Today we met our group. One US person had withdrawn because Iran banned US visas, but we have one person from Ireland who booked at the last minute. So we are 12.
Started with our first mosques today. The leader said that she would be pointing out the characteristic features of each one that we visit. Persian mosques typically feature an arch at the front, called an "iwan" (or ivan) and more internally. A mosque can be a "four iwan mosque" or fewer than that. There are beautiful decorations on the walls.
From the Pink Mosque. One of the few depictions of a christian church in a mosque. But no bells apparent on the church.
The iwan at the Madrassa.
Looking up. No, it is not a wasps nest, it is a stalactite ceiling or honeycomb ceiling, or muqarnas.
They are beautiful. If you look closely, you can see painted decorations. I want one under our front porch.
We visited a shrine of two brothers, a sacred site in Shia Islam. We had to wear a chador. A helpful attendant knotted it very securely for me. At least it wasn't black!
Who is who? It was cold and windy.
As is becoming commonplace, we were approached by a group of girls who wanted to "interview with us". The tour leader obliged to be interviewed. Where are you from, how do you like Iran we were asked. I could hear her asking questions too!
Saw a cat today - guess what kind - the one with long fur!
Tomorrow is a long day - we go to Persepolis - the ancient capital of the Archamedic empire, and see another palace complex on the way home. At least the rain has stopped but the temperature will be between 4 and 7 degrees.
Started with our first mosques today. The leader said that she would be pointing out the characteristic features of each one that we visit. Persian mosques typically feature an arch at the front, called an "iwan" (or ivan) and more internally. A mosque can be a "four iwan mosque" or fewer than that. There are beautiful decorations on the walls.
From the Pink Mosque. One of the few depictions of a christian church in a mosque. But no bells apparent on the church.
The iwan at the Madrassa.
We visited a shrine of two brothers, a sacred site in Shia Islam. We had to wear a chador. A helpful attendant knotted it very securely for me. At least it wasn't black!
Saw a cat today - guess what kind - the one with long fur!
Tomorrow is a long day - we go to Persepolis - the ancient capital of the Archamedic empire, and see another palace complex on the way home. At least the rain has stopped but the temperature will be between 4 and 7 degrees.
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