At Yazd airport, the symbolism of the wind catchers was now evident.
Arrived at Yazd airport for a short flight to Shiraz.
Arrival in Shiraz, the home of Hafez and Saadi.
At Shiraz airport.
Of course, Bus Number 2, reportedly the best.
A panoramic tour of the city. The Valiasr Cable Bridge for the modern motorway going through Shiraz.
A memorium to the healthcare workers who heroically gave their lives serving others during the SARS Covid-19 pandemic.
Arrived at the Erum Gardens the first day but it was not to be. We headed to our hotel for some rest and to make new plans.
The Shiraz Grand Hotel, aptly named.
At a major intersection, an under-construction garden boasts a humongous peacock with the tail composed of a whole field of flowers as the beauriful feather tail.
A huge bouquet of frest flowers in the tall ceilinged lobby.
A whole wall of the lobby is a running waterfall.
Art and poetry, so symbolic of this cultured city.
Translation: My sister, Islamic clothing and hijab express the dignity, sobriety and honor of a Muslim woman
The winged lion, little did we realize the significance in Grand Shiraz Hotel until we saw Persepolis.
Restaurants and sitting areas around the Shiraz Grand Hotel
A panoramic view from the hotel. Haft Khan is visible on the right with the white, many peaked roof.
Lunch was obviously much anticipated!
Evening in Shiraz, a view from the gardens to the east of the hotel.
The next morning was reserved for Persepolis. To surprise us all, the General Manager of the Hotel, Mr. Alireza, came to welcome the Pakistanis.
In the hotel lobby, the first night. Everyone was happy anticipating a visit to a candy and nuts supermarket.
We went shopping before dinner but hunger had nothing to do with the greed and lust for Iranian candy.
Arrived at Haft Khan, what a wonderful surprise.
The hosts and hostesses were so elegant.
As we entered the covered rooftop floor of Haft Khan we were amazed at the size of the place.
Fresh nan in a real tandoor and the perfect bread maker. I mean the one with the cap and beard. haha.
Live entertainment, singing popular Iranian songs. Very talented.
Rice and chicken, yum.
Buffalo wings and vegetable pizza, delicious.
Early start the next day
New car dealership, looks like a Land Rover with a catchy paint job.
A small monument to pistachios. Iran is the leading producer of fruit and nuts in that part of the world.
A coffee shop along the short walk to Nasir ul Mulk Mosque. Lutfali Khan Zand Street. Lotfali Khan (Persian: لطفعلیخان زند; c. 1769 – 1794) was the last Shah of the Zand dynasty. He ruled from 1789 to 1794. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotf_Ali_Khan
Walking toward the unique Nasir il Mulk Mosque.
From the outside, the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque seems like a fairly traditional house of worship -- but it's hiding a gorgeously colorful secret.
SHIRAZ IS ONE OF THE oldest Iranian cities, with a vibrant culture of art and craftsmanship and a rich history, both of which are on spectacular display at the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Iran.With dazzling stained glass, thousands of painted tiles on the ceiling and Persian rugs covering the floor, this place of worship is a gorgeous rainbow of color in every direction, like stepping into a kaleidoscope. Inside the mosque is an open courtyard with a rectangular pool in the center, surrounded by flowers. The building’s facade features dozens of arabesque arches, adding to the beauty of the light show from the stained glass.Nasir al-Mulk Mosque was constructed between 1876 and 1888, during the Qajar dynasty, which ruled Iran from 1785 to 1925. It has been dubbed the “Pink Mosque” due to the plethora of pink-colored tiles blanketing the ceiling. The best time to visit the mosque is in the early morning, when the sun reflects the stained glass patterns onto the floor. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/nasir-al-mulk-mosque
Sabideh explaing the significance of the unique colors used in this mosque which is why it is called the "Pink Mosque" Built in the Qajar dynasty but
The winter prayer hall.
One of few mosques that boast stained glass decoration.
The gift shop at the Nasir ul Mulk Mosque.
Artistic Iranian textiles.
"O Hafiz, your word is as great as eternity for it has no beginning and no end. Your word, as the canopy of Heaven, solely depends on itself. It is all signs, beauty and excellence"., Goethe (A great German poet)
Metal and ceramic handicrafts.
Half the trees in almost every garden are fruit trees, the same at the Mausoleum of Hafez.
Saadi Shirazi next, lets see who remembers Golistan?
We got a short break from school, espresso is very popular in Iran.
And faloodeh even more popular.
Fnally made it to Erum Gardens.
The tall cypress trees represent heaven in Iranian history.
One of the most famous and beautiful Persian gardens in all of Iran
The gardens were built during the Seljuk Dynasty (11th-14th centuries) and the pavilion constructed in the 19th century by the rulers of the Qajar Dynasty.
the garden is full of pomegranate trees. Pomegranates are commercially harvested here.
A swimming pool of old times, now a cool picnic spot for students from the nearby shirz University and the Institute of Science.
Lunch time and another great restrurant.
Glorious pomegranates for sale while making our way back to the buses. I can never forget how Jahanara reated us to ripe shelled pomegranate back at the hotel. Thanks!!
Karim Khan Citadel, now a museum on the way to the bazaar.
Even the vents for the underground are decorated.
The entrance to Vakil Bazaar.
Vakil Mosque
Inside the covered bazaar is a maze where tourists can easily lose their way.
Bagpipes, persian style.
Time to work off that delicious food. The gym at the hotel is very well equipped, after all Persia is famous for wrestlers and body building.
Great idea of a pool on a high floor overlooking Shiraz.
