Between two nights of Turkamani wedding festivities in Syjval, Golestan Province, I traveled to the docks at Bandar Torkaman early one morning. My aunt had mentioned that migratory birds could still be seen in Āshurādeh, an island in the Miānkāleh Peninsula about 3km from Bandar Torkaman. There were guided boats that offered bird-watching. Although weContinue reading “Birding before a Turkamani wedding”
Tag Archives: cultural journeys
A Deeper Look
I was born and raised in Shiraz, where ancient Persian history was always very palpable. Persepolis (the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire) was less than an hour drive away. Every time relatives came to visit, Bāgh-e Eram, Bāzār-e Vakil, Hāfezieh and Saadieh were must sees. My deepest memories are tied to these sites. BeyondContinue reading “A Deeper Look”
Finally, the Desert
Born and raised in Shiraz, Iran with relatives in Dezful and Tehran, I had never experienced a desert in Iran until a trip to Yazd in 2017. I accepted the invitation to accompany a friend who planned to take a three-day tour of Yazd by bus. I anticipated visiting the water museum, walking through theContinue reading “Finally, the Desert”
The Caspian Coast
On 2008 I spent several days in Gilan visiting the city of Rasht, the Caspian coast at Bandar Anzali, and the beautiful Mordab-e Anzali Wetlands. Although I have childhood memories of family trips driving up the windy Chalus road to the coast, this was the first time the tea fields and the rice fields onContinue reading “The Caspian Coast”
The Flavors of Sanandaj
Hours before we were due at a night-time engagement party in Sanandaj, our host invited us to spend the day at a Bāgh (fruit orchard and gardens) on the outskirts of Sanandaj city.
Wondrous Surprises
Along our travels to observe regional folk dances throughout Iran, we often experienced wondrous surprises. Like the day before we were expected at an engagement ceremony in Sanandaj…. From Kermanshah we chose to go through Ravānsar and further north. Green pastures and mountains in the distance accompanied us until we arrived to the famous waterContinue reading “Wondrous Surprises”
Memories of Tabriz
After two days of observing and interviewing regional 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 ofContinue 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”
Journeys of a Diaspora Iranian 