The Persian carpet- introduction

Iran cultural, Iran Culture, Iran History, Isfahan, Kashan

A glimpse on the Persian Carpet

Persian Carpet (Quali) has been considered as a sublime embodiment of timeless beauty and elegance over thousands of years in human history and it has constantly evolved into a more elegant and artistic creation throughout its existence. It has always been an essential part of Persian culture and a staple of each Iranian home. For centuries, Persian Carpets have been appreciated for their high quality, uniqueness and the fact that they are handwoven. The variety of Persian Carpets is somewhat impressive if you put some thought into it; from large carpets knotted in workshops to lively patterned village carpets and charming nomadic carpets. These hand-woven arts are not only limited to carpets. There are other relative structures with different materials, design executions and techniques, that have also made a special place for themselves in Persian culture such as Gabbeh, Kilim and Palas.

The journey through the world of antique Persian Rugs is not only a treat for the eyes, but also a journey through culture. The patterns, the sizes and the colors are all rooted in deeper meanings and sometimes, possibly stories. Stories of past generations and their traditions.

Theoretically, it is implied that a Persian Rug would have to be at least 80 years old to be considered “antique”.

Hand-woven Persian Carpets

As the Persian carpet has been a subject of interest amongst many people including us, Kalout team has taken the elaborate decision to present this historical and cultural legacy through our eyes. We are beyond ourselves to be able to share this gem with our international friends and clients.

Brief History

A significant part of the movement of the Persian floor covering lies related to the different leaders of the nation all through time. By vanquishing Babylon in 539 BC, Cyrus the Great was struck by its quality, which led him to present the craft of rug making into Persia. Numerous history specialists credit Cyrus for this cultural and artistic impression. It is said that the burial chamber of Cyrus the Great, at Pasargadae close to Persepolis, was secured with valuable rugs.

Renowned conventional Iranian floor coverings caused some zones to incorporate Mashhad, Tabriz, Arak, Isfahan, Kashan and Kerman. Notable assortments of Persian carpets, some from the previously mentioned cities and provinces include Khorasan, Herat, Shiraz and Hamedan.

Through history, until the 19th century, people from nomads to kings, only utilized the rugs from Persia as floor coverings and decorations. Generally, the word carpet was used for any cover, such as a table cover or wall hanging. However, afterwards it has been seen with a fresh pair of eyes, as a genuine art form.

Nowadays, these carpets are appreciated not only as artworks but also as investment worthy pieces. The experience of seeing and feeling a genuine antique Persian rug in person, can be truly powerful.

Antique Persian Rug

The orientation of carpet weaving in Persia goes back to more than 2,500 years ago. At first, carpets and rugs were made as simple necessities to cover the floors, protecting people from the cold and damp and provided them with warmth and comfort. However, through time, the skill and craft of weaving carpets gradually evolved to the creation of art works that passed down from generation to generation over the centuries.

In the past, it was believed that the geometric designs and symbolic figures protect the Persian rug’s owner from misfortune and evil. As for the tribal rug designs, the pattern of animals, people, and everyday objects, are a classic example of art imitating life. Persian antique rugs are one-of-a-kind masterpieces and luxury design items, which can make a house, feel like a home. Not to mention they have been quite popular amongst Europeans aristocrats like England and Germany, especially during the 1850’s. Due to their timeless elegance, hand woven Persian rugs are an unbeatable, must-have piece among designers.

During the Safavid Period, Persia was an ancient and powerful empire embracing lands from Africa to India. The largest flourishing carpet producing areas were the now modern-day cities of Tabriz, Herat, Kashan and Kerman. The Safavid Dynasty encouraged many other kinds of arts as well, which stepped into the original foot prints of the art of carpet weaving, including painting, calligraphy and intricate weaving. Nowadays these patterns have made their way onto the nomads traditional clothing, table cloths and animals’ saddlebags. There are also certain woven curtains, which are mainly used to divide a room from another. These detailed weavings and pattern are not only bound down to nomadic areas. Modern day fashion is no stranger to intricate weaving or crosshairs. Many hand-made rugs with intricate designs, which passed down from one generation to another, have survived for hundreds of years, as they were so well crafted and cherished. These specific rugs are evidence of a rich heritage and culture.

A local woman hand weaving a Persian carpet

Persia is considered one of (if not the most) varied carpet producing regions of the Middle East. However, the “golden era” of Persian Carpets really began after the foundation of the Safavid Dynasty and during the 16th and 17th centuries, Persia produced many of the great masterpiece carpets, which are still in existence today.

The display of Persian carpet from outside in & International legacies

As briefly mentioned, the rugs from Persia also made their way west to Europe. Persian Carpet started a long journey of display from Spain, which was initially introduced to the art from Northern Africa and Morocco and ended up in Southern Europe.

As of today, the most famous Persian carpets came from Tabriz, which are referred to as the Twin Ardabil Carpets. These carpets have made it in the permanent collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum and Los Angeles Country Museum.

Sheikh Safi Persian carpet at the Victoria and Albert museum

It is only fit to introduce some of these fine carpets to paint a picture of how mesmerizing they actually are. Let’s not forget that with Kalout international tours, all these treasures would be personally introduced to our visitors.

A beautiful rug belonging to Northwest Persia is the “animal” carpet, half of which is in Kraków Cathedral, Poland, and half in the Museum of Decorative Arts, Paris. Another legacy of antique Persian carpet is the great “hunting” carpet, which now is in the Museo Poldi Pezzoli in Milan. A deep blue field, where hunters dash after their prey, covered with a compelling network of blossoming stems surrounds a scarlet and gold medallion which brings this magnificent design to finish. The words inscribed with the museum display read: “It is by the efforts of Giyath-ud-Din ʿJami that this renowned carpet was brought to such perfection in the year 1521.”

The world’s oldest hand-woven carpet is the Pazyryk Rug, which dates back to 2,500 years ago. This piece includes Iranian and Achaemenid motifs. The carpet is currently kept at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

And lastly, Silk carpets woven to surround the shrine of Shah Abbas the second in Qom were the last superior achievements in Persian Carpet weaving. The pattern is beautiful, the colors are varied and in harmony with each other. The piece is dated and signed by Nimat Allah of Joshaqan.

Silk Persian carpet

The market and value of Persian carpets

Hand-woven Carpet is one of Iran’s key non-oil exports, considering Iran makes three quarters of the world’s hand-woven carpets.

The Persian Carpet is pretty popular among European (Germany for instance) and American Aristocrats and interior design or art connoisseur in general.

The value of the Persian carpet is determined by various factors, including the beauty, intricacy and authenticity of designs, durability of colors, the quality of materials and the knots as well as the years of labor spent for producing each carpet.

According to estimates by the Iranian Industry, Iran annually makes around 400 tons of hand-woven carpets, the majority of which are exported to other countries.

The display of a few grand Persian carpets for an auction

The authentic Persian carpet has lost a part of its share in the international market as replicas with lower price and quality from China, Afghanistan, Turkey and Pakistan have flooded the market. Regardless of other countries’ replicas and Monets of the Persian Rug, real Persian art connoisseurs believe this particular Iranian handicraft still maintains its status in the world.

