Mashhad (IRAN) Daily Photos

NEWS

2010-03-17T10:22:00.000+03:30

The New Version of "Mashhad Daily Photo" is started!

We look forward to your Visits by clicking Here!

Coming soon...

2009-12-12T19:35:00.002+03:30

Coming soon on

www.Mashhaddailyphoto.blogspot.com

Note: Because of the "Indian florists SPAMS", I had to obsolete the Commenting link.

The last post...

2009-09-24T12:44:00.002+03:30

This is the last post of Mashhad Photo daily blog. I wanna to stop blogging because of some personal reasons. I am sure that you understand me; It has been a while that I do not enjoy photographing and writing. ( this is one of my reasons).
During this over one year I’ve learned many things from here, made many nice friends. We experienced lots of values and had memorable days together, so I’ll never forget about this blgo as well as it is a holy place for me.
I do not know if I will start a blog in future and in another life time or not. Miss you, miss here…But I’ll read your blogs, take comments and never forget about you!
I hope if I decided to start a blog again, every thing changed in its true way…

Now I like to write a poem for you from the poet Shel Silverstein, I choose it because I always thought my blog was like a Bridge …

“This Bridge”

This bridge will only take you halfway there
To those mysterious lands you long to see:
Through gypsy camps and swirling Arab fairs
And moonlit woods where unicorns run free
So come and walk awhile with me and share
The twisting trails and wondrous world I’ve known.
But this bridge will only take you halfway there
The last few steps you’ll have to take alone.

Imam Reza Shrine

2009-09-08T14:08:00.002+04:30

Tavvakoli Night Dress Shop

2009-09-04T22:31:00.005+04:30

Here is Sajjad Blvd and the Red calligraphy that you see on the board is the logo of a dress shop.

The Award of Kreativ Blogger

2009-09-02T14:05:00.006+04:30

My nice friend Aysegul from Turquoise Diaries left me the lovely award of kreativ blogger. Before this beautiful award, I got 2 awards from my other nice friends Rita for this blog and a golden award for my blog of "Iranian Kitchen" from the Italian friend Armanda but unfortunately I did not know about the awards rules, so I did not post them to the blog. Hope they forgive me...

There are 7 rules for the person who receive this award :

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

So the 7 things that you might find interesting about me, could be these:

1. Telling lie is the worst thing to me.
2. Choosing Architecture as a major was one of the light points of my life.
3. I am a big fan of fresh oranges and the girl of Blue color in its all kinds!
4. I hate people who are sneaky.
5. I never could be a bold swimmer.
6. Exploring the world is the most interesting thing to me.
7. The main goal of my life is educating and I try my best to achieve it at the highest levels!

Now, I should give this award to 7 bloggers:
1. Jilly from Menton Daily photo .
2. Rita from Finland for her Rita's blog.
3. Petrea from Pasadena Daily photo.
4. Kris from This will hurt me! blog.
5. Babooshka from Ramsey Daily Photo.
6. Ann from Sydney Meanderings.
7. Danial from Sari (Iran) Daily Photo.

Blog's Break

2009-08-25T13:35:00.002+04:30

This a kind of rose flower in our yard. In Persian, this is called Jamileh, I do not know about its English name

For my next giving project, I need 1 week free time to finish it. I'll come back soon friends ;)

The Ramazan Season

2009-08-23T22:26:00.009+04:30

At the photo, you can see a bowl of Ash-e-Reshteh with bread, basil and date that we had for the Eftar ( for breaking our fast)

This is the second day of Ramazan and the second year that I experience fasting at the hot days of summer. You may think this is so difficult but actually this not. I can describe the good feeling that I have...
I had some posts about Ramazan month that you can see by clicking here!

Apartment

2009-08-22T18:01:00.002+04:30

The building is located on Faramarz Abbasi BLVD

Advertisement with Henna !!!

2009-08-21T21:49:00.002+04:30

I wonder that how advertisements foll people! Experience this Henna shampoo destroyed all my imaginations!!

So let's not believe somethings!

Kondez Pizza

2009-08-20T06:18:00.002+04:30

Khayyam BLVD

2009-08-19T19:16:00.002+04:30

Still we can see the decorations of this main street for Sha'ban celebration...

