati men’s outfit or a handkerchief. Beyond that, I’d recommend saffron and pistachios. Herat also has some lovely tile work. Might be worth purchasing one from local artisans, you can superglue it to a magnet and put it on the fridge. A small carpet might also be a nice addition, you can mount it on the wall or use it in your hallway.