Moreover, the unique features of the Persian Nomadic Rug have made it impossible for other producers to copy the exact handicraft.

According to the recent reports, over the past decade, the Persian Carpet Industry has experienced one of the roughest times in its era. Nonetheless, it still stands on top of its game due to its deep roots.

Fun facts

■ Khosrow Carpet: There has been a legendary, royal silk carpet woven with an intention of nothing but magnificent beauty, dedicated to the divine role of the king, a mythical king who turned each season around and promised the return of spring and earth’s fertility. The Spring of Khosrow Carpet made for the audience hall of the Sāsānid palace at Ctesiphon.

Khosrow Carpet was a representation of the Garden of Eden, which in other words symbolized a promise of eternal happiness.

Unfortunately, this masterpiece has not survived throughout time. According to written records, the motifs and superior embellishments of this piece were mind blowing. Just to train your imagination, picture a royal garden with watercourses, paths, rectangular flowerbeds and blossoming shrubs and fruit trees, which were the main motifs and patters of this carpet. A literal yellow brick road, woven in gold and each flower pedal, fruit or bird was worked in with pearls and different jewels. The border was not just woven out yarn like ordinary carpets. This border was by itself, a smaller frame holding the scene of a meadow, solid with emeralds. It’s truly a shame to miss out laying our eyes on such a terrific piece.

Qab Qabi( Frame pattern)carpet

■ It is referenced in numerous western records that Iranians stroll on nurseries, sky and suchlike that were weaved on twist and woof. Iranian heaven had seven dividers to keep evil spirits from entering inside, the example which has been seen in the arrangement of Persian Gardens too.

■ The general state of the Iranian rug is square or square shape, to help to remember the four old style components, the four fundamental headings and the example of nurseries. At the point when the circle joined the rug conspire, it has become to look like a sanctuary, keeping each consecrated thing inside it. In Islamic time the hover set in the focal point of the square shape territory, to be the uprightness of presence. The Islamic craftsmanship sought after to take earth to the sky and carry the sky to earth, and how decent rug has carried out this responsibility.

■ Gold threaded rugs (In Kashan)

Around the 17th century, the rise of lavish lifestyle and luxury, lead to the production of gold- and silver-threaded carpets. Some were even costume ordered or exported to Europe, due to the good relations between the two countries at the time. It is believed that the main producing city for these rugs were Isfahan and Kashan. As the Persian Carpets, particularly the silver and gold-threaded one were first exhibited in Paris, many believed that the rugs were actually European.

The gold thread Persian rug with silk from Kashan

Iran Carpet Museum

As Iran is one of the major carpet producers in the world with an immaculate history attached, it would only be just to have a museum dedicated to this art. The Iran Carpet Museum, located northwest of Laleh Park in Tehran, is a visionary representation of all the rave on Persian Carpet, its evolution and history. The architecture of this building is something that your eyes won’t miss as you approach. A façade resembling a carpet weaving loom, casting shadows on the walls, is not only a visionary but also a practical shelter to cool down by. Even though this museum has many photography hot spots, it should be mentioned that flash photography in not allowed inside. You will not miss visiting this Museum, traveling with Kalout tours.

Kalout team has expert guides who will make sure that you won’t miss out on the one of a kind adventure to visit Iran Carpet Museum. Not to mention that you will be hearing all about the history and culture, right there in the moment, along with the introduction of some of Iran most famous carpets.

Iran carpet museum in Tehran

The building is divided into two exhibition galleries on two floors, with each exhibition displaying different styles from varies regions and backgrounds. In short, the ground floor belongs to permanent exhibitions and the upper floor is designed for temporary exhibitions and regional displays. The overall collection of Iran Carpet Museum holds more than 150 pieces, dating from the 17^th century up to the current creations.

Closer

Iran has many roots and cultural authenticities to rely on when it comes to proving its originality. However, putting aside all the fuss and marketing competitors, what captures anyone’s heart regarding Iran’s cultural aspects, is the warmth, the hospitality and sheer humbleness of the people who contributed to this art.

As Kalout Tours is quite familiar with the enthusiasm regarding Persian Carpets, visiting carpet weaving workshops and traditional Bazaars are usually squeezed in most of our classical and cultural itineraries, passing through popular cities such as Tehran, Kashan, Na’in, Kerman, Shiraz and Isfahan, where you can witness the art of weaving, which open the doors to a trail of Iran’s history, culture and nature of this ancient land. Most tourists are drawn to purchase one fine piece as a souvenir to have as a memoir of their trip to the land of 1001 nights.

November 26, 2020

Is Iran protected to seek advice from?

News

Iran is one of the safest countries to travel. According to the 2020 Travel Risk Map, Iran is as safe as the U.K regarding security.

Launched by global risk experts International SOS in collaboration with Control Risks, the 2019 Travel Risk Map indicates the danger level of different territories and countries based on factors threatening travelers such as violent and petty crime, political violence (politically motivated war and unrest, insurgency, terrorism) and social unrest (sectarian, communal and ethnic violence). More factors such as the effectiveness of the security and emergency services, the country’s susceptibility to natural disasters, and the robustness of the transport infrastructure are also taken into consideration to represent more detailed information.

The map categorizes countries based on five levels of risk: insignificant, low, medium, high and extreme. Luxembourg, Slovenia, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Denmark, and Greenland are the few countries in Europe to fall in the category of insignificant risk ones. The majority of European countries are considered low risk, including the UK.

Iran, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and some other countries in the Middle East are recognized as low risk. Obviously, Canada, the US, Australia, and New Zealand are also low risk.

Most of the “Extreme” risk countries are in Africa and the Middle East including Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, South Sudan, Libya, and Somalia.

Is it safe to travel to Iran?

Despite the engineered picture projected in the mainstream media Iran has always been safe for tourists. Almost any tourist who travels to Iran is astonished by the contradiction which exists between the real Iran and the image of this country in the mass media.

Iran has always been an important country and has been attracting a rising attention lately. It was due to the escalation of tension between the US and Iran. However, this is not the only factor that makes Iran worth knowing about visiting. The heart of the storied Persian empire of antiquity, Iran has long played an important role in the region as an imperial power and later—because of its strategic position and abundant natural resources, especially petroleum—as a factor in colonial and superpower rivalries. The country’s roots as a distinctive culture and society date to the Achaemenian period, which began in 550 BCE.

From the scenic nature to more than hundreds of cultural sites provide people with enough incentive to want to know more and visit Iran. However, there was recently rising concerns for tourists about planning their trip to Iran. It was quite understandable.

How did the concerns started to rise?

The stresses and strains raised after Iran’s top military commander, General Qasem Soleimani, was assassinated by the US. Then Iran retaliated and carried out a ballistic missile attack on US airbases in Iraq. And finally, the crash of a Ukrainian passenger airplane that was justified as “human error”. Consequently, The European Union’s air safety agency advised airlines to avoid flying over Iran.

