Today we left Isfahan to begin our drive to Kashan. On the way we stopped in Abyaneh Historical Village, one of the oldest villages in Iran. All the buildings in the village have a reddish hue. The women here typically cover themselves in a white scarf with colorful floral designs that is mid-waist in length … Continue reading Kashan Apr 2016
Isfahan, is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Iran and was once one of the largest cities in the world. It is a perfect example of Persian architecture with its covered bridges, palaces, mosques, and tree-lined boulevards. It was in the reign of the Safavids that Persians called it “Nesf-e-Jahan” which means “Half … Continue reading Isfahan Apr 2016
We depart Shiraz and head north towards Yazd with a stop in Pasargadae. Pasargadae was the first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great (559-530 BC) and this is also where his tomb can be found. Pasargadae has been declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most important monument here is the … Continue reading Pasargadae & Yazd Apr 2016
Persepolis, about an hour’s drive from Shiraz, literally means Persian city and was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BC). The ruins of Persepolis was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The site is partly constructed and partly cut out of a mountain. It gives one a great sense of the … Continue reading Persepolis & Naqshe Rustam Apr 2016
A short flight from Tehran is the city of Shiraz in the southwest part of Iran. Shiraz is one of the oldest cities of ancient Persia and was the capital during the Zandiyeh Dynasty from 1750 to 1781. It is often referred to as the city of gardens and is known for its poets and … Continue reading Shiraz Apr 2016
We flew into Tehran, the capital of Iran, from Muscat and prior to landing, all the women started putting on their long coats and headscarfs. The rules of dress in Iran is relatively lax compared to many other parts of the Arab world. Women have to wear long-sleeve tops that are mid-thigh in length and … Continue reading Tehran Apr 2016