Morvarid (Pearl) Shopping Center

2009-08-18T19:27:00.001+04:30

Home and Kitchen

2009-08-17T18:10:00.004+04:30

One of the habit of Iranian women is shopping for the house, though sometimes they lavish!!!
Home & Kitchen is one of the famous markets in Mashhad with many favorites for a Persian woman!

That's a piece of Persian Art !

2009-08-16T11:48:00.003+04:30

The handmade carpet of Golestan palace, Tehran

The Persian White cheese

2009-08-13T16:53:00.003+04:30

A peace of white cheese, some walnut, some slices of tomato with vegetables… Then a cup of tea with honey!
That's a complete Persian breakfast which is my favorite!
The text you can see on the bill board says about "Paadra Toos" dairy which is one of the famous factories in Mashhad.

A new Commercial Center in our neighbourhood

2009-08-12T19:24:00.005+04:30

A new building still under construction, in Janbaz blvd, near our house. Yet, it does not have any name. I appreciate the architecture...

An Apartment in Sajjad Street

2009-08-11T19:27:00.005+04:30

You probably like to know about house shapes in Iran specially in Mashhad. As you see in the photo, most of people live in apartments. the maximum floors for apartments in Mashhad is usually 5 floors. This unit is depends on the street and city and may be different in other places of Iran.

The families that live in apartments often have good relation with each other. They sometimes plan gathering party in the yard or under a bower. The culture of living friendly is really improved in Iran.

Mizan financial center

2009-08-10T19:41:00.001+04:30

When a baby tries to be Independent !

2009-08-08T15:01:00.003+04:30

I appreciate him!!!

Yes, I won !

2009-08-07T13:31:00.007+04:30

Eating Spaghetti competition (It was veryyy awful to watch)

Excuse me for 1 day absence on the blog. I've got a very bad flu and could not even sit and write a post.

Last night we went to the "spaghetti festival" as planed to take part for the spaghetti structure competition And I won the prize of the most beautiful structure :)

The prize was not as something I supposed on my mind, any way not bad. A big set of Pyrex Dishes for serving pasta with a very huge box of spaghetti!

Reflection

2009-08-05T12:49:00.001+04:30

That's a sad Fact !

2009-08-04T09:47:00.002+04:30

Spaghetti Festival

2009-08-03T09:05:00.005+04:30

The advertisement says about a Spaghetti festival in the Kian Center. Building spaghetti structures which is my favorite is one the programs of this festival. Then cooking the best food with macaroni and teaching how to cook are the other ones!

You may remember my spaghetti Eiffel Tower, I will take part in the competition of spaghetti structures with the Eiffel Tower of mine on Thursday, so please come here again if you like to know the result ;)

Yakhchal or Natural Refrigerators

2009-08-02T13:12:00.006+04:30

These are the heritages from many years ago in a place near Mashhad.

According to the Wikipedia:

A yakh-chāl (meaning "ice pit") is an ancient type of refrigerator.
Above ground, the structure had a domed shape, but had a subterranean storage space; it was often used to store ice, but sometimes was used to store food as well. The subterranean space coupled with the thick heat-resistant construction material insulated the storage space year round. These structures were mainly built and used in Persia. Many remain standing that were built hundreds of years ago.

In 400 BC Iran, Persian engineers had already mastered the technique of storing ice in the middle of summer in the desert. The ice was brought in during the winters from nearby mountains in bulk amounts, and stored in a specially designed, passively cooled refrigerator, called a yakhchal (meaning ice pit). This was a large underground space (up to 5000 m³) that had thick walls (at least two meters at the base) made out of a special mortar called sārooj, composed of sand, clay, egg whites, lime, goat hair, and ash in specific proportions, and which was resistant to heat transfer. This mixture was thought to be completely water impenetrable. The space often had access to a Qanat, and often contained a system of windcatchers that could easily bring temperatures inside the space down to frigid levels in summer days. The ice was then used to chill treats for royalty during hot summer days and to make faloodeh, the traditional Persian frozen dessert.