Currently, should you be concerned about your safety in Iran?

The answer is definitely NO! According to the 2020 Travel Risk Map, launched by global risk experts International SOS in collaboration with Control Risks, Iran is listed in the Medium Risk category. This is the same as some popular destinations such as Turkey, Russia, Indonesia, Brazil and etc. If you check the safety map in 2019, Iran was just as safe as Europe, with a Low-Risk designation.

According to this website, this report uses a number of factors like political violence (including terrorism, insurgency, politically motivated unrest, and war), social unrest (including sectarian, communal and ethnic violence) as well as violent and petty crime to determine the risk of traveling to every country in the world.

Other factors, such as the robustness of the transport infrastructure, the state of industrial relations, the effectiveness of the security and emergency services, and the country’s susceptibility to natural disasters are also considered.

Some areas of the country, particularly close to border areas with Afghanistan and Iraq, the Baluchistan province are seen as areas of higher risk by Western government and are generally not recommended as a traveling destination.

Those who travel to Iran tend to report that they feel most unsafe as a pedestrian, as particular norms that are followed in many western countries such as cars stopping automatically at pedestrian crossings are not generally adhered too in Iran.

It is safe to visit Iran for US citizens?

Yes. Us citizens can travel to Iran as a tourist with no problem. US citizens will have to have their itinerary and tour guide approved beforehand.

This is contrary to the fact that the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the U.S. Department of State has announced the travel advisory level 4 and prohibits US citizens from traveling in Iran as tourists. It needs to be mentioned that the American tourists who have already visited Iran narrate the opposite story and do not have any complaints about their safety.

Sticking to the itinerary is part of the conditions of visa approval, so sticking to the itinerary and the instructions of the tour guide will ensure that there are no problems.

The Iranian government is highly sensitive for historical and political reasons of any foreign involvement in the political process, in particular, this applies to the United States.

Avoiding political demonstrations and making any public political statements is another way to avoid any trouble.

Otherwise, Iranians will be keen to demonstrate their hospitality to US citizens and will offer to host them for lunch or dinner.

Hostility towards particular actions of the US government doesn’t stop the people of Iran having anything but the warmest feelings for Americans themselves

Is it safe for women to travel to Iran?

All women while in Iran are required to follow the dress codes prescribed form women in Iran. This means wearing a headscarf and not allowing the skins on your arm or legs to be shown while in public.

There is also gender segregation of some public transport. Following these laws will mean women will generally have no issues when it comes to safety.

Iranians are renowned for their hospitality and as a visitor you will be invited to many people’s houses for dinner or lunch.

This isn’t as forward as it may seem in other countries and is generally a sign of respect to the guest. There is, however, no obligation to accept such offers.

Do airplanes fly over Iran?

Following a meeting of an EU aviation risk assessment group on 29 January 2020, EASA announced that it was repealing its provisional recommendation not to fly over Iran and Iraq. Therefore, European airlines are expected to start flying over parts of Iraq and Iran soon, as the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) announced.

Additionally, having received assurances from Iran that civilian aircraft are safe to fly through its airspace and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) giving the green light, KLM flights will resume over Iran again.

New Updates After Covid-19

It must be added that as the international political unrest started to relax and after the flights started to get back to normal the Covid-19 pandemic broke out and changed the situation.

Right now, months after the spread of Coronavirus started to rise, non-essential travels between the countries are not suggested yet. International flights have not started to regulate their routes as they used to be previously, yet.

However, it is estimated that it won’t be long before the wheels of the tourism industry start to roll again and tourists manage to visit their favorite destinations. There is no need to say that health protocols and guidelines are needed to be observed seriously to avoid getting infected by the unwelcomed virus.

Start planning your trip Iran now.

IRAN with 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites is one of the countries you have to visit. So, if you haven’t traveled to Iran yet or you would like to see some other parts of Iran you didn’t visit before, don’t be doubtful anymore. It is high time you started planning your trip to Iran and see what this ancient country is like by yourself.

After the outbreak of the Covid-19, you now have the chance of planning your trip beforehand and you will always have the chance to reschedule your trip if the situations deteriorate.

August 16, 2020

Iran deserts from a tousim viewpoint

Iran Desert, Kerman

A brief translation of the famous Swedish explorer and geographer, Sven Anders Hedin’s words in his book written about Iran’s deserts in 1905:
The desert with its wondrous magical power lures me in. My heart wants to rush to it and listen to the great silence that rides like a cloud on its surface. The freedom and solitude was mine to grab in the depths of the desert. Here, among the leafless trees, there was an eternal and imaginative silence dominantly present; this silence was calling me to an endless desert.

Lut Desert, Kalouts

Stepping into these truly fantastic remote places, will show you breathtaking landscapes created by wind erosion, a unique desert flora and fauna, salt lakes, salt crystal polygons, golden sand dunes, beautiful hot sunny days and starry night sky in mystical silence, all of which come hand in hand to create a lifelong memory. There are varieties of desert attractions spread out through the country. Each with their own beauty and wonders to offer.
Iran has vast deserts forming almost 25 percent of its land. There are two main deserts, Dasht-e Lut, UNESCO World Heritage, located in the Southeast of Iran, and Dasht-e Kavir, in the middle of Iranian plateau, which are among the most interesting and at the same time, one of the least explored parts of the country.
Other than Lut and Central Desert, these two major properties, there are other salt lands, which can be found in most parts of the country, except for the wetlands. Desert lands, depending on the areas in which they are located, can be divided into four groups.
1- Semi-arid such as Kaboodan Desert in East Azerbaijan Province, Mahabaad Desert in West Azerbaijan and Miqan Desert in the central province. 2- Arid, such as Hoz-e Soleyman, Masileh and Maranjab in Qom province. 3- Semi desert, such as Saqand, Abarkuh, Marvast and Chah-e Afzal of Ardakan in Yazd province. 4- Desert, such as Kevirs or salty desert parts of Lut desert, which have created a magnificent plant-less scenery, bearing the unique salt crystals in different shapes and forms such as polygons and blisters as far as the eye can see.

Lut Desert, Salt River (Rood Shoor)

The sand dunes located in East part of Lut Desert locally called Rig-e-Yalan is a marvelous natural destination that stands out the most amongst all. Considering a vegetation encompassing sandstone plants such as stipagrostis plumosa, haloxylon and calligonum distinguishes the scattered flora in this area. Rig-e-Yalan animal species includes rüppell’s fox, indigenous birds of the desert area and falcons.

Salt lakes like Khoor, Maranjab and Hoz-e Soltan are amongst the popular natural attractions of Iran Deserts. Hoz-e Soltan (means ruler’s pond) Lake located near Qom is a seasonal Salt Lake, resembling a gigantic natural mirror as its shallow water covers a vast plain of salt deposits. The lake is said to be a suitable place for breeding a kind of shrimp, called Armita. Best timing for visiting this lake starts from late autumn through early spring.

National parks & protected areas:

Kevir National Park, the Preserved Area of Khar-Touran and Kalmand & Bahadoran Protected Zones are amongst the most famous protected areas located in Iran deserts. They come together in bearing some endemic species.

