mahsahojjati

Memories of Tabriz

After two days of observing and interviewing folk dance troupes during the Tabriz 2018 Festival in El Goli park, I had a day to sightsee. I visited the childhood home of the poet, Parvin E’tesami, now a museum in her remembrance and spent some time in the tranquil garden as well. The Mausoleum of PoetsContinue reading “Memories of Tabriz”

Half the World’s Wonders

The proverb Isfahan nesf-e Jahan (Isfahan is half of the world) shows Iranian’s propensity to exaggerate. Nevertheless, it is a wondrous city with numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. No previewed photos or guidebooks prepared me for the feeling of dizzying beauty when I finally saw the mosaics of Naqsh-e Jahan mosque. The Pol-e Khāju andContinue reading “Half the World’s Wonders”

The Bridge over the River Dez

Dezful is named after the fortress built on the bridge over the River Dez. Dez-pol transformed into Dezful with time. My parents were born and raised in Dezful, Khuzestan. We lived in Shiraz, but I have childhood memories of going to Dezful every Noruz (New Year) which Iranians celebrate on the Spring Equinox. Every year after Noruz deed o bāz deed (NewContinue reading “The Bridge over the River Dez”

Poets of Shiraz

So deep is the admiration for the 14th century poet, Hafez that citing his poetry is often used as emphasis in expressing a particular point of view. His poetry is even consulted for Estekahre: a poetic way of fortune telling. When faced with difficult decisions, it is common for Iranians to pull out a copy of Divan-eContinue reading “Poets of Shiraz”

Tehran: a City of Contrasts

From the Grand Bazaar to endless parks and museums, Tehran is a city of contrasts and surprises. Every year we’ve visited Tehran in the past 12 years, we’ve explored a different park. In a city of 9 million (15 million if you count the Greater Metropolitan area) it is amazing how many gorgeous parks there are: Continue reading “Tehran: a City of Contrasts”