Yakhchal of Yazd province (Photo from Wikipedia)

The Yakchal in Kerman is located about a mile from the center of the city. This cone-shaped building is about sixty feet high. The massive insulation and the continuous cooling waters that spiral down its side keep the ice stored there in winter frozen throughout the summer. These ice houses used in desert towns from antiquity have a trench at the bottom to catch what water does melt from the ice and allow it to refreeze during the cold desert nights. The ice is broken up and moved to caverns deep in the ground. As more water runs into the trench the process is repeated. Often seen around the ice houses and many of the homes in the desert are towers called badgirs or wind traps. Built of mud or mud brick, these badgirs, mentioned by Marco Polo, are square or round, but the operating principle is the same: to catch the slightest breeze in the vents at the top and to funnel the cooling air down through internal, vertically placed wooded slats to the water or dwelling below.
In present day Iran the term yakchal is also used to refer to modern refrigerators.

Wedding Car

2009-08-01T09:37:00.002+04:30

The country place of Torghabeh

2009-07-30T10:28:00.004+04:30

According to Wiki Pedia:

Torghabeh is a town near the city of Mashad in Khorasan Razavi Province, northeastern Iran. Its population is about 1500.
Torghabeh is famous because of its mild nights in Summer.[citation needed] It has many traditional restaurants and many local businesses that sell handicrafts. One of its customary local foods is Dizi. Another common choice of food among the frequent visitors of the town is Shishlik, which is basically grilled lamb and T-bone accompanied by rice.
The small town is considered as a get-away spot for the families and youth of Mashhad, who cruise the streets and rural venues of the city in their cars or on foot.

The art of Tile working

2009-07-28T11:00:00.003+04:30

I've posted many photos from Persian tile workings that you can see all by selecting the Art and Islamic Art labels.

Qajar Princes

2009-07-27T11:24:00.004+04:30

The painting shows Qajar Princes

Ahmad shaah palace, Tehran- Iran

To know about Qajar era you may like to click here.

We are growing up!

2009-07-26T10:27:00.008+04:30

Do you remember my "uninvited guests" ?

now, this is one of them. So friendly with us!

As some of you liked to see how they are growing up, I took this photo.

The Second Plane diaster During These Days

2009-07-25T09:57:00.006+04:30

Photo by Fars news

Yesterday afternoon, the Iran Plane Crash Leaves 17 Dead, 19 Hurt in Mashhad.
At least 17 people were killed and 19 injured in a plane crash in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, the country’s second airliner accident in less than two weeks,
The Russian-designed Ilyushin, carrying 153 passengers, went down while landing at Mashhad’s international airport on a flight from Tehran, citing comments on the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency from Ghahreman Rashid, deputy governor of Khorasan province. The aircraft was operated by the Iranian company Aria Air.

The plane had a technical fault, citing a state television report from an airport official. The aircraft’s wheels caught fire on landing at 6:10 p.m. local time today and it veered off the runway and into a wall, IRNA cited an unidentified person as saying.

A Russian-made Tupolev Tu-154 plane from Iranian-owned Caspian Airlines crashed in the northwestern province of Qazvin on July 15, killing all 168 people aboard.

Persian Kilim and Rugs

2009-07-24T11:55:00.006+04:30

In the small town of Torghabeh, you can easily see the Persian rugs in many handicraft stores.

Mil (Minaret) Khosrogerd

2009-07-23T10:14:00.012+04:30

Photo from Trekearth

I took this photo while we were travelling to Tehran

Khosrogerd minaret is a brick made structure erected on the side of the Nishabur –ray road and today lies in a short distance from Sabzevar –Tehran road (near to Mashhad) the minaret is believed to heve also served as a guide to the travelers because it can be seen from a very long distance. Archaeological studies conducted so far suggest that this monument used to signs of any architectural structures have been uncovered in the course of excavations in the suburbs of the structure .
Khosrogerd minaret s manuscript clearly states that the structure was built in 505A.H and today serves to symbolize the architectural style of its time .it has been made of brick while the facade has been ornamented with molded and finely cut exterior bricks that appear in a variety of shapes and styles .the minaret fortunately has remained intact through years and is considered as a valuable architectural work of Khorasan province which has been registered as a national historical heritage that has undergone frequent repair works by Khorasan cultural heritage organization .

In a Traditional Persian Tea House

2009-07-22T09:44:00.002+04:30

All the appliances are old and antique. A brazen samovar, lanterns, tea pots...

Sounds you live in the history at this tea house!

Stony Pots

2009-07-21T11:28:00.005+04:30

These stony Pots are so popular in Iran and you can find the best ones in Mashhad. Now people do not use them much, but buy as a handicraft. Many years ago, they has been used for cooking specially to cook broth.