There are some valuable endemic species such as Zagh e Boor, Asian cheetah and Asian Zebra in Khar-Touran.

Kevir National Park is among the biosphere reserves of the world. This national park is home to some unique wildlife species including, Persian Onager, Asiatic Cheetah, Leopard, Striped Hyena, Caracal, Beech Marten, Flamingo and even Ruddy Shelduck.

The Kalmand & Bahadoran Protected Zones in Yazd province encompass diverse species of vegetation and animals; to name a few, bustard, Iranian gazelle, and Jeibir.

Some of the main Urban and Rural Destinations of Iran’s Deserts:

the tall Wind Towers of Dowlat Abaad Garden, Yazd Province

Yazd: One of the main desert cities of Iran, close to spice and silk roads, is Yazd. Many tourists visit Yazd every year for its unique environment and desert style architecture. Yazd is known as the city of wind towers. A fair point worth mentioning is that it has been recognized as a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE (2017); it has gained the title of the Mud-Brick City. A trip to this city is going to teach you all you ever wanted to learn about life in desert cities and how people adapt to the special environment of their hometown.
Kashan: Let us resume with the city of Golab (Rose water) and the birthplace of famous Iranian artists, Kashan, which is one of the oldest cities in Iran. Tourism Capacity, Natural and Historical spots and variety of climates attracts every visitor. Kashan has some breathtaking highlights. For instance the lavish Fin Garden, UNESCO World Heritage Site. A historical legacy that contains the famous Fin Bath belonging to the long list of Persian Gardens, Agha Bozorg Mosque & School and historical Tabatabaeiha , Borujerdiha and Ameriha Houses. The details and special features of the architecture is truly a treat for the eyes.
Kerman: Next, Kerman, anciently known as Carmania, where the human settlement dates back to almost 4^thmillennium BC. This city is rich in historical and cultural legacies, which you will come across in every twist and turn, like the old wall surrounding the city or the traditional icehouses, wind towers, etc. Not to mention Ganj Ali Khan Complex, a massive and magnificent complex including a vast variety of buildings and structures composing of a school square, caravanserai, public bath, mosque and covered bazaar with many handicrafts to offer, including traditional copper dishes.
Mahan: Last but not least, Mahan, which is well known for the tomb of the great Sufileader Shah Ne’emat Ollah-e-Vali, as well as Shazdeh Garden (Prince Garden), WORLD HERITAGE SITE. The tomb of Shah Nur-eddin Nematollah Vali, poet, sage, Sufi and founder of an order of dervishes, has twin minarets covered with turquoise tiles from the bottom up to the cupola.
Visitors top desert towns & villages: There are also some villages and towns worth mentioning like Mesr, Farahzad, Bayazeh, Arusan, Anarak, Iraj, Khoor& Biyabanak, Jandagh, varzaneh, Ashin, Abozyd Abaad and Mehrjan. Each offering their own uniqueness and similarities that they share.

Top special destinations and activities of Iran’s deserts:

Some of the most popular destinations in terms of Desert Adventure in Iran are Lut Desert and Dasht-e Kavir. The names that will ring a bell the most are probably Maranjab, Mesr and Abozyd Abaad.

Lut Desert:

The first and the most famous desert among tourists is Lut Desert or Dasht-e-Lut, UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, which forms one of the vast desert areas in Iran, located in south east of the country. In Persian Lut means bare and due to its lack of water and vegetation, it has earned the name, Lut. This area is divided into northern, central and southern parts. Kerman, Khorasan and Sistan-Baluchestan provinces form part of the surrounding areas of this desert. This arid and high temperature area is guarded by mountains, in a sense that whilst walking on an arid and bare desert you can have the contrasting view of snowcapped mountains. According to annual reports, among some years, this desert has had the record of one of the hottest places on earth: a temperature of 70.7 C. It is an arid subtropical desert renowned for a massive variety of different and beautiful landforms. This area is rich with its own flora and fauna adapted to harsh natural conditions. There are lots of settlements in forms of villages (approximately 28 villages) particularly on the western edge, including Shahdad and the surrounding areas. A mesmerizing natural feature of Lut Desert is Yardang, with the local name of Kalout; Resembling sand castles in different sizes and forms. Looking from a distance, you will see the mirage of a desert city with skyscrapers scattered around it. However, they are actually Yardangs, created along thousands of years by wind and water erosion. All these unique landmarks come hand in hand to form an exceptional desert area with spectacular geomorphological beauties, which led to this desert being registered as a UNESCO WORLD HERITTAGE SITE.

Rig-e Yalan, Lut Desert

Rig-e Yalan on the east side of Lut Desert and Hamada Plain in central Lut, as well as Yardangs on the west, are the most beautiful sceneries of Lut Desert, turning it into a luxuriously untouched and pristine destination.

Another natural feature of Lut Desert is its vegetation of Nebka, which has graced this desert with its one of a kind beauty. The plant that forms on top of these Nebkas are called the local name of Gaz. take years to develop and beside their beauty they keep the moisture of the soil and acts as a barrier against sand movement, which keeps the area from tuning into a complete dry land. In comparison to the Nebkas in Libya and Sahara of Africa, the ones in Lut Desert, Iran are much higher and sometimes grow up approximately 12 meters.

Some other beauties of this desert which capture the visitors’ eyes are some land forms scattered in shapes of salt polygons, tepee fractured, small salt blisters and gypsum dunes.

The seasonal Salty River that flows into the desert from the northern part, is another paradox natural beauty of Lut.

A safari trip through this land and camping at night to watch the sunset from among the Yardangs will be forever engraved in your memory.

Lut Desert, Salt Crystals

Dasht-e Kavir (Central Desert):

Dasht-e Kavir or the Central Desert, the vastest desert of Iran located in the middle of the Iran plateau, stretches from the southern face of Alborz Range to Jandaq Mountains in Isfahan Province. This desert is surrounded by Khorasan, Semnan and Isfahan provinces. Some marsh areas are scattered on the surface of this desert. On the outer edges, some sandy hills and high land could be seen scattered.

Dasht-e Kavir, sandy dunes

A desert road worth bringing up, as it cannot be compared to any other road in Iran deserts, is the dreamy road passing through the heart of Dasht-e Kavir, with its mysterious desert silence. It starts from Damghan City in the North and ends to “Jandagh” town in the South. Driving along this desert road, you will experience unique views and mesmerizing mirages.

When you enter the desert from Northside, you arrive to beautiful unexpected green villages like Rasham, Moaleman and Husseinian and after a journey through these villages, your eyes meet these colorful hills called Sar-Kevir (the beginning of kevir), which are staked like color pencils beside each other. By walking on these hills you would be amazed, when you fix your eyes upon the endless desert horizon. At the end of this vast desert you will be welcomed by the beautiful saffron fields of Jandaq.

Farahzad Village, Mesr Desert, Dasht-e Kavir

Dasht-e Kavir is a mix of sand and salt. Against the odds, oases exist within these desolate environs, home to villages that are sustained by the wells of sweet water.