Happy Eid of Mabas

2009-07-20T10:20:00.008+04:30

The cave Hira in the mountain Jabal al-Nour where, The place that Muhammad received his first revelation (Reference of the photo: Wikipedia)

At some point Muhammad adopted the practice of meditating alone for several weeks every year in a cave on Mount Hira near Mecca. During one of his visits to Mount Hira, the angel Gabriel appeared to him in the year 610 and commanded Muhammad to recite the following verses:

Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created- Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,- He Who taught (the use of) the pen,- Taught man that which he knew not.(Qur'an 96:1-5)

upon receiving his first revelations Muhammad was deeply distressed and contemplated throwing himself off the top of a mountain but the spirit moved closer and told him that he has been chosen as a messenger of God. To know more please click here.

Reference of the text: wikipedia

Medina- Prophet Muhammad's Mosque- is taken last summer

The anniversary of that event became one of the greatest Muslim's celebrity which is named "Eid of Mabas". "Eid" means celebrity and "Mabas" means to be chosen (here as the messenger of God) .

Iranian Poet # 1 : Shahriar

2009-07-19T10:37:00.006+04:30

Seyyed Mohammad Hossein Behjat-Tabrizi (Shahriar) 's statue , Mellat Park, Tehran, Iran

Mohammad Hossein Shahriar (Died on September 18, 1988) , was the first Iranian Azeri to write a significant collection of poetry in the Azerbaijani language. Born in 1906 in Tabriz, he received his elementary education, including the Divan of Hafez, under his father's supervision. Shahriar’s first formal education was at the Motahari (former Mansoor High School) Secondary School in Tabriz. He subsequently studied at the Darolfonun (former higher education school) in Tehran. Although he studied medicine in college, he dropped out just before getting his diploma and went to Khorasan, where he found a job as a notary public and bank clerk. Initially he published his poems under his given name, Behjat, but later chose the name Shahriar.

The inside of Almas-e-Shargh Center

2009-07-18T21:34:00.004+04:30

On my earlier posts, you saw the special architecture of Almas-e-Shargh shopping center. To see it again click here.

Now, this is the inside of it. A nice waterfront exactly under the dome.

Iranian Plane Crashes, All 168 Passengers Killed

2009-07-16T09:57:00.005+04:30

TEHRAN (FNA)- An Iranian plane carrying 168 passengers crashed before midday in the suburbs of the city of Qazvin, some 75 miles northwest of Tehran, on route to the Armenian capital, Yerevan, police sources said.

"The plane has crashed in Farsian Eghbalieh village near Qazvin. All the 168 passengers on board have been killed," Qazvin's Police Commander Colonel Masoud Jafari Nassab told FNA. He reiterated that the relief and rescue squad deployed to the scene immediately. The Caspian Airlines Russian made Tupolev jet was heading from Tehran to the Armenian capital Yerevan when it crashed at 11:33 am local time (0803GMT), 16 minutes after take-off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport. Reports said all the passengers and crews on board have burnt to ashes.

And unfortunately, members of Iran's junior judo team lost their lives after an Iranian passenger plane crashed near the city of Qazvin, northwest of Tehran on Wednesday.

Photos and text from FAN.

Luster Shop

2009-07-15T09:51:00.003+04:30

There is a big street in Mashhad with many light & luster stores. Last night when we crossed there, most of the shops were closed.

Personally I do not choose such golden lusters. I like silver ones with artistic models.

Welcome my Uninvited Guests

2009-07-14T09:48:00.007+04:30

What could be more interesting than finding a Hoopoe nest in the garden?!

surely nothing. While I was walking in our garden, found a small nest at the base of walnut tree with 4 cute Hoopoes! you can see them on the photo but one of them is slept! Too me, their bills looks like the fox's head!

I have named them Uninvited Guests :)

*My other blogs are becoming updated regularly every day*

My Hospital !

2009-07-13T10:04:00.006+04:30

Subject: 96 bed Hospital

Finally I finished my exams and gave my projects well. It was a difficult semester with many new experiences of designing. Thank God that the result was okay!
In today's post you can see the pictures of my hospital. In the Digital world of today that everything is done by software, our lecturer asked us to do all with hand so this Hospital is completely made by my hands!

Sky Watch : Another day is on the way!