Kavir National Park:

An important part of the central desert is Kavir National Park, known as “Little Africa”, 440,000 hectares. A protected ecological zone. This park includes a flat desert and steppe landscapes.

This protected and ecological park in Iran is for travelers who are looking for a safari-like wildlife. It is Located in the central desert, home to the rare wildlife species such as Asian Zebra, wild goats, Eagles, falcons and so on. This natural reserved park bears fascinating historical monuments such as Qasr-e-Bahram Caravanserai, Nahr-e-Sangi and Sang-Farsh.

Speaking of which, one of the dazzling accommodations of this area is Qasr-e-Bahram or Siyah Kouh caravanserai. The outward appearance is made of polished pink stones, which is one of its unique features. On The northern part of Qasr-e-Bahram, lies the stone pavement or Sang-Farsh, also known as the Shah Abbas way, which is also a part of the Silk Road.

A unique feature of the desert area is its water supply system. The stone water channel is one of the masterpieces of water supply in desert areas, which is provided the required portable water for Qasr-e-Bahram, from a spring with bitter water called Shah Spring. The channel was made by joining long stone units to each other.

Natural phenomena of the Kavir National park are countless. However, if we were going to mention one above all, that would be Namak Lake or Salt Lake, which sits outside the parks boundaries. As there is very minimum, rainfall in this area, the lake is mostly a salt marsh. However, it has created an amazing scenery.

Dasht-e Kavir, Maranjab Desert

Maranjab Desert:

Another amazing part of Dasht-e Kavir (Central Desert), which is definitely worth a stop, is Maranjab Desert. A mesmerizing combination of natural wonders and a popular desert destination in Isfahan province. Mainly because there are, so many different activities, to do in Maranjab, camel riding, desert biking, safaris and so on. This dazzling desert is stretched endlessly in northeast of Aran va Bidgol, covered by eye catching sand dunes and linked to Kavir National Park.

Maranjab Caravanserai

Maranjab Desert provides you with a unique stay in a historical caravanserai located in the middle of the desert. Maranjab Caravansary is situated on one of silk roadside roads, built under Shah Abbas command in 1604. Looking at the vast desert landscape from hilltops, you may be lucky to see the wandering lake, which seems to appear in different places throughout a day.

The stunning Salt Lake of Maranjab is one of the most beautiful landscapes of the desert. It is actually a salt marsh. Water flows into the lake from Qom River. Centuries of salt deposit, carried by salty water of rivers and floods has created this magnificent site. Dazzling white salt crystal polygons surround the Lake’s surface. This lake currently is being used to extract salt from. It has an amazing view during the sunset.

The wondering island of Maranjab Desert is amongst some of the most magical attractions of Iran, as there has always been a saying that this island is constantly moving. Looking at it from a distance, this place looks like a ship in a sea of sand. Especially at night, this view can truly make you forget about reality and step right into a fantasy world.

Dasht-e Kavir, Kalout safari tour

The name “Maranjab” literally implies: “Do not be hurt due to thirst, heat, wind and dust of desert, as water pool and desirable shadow of trees await you.”

Polygons, Salt River

Mesr Desert:

The next part of the central desert worth mentioning for sure is none other than Mesr Desert, a village and desert area in Jandaq Rural District, in the Central District of Khur and Biabanak County, far east of Isfahan Province. Mesr is basically 420 km far from Isfahan city, and 371 km far from Yazd. After passing Farokhi and Nasrabad villages.

This desert may be a bit different in terms of scenery as it is partly a village and holds exotic traditional houses. These houses will be your shelter at night and they have become quite popular between culture enthusiasts. Camel riding and safaris are the type of activities that can also take place in Mesr Desert. It is one thing to walk around in the desert and explore, but it is quite another, riding a camel and taking in the view. A very well-known attraction of this desert is the Khur Salt Lake, shaped by salt remains with the local name of “Kavir e Tabagheh”, a place that truly shouldn’t be missed. The network-shaped salt polygons are covering the surface for as far as the eye can see. This salt lake is located near Mesr Desert and Khur & Biabank area.

These forms turn black in winter due to mixing with clay and in the summer, they are white due to the intensity of evaporation.

The golden back to back sandy dunes of Mesr Desert with its green flora trailing through the dunes crevices, could be a unique experience and certainly an enjoyable one for those who are visiting this desert for the first time.

The view of date palm trees in the surrounding villages of Mesr Desert is one of the most beautiful sceneries of desert regions of Iran.

Let’s not forget that the experience of watching the sunset in the majestic scenery is none like other.

In all these areas you can have the chance to go horseback riding, camel riding, desert biking, riding sand motorcycles, four-wheel driving & desert safaris, thermal waters, wildlife and so on. You can take it to the next level by paragliding on a Para motors.

Not to forget thermal waters, health benefits and the incomparable healing features of desert areas. Khur, Dig-e Rostam and Sirch are some of the popular thermal water destinations to visit and swim in desert areas and not to mention the amazing salt polygons. If you ever decided to take a break and hit the road, do not forget to visit Iran and specially Iran’s mystical deserts.

Desert Tours, designed and organized by “Aftab Kalout Tour & Travel Company”( web link ) in Iran, include all different desert travel styles out there. From exiting wildlife safaris, professional desert biking and horseback riding to a relaxed “glamping”, just to watch the stars and chill out in the natural thermal waters. Not everyone has the same taste and we have taken all the tastes into consideration.

Salt River, Maranjab Desert

August 12, 2020

CMT Stuttgart World Exhibition

Kalout International Exhibitions

The eco-tourism travel agency of Aftab-e kalout participated in the 2020 exhibition Stuttgart, Germany, as the founder of eco-tourism in Iran with 20 years of experience.

CMT Exhibition is the world’s largest public exhibition for tourism and leisure. With more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 80 countries and around 180,000 visitors – among them over 10,000 trade visitors. The CMT took place for the fifty-second time on 10 days from Sat., 11.01.2020 to Sun. 19.01.2020 in Stuttgart, Germany.

There is a fast train taking you from the center of the city, right to the exhibition, which arrives in station every 10 minutes. The exhibition is held next to the Stuttgart great international airport. A fun fact of the exhibition is that there are some salons dedicated to local foods. You can visit these salons and get know the taste of not only the local foods but also the culture.

This year’s (2020) exhibition presented holiday ideas, the most beautiful travel destinations from around the globe and southern Germany’s largest caravan and motor home (a room suite on wheels, which has all the home necessities and attaches to your vehicle as well) show, as well as a tourism entertainment program. Special travel styles such as cycling, golf, wellness, adventure, cruise ships and culture were featured on both weekends in their own exhibition areas.

Many caravan, motor home coinsures, even people interested in traveling and camping gears, attend this exhibition annually. In the modern and industrial city of Stuttgart, some major car companies’ such as Benz, BMW, Porsche and Folex are active in caravan business. Stuttgart exhibition is a great atmosphere for getting to know different German car brands, among some caravan brands as well.

July 1, 2020

Websites Des Rencontres 100 Gratuit

Uncategorized

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May 8, 2020

Taq-e Bostan,

Iran cultural, Kermanshah

Taq-e Bostan, a Must-see on Traveling to Iran

The historical architecture of every nation is the mirror of its history, art, and culture. The Sassanid inscriptions in different places of Iran manifest the glory and grandeur of Sassanid dynasty. They tried to flaunt their power and splendor by inscriptions and relics on the mountains located on main ways such as Silk Road where could attract all passersby’s attention. Taq-e Bostan in Kermanshah province is one of the most magnificent Sassanid rock reliefs displaying the power of Sassanid kings to the posterity. It is a must-see on Traveling to Iran narrating one of the most sublime parts of the history of Iran carved on the stone.

Taq-e Bostan- a site with a series of rock reliefs carved on a mountain near a spring streaming into a pool at the base of the mountain in Kermanshah– consists of a rock relief and the two rock-cut arches one of them larger than the other. The larger arch is 9 m high. According to most Iranologists, it dates back to Khosrow II (around 4^th century AD). This relic gives a lot about the beliefs, religious tendencies, clothes, and jewels of Sassanid era. It shows the coronation of the Sassanid king. The king is standing on a platform, his left hand on his sword and his right hand is stretching toward Ahura Mazda on his right hand side. Ahura Mazda is giving a beribboned ring to the king. On his left hand side, Anahita is standing while keeping the jar of water in her left hand and another beribboned ring in her right hand.

There are two winged female angels on both opposite sides of the arch each has a ring in one hand and a bowl in the other. At the front of the arch, the sacred tree or the tree of life is finely carved.

At the bottom, there is a figure of a man riding on a strong horse. Some Islamic historians believe that the figure is showing Khosrow Parviz over his horse named Shabdiz. The relief is about 4 m high.

Taq-e-Bostan-Large-Arch — The large arch in Taq-e Bostan, Kermanshah

On the sidewall, the royal hunting scenes have been inscribed. The king is hunting the deer while three lines of women are standing politely behind him. The last line is showing the female musicians. The mahouts are trying to direct a herd of deer to the hunting ground and some cameleers are carrying the prey over camels. The relic presents the process of hunting in three episodes: preparation for hunting, hunting, and the end of hunting. On the left wall, the king is chasing the boar.

The smaller arch, with 5 m high, is showing the figures of Shapur II and his son, Shapur III. They are standing while facing each other and their hands are on their swords. There are also two inscriptions in Pahlavi and Middle Persian languages on the upper part of the back wall identifying both kings.

Taq-Bostan-Small-Arch — The smaller arch in Taq-e Bostan

On the right side of the small arch, there is another relic (the oldest in Taq-e Bostan approximately 4 m high) depicting the coronation of Ardashir II (379-383 AD). He is taking a beribboned ring from his predecessor Shapur II or Ahura Mazda on his right. On his left, the god Mithra is standing on a lotus flower keeping Barsam (a plant used in religious rituals) in his hand. A defeated enemy, who is believed by most experts as the Roman king named Julianus Apostata- killed by Ardeshir II in 362 AD. – is laid under the feet of Ahura Mazda and the king. Some experts also say he may be Artabanus IV, the last Parthian king.

Taq-e-Bostan-Ardashir-II — The rock relief of Ardashir II in Taq-e Bostan

As it was mentioned before, all these relics can show great details about the clothes and jewels used by the kings and people in Sassanid era. As an example, the king riding over the horse is wearing colorful clothes decorated with woven golden threads and geometrical shapes. At the scene of boar hunting, the king’s clothes are ornamented with the figure of the Simurgh. All the kings depicted on the reliefs are wearing the necklace and earrings. Their clothes consist of a knee-length coat, long loose folded pants, and a belt around their waists. They have bushy hair, eyebrows, and beard. There are many details carved on their thrones too. The clothes of the entourage are decorated with the figures of plants and birds.

Traveling to Kermanshah, you can kill two birds with one stone! Not only can you visit Taq-e Bostan, a must-see that no one should miss on his or her travel to Iran, but also you can visit Bisotun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, do not forget about going to the traditional restaurants to try Dandeh-kebab!

October 28, 2019

Narenjestan Lawn or Qavam Area in Shiraz

Iran cultural, Shiraz

Narenjestan Garden or Qavam House in Shiraz

Narenjestan Garden or Qavam House in Shiraz is one of the most beautiful and praised gardens one will love to visit. Qavam House was built during Qajar period in late 19th century. At that time, Qavam family was among the political figures of Shiraz and Qavam House was the residential place of Qavam family and the office for their administration. Since the garden has an abundance of sour orange trees, people call it Narenjestan or the orange garden as well. Today, Narenjestan-e Qavam house and museum is open to the public and it is one of the main attractions of Shiraz that hosts many tourists who travel to Iran.

Narenjestan garden is a great sample of gorgeous Persian gardens of Iran. Persian gardens generally have a rectangular form consisting of four quarters abundant in trees and flowers, streams and pathways, ponds and fountains, a central pavilion, and the walls surrounding the garden. Similar to the Persian gardens registered on UNESCO World Heritage List such as Eram Garden in Shiraz, Shazdeh Garden in Kerman, and Dowlatabad Garden in Yazd, Narenjestan Garden embraces an eye-catching monument in the heart of the garden facing a stone pool and some fountains surrounded by date palms and sour orange trees that all together bring about a pleasant atmosphere.

Narenjestan complex is divided into south and north sections. Narenjestan monument as the most picturesque part of the garden catches visitors’ eyes as soon as they take a step forward within the garden. The monument has an elaborate architecture embellished with various Persian arts such as paintings, stucco, wood carving, stone carving, tile work, and mirror work. It has a magnificent iwan or porch with 2 stone columns. The porch has fabulous decorations on its ceiling and walls. On both sided of the porch, there are symmetrical decorated rooms as well.

Narenjestan-Garden-travel-to-Iran-tours-to-Iran

The basement of the monument displays a variety of colorful glasses. It was designed and built elaborately to provide a cool atmosphere throughout the hot summer days of Shiraz; however, today it has been turned into Narenjestan museum and currently it is one of the most prominent regional and national museums of Iran. About Forty years ago, Narenjestan Garden was handed over to Shiraz University and subsequently was turned into the center for Asian studies. The Asia institute was directed by Arthur Upham Pope and Richard Nelson Frye. With the cooperation of Persian art scholars, they established Narenjestan museum in order to display newly discovered artistic and historical pieces.

Narenjestan-e-Qavam museum and garden has maintained the elegance of the 19the century lifestyle enjoyed by the upper class families in Qajar period. It is one of the luxurious attractions of Shiraz. It embraces Persian arts especially stucco, traditional painting, mirrorwork, brickwork, Moaraq, stone carving, and wood carving. Along with all the great Persian arts visible in the complex, the sound of birds chirping in the garden, and the shadow of sour orange trees and palm trees along the fountains all together bring peace and quiet to the tourists. It is quite pleasurable to have a stroll across the garden, take pictures, and admire Narenjestan elegance. Narenjestan Garden or Qavam house in Shiraz has been registered as a national heritage site and it is one of the magnificent tourist attractions that impress many national and international visitors.