2009-07-12T19:18:00.002+04:30

Every sunsets remind me that another DAY is on the for Iran...

The 7th International Flower Exhibition of Tehran

2009-05-16T21:26:00.002+04:30

To see more photos of the 7th International Flower Exhibition of Tehran, please visit Tehran Daily Photo.

Photo from Tehran Daily

Crazy traffic of Mashhad

2009-05-11T19:35:00.000+04:30

A woman walking in sidewalk

2009-05-11T19:34:00.000+04:30

A woman crossing the street

2009-05-10T19:33:00.000+04:30

TAK Computer Shopping Center

2009-05-09T19:32:00.000+04:30

Sajjad Blvd. at night

2009-05-08T19:31:00.000+04:30

Jasmin Restaurant

2009-05-07T19:29:00.000+04:30

Pedestrian Light

2009-05-06T19:28:00.000+04:30

It seems he is falling back.

Gole Sorkh (Red Flower) Ice Pack

2009-05-05T19:27:00.000+04:30

Speed Limit: 60 km/hr

2009-05-04T19:26:00.000+04:30

Mellat Park

2009-05-03T19:22:00.002+04:30

Bike Path

2009-05-02T19:20:00.003+04:30

Mashhad photo daily blog's first birthday!

2009-04-30T23:50:00.006+04:30

After my few days absence in the photo blog, today I accidentally remembered that I have forgotten about its first birthday. Yes, unfortunately I forgot that this blog is created on April 22!

We had many memorable days with taking photos for this blog. Your comments always encourage us to continue it. We made lots of nice friends here that thought us many valuable things.

I believe that Mashhad Photo daily blog was successful in achieving its goal till now and I am going to keep it alive with all my jobs and difficulties that sometimes makes me too busy!

I should give thanks to my friends Dina, Elaine, Jilly( the first visitor of the blog) , Petrea, Ann, Kris, Babooshka and others that I do not remember now.

Happy Birthday Mashhad Photo Daily blog!

A not very usual house in Mashhad

2009-04-30T19:16:00.000+04:30

Street Flower Seller

2009-04-29T19:15:00.000+04:30

Khayyam Kiosk

2009-04-28T19:11:00.001+04:30

Kiosk is a small, separated garden pavilion open on some or all sides. Kiosks were common in Persia, India, Pakistan, and in the Ottoman Empirefrom the 13th century onward. The word, which is of Persian origin, refers to an object that acts as a shadow or shade-maker.

To learn more visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiosk

Bahar Street

2009-04-27T19:11:00.000+04:30

Do not enter!

2009-04-26T19:09:00.000+04:30

Taxis in Iran

2009-04-25T19:08:00.000+04:30

Sun Flower Square, Quchan

2009-04-24T19:06:00.000+04:30

At the behind of a rainy window

2009-04-24T09:30:00.005+04:30

Qaem square- Mashhad

Guys, please forgive me for my delay to updating the blog. These days I am more busy than before. University works does not allow me to update the blog regularly.

A small shrine near Quchan

2009-04-23T19:04:00.000+04:30

Mashhad Countryside

2009-04-22T19:00:00.000+04:30

Out of town

2009-04-21T18:58:00.000+04:30

Spring Flowers

2009-04-17T11:41:00.003+04:30

These days Mashhad is more beautiful with the spring flowers. They are in every streets, squares and boulevards of the city.

Rainy Days

2009-04-13T21:56:00.004+04:30

In my university, yesterday afternoon

This week we had a rainy weather here in Mashhad. Thanks God !

Mashhad Photo Daily Blog's first Guests

2009-04-11T23:12:00.008+04:30

Aysegul, Sarah, Aysegul's friend

Tonight- Almas-e-Shargh shopping Center

Tonight was an interesting night for me. To visit a very kind and nice friend from Turkey that is now our guest in Mashhad. Aysegul and her friend have came to Iran for trip. They are going to visit Shiraz, Yazd, Isfahan and Tehran after 2 days staying in Mashhad. It would be interesting for you to hear that we became close friends by this photo blog.
I do not know who will be my next guest?? I will be so happy to visit you a day here, as my family do.

Spring and Sweet Water Melons!