On the west side of Narenjestan monument, pay a visit to Khane Zinat-ol-Molk (Zinat-ol-Molk house) as well. The residence was built by Qavam-ol-Molk family in late 19th century. It includes 20 decorated rooms embellished with mirrors, stucco, and paintings. The first floor of the house is a great wax museum called Fars museum of history. It is home to wax, stone, and wood statues of more than sixty dominant personalities from Fars province. The variety of statues has made Fars museum of history a popular destination for Iranians and international tourists who travel to Shiraz. Travel to Iran and visit its invaluable historical attractions.

October 28, 2019

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, the purple aggregate of artwork and structure

Iran Culture, Shiraz

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque also known as the Pink Mosque is an elegant piece of art and architecture that belongs to the end of 19th century. Located in Shiraz, it is a colorful mosque built during Qajar dynasty. Nasir al-Mulk Mosque takes its name from one of the Qajar rulers – Mirza Hasan Ali Nasir al-Mulk – who ordered to construct the mosque. Mohammad Hasan-e-Memar and Mohammad Reza Kashi-Saz were the professional designers of such an exquisite mosque. The construction of the mosque lasted from 1876 to1888. Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz-the combination of art and architecture- is one of the attractions for many of the tourists who travel to Iran.

Since the pink color and stained glass windows are applied elaborately in the structure and design of the Mosque, it is known by different names. Pink Mosque, Rainbow Mosque, Mosque of colors, and Kaleidoscope Mosque all describe different interpretations of visitors from this fantastic site.

At dawn, the sun shines through the stained glass windows of the Mosque and it glides from the right-hand side to the left-hand side to fill the inside with the glory of various colors combined. The vivid colors spread over the ground, the Persian carpets, the ceiling, the walls, the tiles, and the arches to give soul to the solid structure of the mosque. They caress the amazed visitors’ and worshipers’ faces and inspire photographers with great ideas to take amazing pictures. Maybe the designers had aimed to construct such an astonishing space to hold everybody in awe and to create a sacred space for prayer.

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque has two eastern and western shabestans. The eastern shabestan has a gorgeous tiled altar and twelve columns along with stained glass windows. The arts of tiling and painting in shabestans, and beautiful decorations of Mihrab have extraordinary beauty. The harmony among columns, fantastic geometric patterns, the play of light and colors, and the splendid Muqarnas all dazzle the eyes of visitors and photographers. The mosque has great elements of traditional architecture such as a central fountain, an iwan, panj kāseh-i (five concaves), faience, and plaster-works.

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque has been inscribed as one of the national heritage sites of Iran and it annually attracts many travelers to Iran. The best time to visit the mosque is early in the morning and about 8 to 9 am. This is the best time to see the light passing through the stained glass windows and making kaleidoscopic space that amuses travelers, photographers, and worshipers. The interesting point is that Nasir al-Mulk Mosque is still used for worship. Today this glorious mosque is under protection by Nasir al-Mulk’s Endowment Foundation.

October 28, 2019

Saadi, the Nice Persian Poet of All Time

Iran cultural, Shiraz

Saadi Shirazi- the nom the plume for Abu-Mohammad Muslih al-Din Shirazi- the great Persian poet of all time, was born in Shiraz in the 13^th century. He is one of the most influential Persian poets in the medieval period admired for his artistry in expressing deepest moral and social thoughts in the simplest words for all ages. He is well-known as “Master of speech” among Persian scholars and one of the best poets of the classical Persian literature. His two outstanding literary masterpieces are Golestan (or Gulistan) and Bustan.

The exact date of his birth is not known. According to his qasida poems, he left home to explore the world in 1225, contemporary to the invasion of Mongols to Fars. In Golestan, composed in 1258, he addresses himself as a person who has lived 50 years but he is still naïve and does not know much about life.

Saadi-Shirazi-Travel-to-Iran-Tours-to-Iran — The tomb of Saadi in Shiraz

After leaving Shiraz, he went to the Nezamiyeh University in Baghdad and studied Islamic sciences, theology, law, history, and Arabic literature. He traveled to different countries such as Anatolia, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq for thirty years. He also visited Jerusalem, Mecca and Medina. He wrote about his travels and adventurous life in both Bustan and Golestan. Joining a group of Sufis who fought against the Crusaders in Halab, the Master of Speech is said to have been captured by Crusaders at Acre and held captive there for seven years. But like many of his other stories such as traveling to India and Central Asia, it cannot be confirmed and is considered highly suspected. But with no doubt, he lived much of his life as a wandering dervish.

Saadi was a man of learning and traveling. Mingling with a diverse group of people from intellectuals, merchants, preachers, farmers, ordinary people and the survivors of the Mongol invasion to Sufi dervishes and even the thieves in remote areas far from the invaded regions, he did his best to study the society and to preach and advise people to gravitate to the wisdom and morality. He finally came back to Shiraz before 1257 CE in his late forties and it was the time that he finished the composition of his masterpiece called Bustan. Apparently, he spent the rest of his life in his birthplace Shiraz and was greatly respected by the ruler and people. He passed away between 1291 and 1294 in Shiraz. He has been titled as Sheikh because of his great knowledge.

Bustan

His best-known work Bustan was completed in 1257. Bustan is quite in verse. It includes 183 stories in ten chapters about the virtues such as justice, kindness, love, modesty, liberality, generosity, satisfaction and happiness, and the ecstatic practices of dervishes addressing all people to have a better and happier life. It was called Saadi Nameh in older versions. It contains about 4000 verses.

Golestan (or Gulistan)

His masterpiece Golestan was completed in 1258, a year after composing Bustan. It is mainly composed in prose. It includes 8 chapters mainly about the kings’ morality, the dervishes’ behavior, benefits of contentment, silence and talking in proper time, love and youthfulness, weakness in old age, and education. Interspersed among the stories are short poems. It is one of the most effective books in prose in Persian literature. Saadi attempts to advise people to live freely and to improve the quality of their lives in Golestan. It contains different anecdotes, pieces of advice, and quotations. It can show the cultural and social conditions of the society at the time of Saadi very well. Some characters and stories are real and some are fictional. It is one of the first Persian books made by print machine in 1824 in Tabriz.

Saadi’s other works include Ghazals (love poems or Lyrics; sonnets), qasidas (longer mono-rhyme poems or Odes), quatrains and short pieces in prose in both Persian and Arabic. He is known as one of the greatest ghazal-writers of Persian poetry besides Hafiz. Many scholars believe the best ghazals are Saadi’s and Hafiz’s. Saadi has about 700 ghazals mostly with the essence of love, and some about mysticism sermons. He uses irony in his works to represent and criticize the deficiencies and corruptions in the society of his time.

Saadi’s ghazals are collected in four groups: Old Sonnets (written in his youth); Tayebat and Badaye (written in his middle age); and Khavateem (written in his old days). It is believed by many experts that Saadi’s Old Sonnets are about earthy love while his Khavateem is mostly about mystical love as well as ethics and piety. According to this dichotomy, they guess Saadi practically passed the earthy love to the mystical love during the different stages of his life.

Saadi elaborately distinguishes between the spiritual and the mundane aspects of life in his works. He tries to visualize the deepest meanings of life in the most tangible contexts and close to conversational language as far as possible in such a way that even common people can get the most out of his writings. Saadi’s writing style is called Saj’ in Persian and Arabic and it is a kind of prose characterized by rhythm as well as rhyme. In fact, this artistic style of writing reaches its peak in Saadi’s Golestan. His prose style is described as simple but impossible to imitate.

Saadi’s writing style undoubtedly has had a great effect on the Persian language as well as many great poets at his time and after him. There is a surprising similarity between his language and modern Persian. After about 8 centuries, his works are still easy to understand and admirable in different languages. Many of the Persian proverbs have been taken from his works. Some are literally translated as “the proof of the pudding is in the eating”, “what can you expect from a hog but a grunt?”, and “Haste makes waste.”

Among the well-known western poets who translated Saadi’s works are Goethe and Andre du Ryer- the first European who presented Saadi to the west for the first time in 1634. Golestan was translated into Latin in 1651. The first complete translation of Golestan in English was done by Sir Richard Francis Burton.

In one of Saadi’s most well-known immortal poetries, he considers all humans as different parts of a whole body, regardless of social barriers and races:

Human beings are members of a whole,

In creation of one essence and soul.

If one member is afflicted with pain,

Other members uneasy will remain.

If you have no sympathy for human pain,

The name of human you cannot retain.

This poem conveys such a deep humane universal concept that is printed on the ten-thousand-Rial bill to remind everyone of the love and peace in everyday life.

His mausoleum, also called Saadieh, in Shiraz is one of the major tourist attractions. It is located in a beautiful garden beside Delgosha Garden (dating back to Sassanid era). The tomb was built in the 13^th century. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in the 17^th century. The present-day building was built during the years of 1950 and 1952. It was inspired by Chehel Sotoun and built by the architect Mohsen Foroughi. Many Persian elements have been used in its architecture. It is also a National Heritage Site. It is visited annually by thousands of visitors who respect him and adore the eloquence in his works. Most of the tours to Iran include Saadieh in their itineraries while visiting Shiraz during their travel to Iran. To commemorate Saadi, 21 March is celebrated as the National Day of Saadi in Iran every year.

October 28, 2019

Hafez, the good Persian poet of the 14th century

Iran cultural, Shiraz

City of Shiraz known as the city of love, poetry, and civilization embraces many tourist attractions. Shiraz has many fascinating sites that attract many tourists and travelers. Eram garden, the picturesque Persian Garden with its lovely cherry blossoms and colorful flowers; Nasir-al-Molk mosque, the great pink mosque that creates a mesmerizing reflection of colors; Saadieh, the mausoleum of the great 13th-century poet Saadi; and Mausoleum of Hafez, the great Persian poet of the 14^th century are great attractions located in Shiraz. Travel to Iran, visit Shiraz, and enjoy its many tourist attractions especially tomb of Hafez.
Tomb of Hafez is one of the cultural attractions of Shiraz visited and admired by many Iranians and tourists. It belongs to Hafez, the great Persian poet of 14^th century. He was a Sufi Muslim respected and loved for his perfect personality and art of poetry.

Tomb-of-Hafez-travel-to-Iran-tours-to-Iran — Tomb of Hafez is one of the cultural attractions of Shiraz

Khwāja Shams-ud-din Muhammad Hafiz-e-Shirazi is the 14th-century poet of Iran born, lived and died in Shiraz during the time Iran was ruled by the Ilkhanate. He is one of the most beloved poets among Persians. Since he had memorized Quran at an early age, people addressed him as Hafez meaning memorizer and later, “Hafez” got his pen name. He is one of the literary wonders of the world whose poems have been translated into different languages and whose art of poetry has been appreciated by many knowledgeable figures. Hafez mingles his poems especially ghazals-sonnets- with the essence of love and joy, teaches how to live a better life, and disgraces religious hypocrisy. To commemorate Hafez, October 12 is annually celebrated as Hafez Day in Iran.

Hafez has influenced many writers and philosophers. His work translated into English by William Jones in 1771 influenced Western writers and philosophers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Goethe. Emerson described Hafez as a brave and thoughtful person who feared nothing. He had wished to see Hafez or to be more like him. To appreciate Hafez, Emerson declared” Hafez is the poet for poets”. Goethe had also admired Hafez and believed that Hafez had no peer.

Hafez’s ghazals target different concepts of human life; however, love is the concept one would find ever in his poems and maybe that is why his verses are still popular among people. Hafez lived during the Ilkhanid period and it was a tough time for people to express themselves or criticize the situation. As a result, He took advantage of an elaborate figurative language to express himself. In a situation that nobody dared to violate the ruling system, Hafez tactfully put his words in the language of poetry to criticize the religious hypocrisy and ruling system of the time through his ironic tone called “Rendy” in Persian. Hafez is known as the master of Persian ghazals. Divan-e-Hafez-the collection of his works- as a great example of Persian literature is found in homes of Persian speaking people around the world. Iranians believe that Quran and Divan-e-Hafez are two books that should be found in every Iranian home. People still learn some of his poems by heart and use them as sayings in everyday life. Performing fal-e-Hafez (Hafez reading) is also an ancient tradition among Persian speakers. It is an entertaining part of different ceremonies such as Shab-e-Yalda or Iranian New Year. Some believe that Hafez would give them a piece of advice about their lives through fal-e-Hafez.

Tomb-of-Hafez-travel-to-Iran-tours-to-Iran6 — One can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of tomb of Hafez

Hafez died in 1389 and was buried in the graveyard of Shiraz. He had a high position in people’s mind and maybe that is why all the governments ruling Shiraz paid attention to his tomb and tried to honor him in different ways. However, it was during Karim Khan Zand dynasty that a mausoleum was built to honor Hafez. Moreover, the marble stone was provided for his tomb and it was engraved with a long verse from Hafez. In 1935, the French architect- Andre Godard- was assigned to re-plan and expand the garden and make it more beautiful to attract many visitors. Therefore, more gardens surrounding the tomb were connected to the mausoleum to create more space. Regarding his design, Hafez’s tomb was elevated up to one meter above the ground level and it was reached by five circling steps. Moreover, an octagonal pavilion supported by eight stone columns holding a tiled copper dome in the shape of a dervish’s hat was constructed surrounding the marble tombstone. Iranians love Hafez and they usually gather at the garden to visit his tomb, pray for his peace and tranquility, and perform fal-e-Hafez.

Tomb of Hafez with its splendid dome-like monument, the surrounding gardens with pleasant paths, streams, and fragrant orange trees, and the memorials to other famous figures all together make Hafezieh an attractive tourist attraction located in Shiraz. If you would like to travel to Iran, do not miss Shiraz and its many attractions especially Hafezieh.

October 28, 2019