2009-04-10T11:34:00.002+04:30

Shish-leek Kebab

2009-04-09T09:28:00.003+04:30

Shish-leek is a kind Kebab that is special for our city, Mashhad. A traditional but very delicious food that you can try in Iranian traditional and modern restaurant with saffron rice as you see.

Sky Watch : How the Sun Set?!

2009-04-07T23:21:00.001+04:30

Looti Style

2009-04-06T13:12:00.004+04:30

This is a style that some Iranian Men used to wear about 40-50 years ago. I am not sure, but I think they were called "Looti" men. They were generous and jealous.

The Painting on the Tile

2009-04-04T00:07:00.003+04:30

Not as much beautiful and artistic as the original one, but nice! This is an Iranian painting style.

The Delicious Persian Dizi

2009-03-31T13:13:00.006+04:30

The delicious Dizi or Abgoosht that we had in a traditional restaurant few days ago

Dizi is the food in that stony black bowl, with a bowl of yoghurt, a bowl of Torshi Litteh, some Pisces of Sangak bread, fresh vegetables and onion

According to wiki pedia:

Ābgūsht (Persian: آبگوشت) is a Persian specialty food. It is usually made with chickpea, dried white beans, lamb meat, peeled onions, tomatoes, turmeric (zardchube), salt and pepper to taste and dried limes (limu ammani). The final step is to strain all solids ( Gusht meaning meat) from the broth (AB pronounced AAb, meaning water in Persian). The solids are then mashed and served with the broth, but in a separate dish. The original form of this meal referred to as Dizi is cooked in pots carved from stone.

Iran ; The Other explanation of Art

2009-03-30T13:58:00.011+04:30

Today, I want to show you some Persian handicrafts. They are special made in cities like Isfahan but you can find them in the big towns such as Mashhad. I took these photos from a big store in Torghabeh- Mashhad.

Metal works (Qalam-zani)

Mina-Kari

Khatam-kari

Qajari Girl

2009-03-28T09:36:00.003+04:30

I really interested in the way she is dressed. We have many heritage from Qajar era. I offer you to visit here if you like to know more!

Side Trip to Tehran

2009-03-27T12:20:00.003+04:30

Azadi Tower that is located in Azadi Square, Tehran

This is the symbol of Tehran City

Guys,
Now I am here in Mashhad. I had a nice trip to Tehran. Soon you can see all my photographs from Tehran in a different photo blog.
Thank you for your visits, comment and congrats during my absence. Happy Nowruz to you, too!

Happy New Year !

2009-03-20T10:48:00.038+03:30

Haft Sîn or the seven 'S's is a major tradition of Nowruz, the traditional Iranian new year. It has a complex history and there are indication referring to Kayanids mentioning that (šahd, šir, šarāb, šikkar-e nāb, šamʿ, šamšād, šāya”) literally (honey, milk, wine, pure sugar, a candle, branches of box-tree, and fruits) has been the seven S's on the Nowruz table. Today the haft sin table includes seven items specifically starting with the letter S or Sîn (س in the Persian alphabet). The items symbolically correspond to seven creations and holy immortals protecting them. Originally called Haft Chin, the Haft Sin has evolved over time, but has kept its symbolism. Traditionally, families attempt to set as beautiful a Haft Sîn table as they can, as it is not only of traditional and spiritual value, but also noticed by visitors during Nowruzi visitations and is a reflection of their good taste.

This is the 7 sin table that I set.

The Haft Sin items are:

sîb (سیب)- apples - symbolizing beauty and health

sabzeh(سبزه) - wheat, barley or lentil sprouts growing in a dish - symbolizing rebirth

lit candles (enlightenment and happiness)

samanu (سمنو)- a sweet pudding made from wheat germ - symbolizing affluence (The glass on the left)

senjed (سنجد)- the dried fruit of the ole aster tree - symbolizing love (The glass on the right)

Rose water for its magical cleansing powers (in that red rose-water bottle at middle)

sîr (سیر)- garlic - symbolizing medicine

The Holy Quran for Muslims

A mirror and decorated eggs, sometimes one for each member of the family (fertility)

I decorated and painted all eggs myself ;)

serkeh (سرکه)- vinegar - symbolizing age and patience

sekkeh (سکه)- coins (prosperity and wealth)

Divan of Hafez ( Hafez's poems book)

A glass with red and gold fish (life, and the sign of Pisces which the sun is leaving)

-------------------------------------------------

In 4 hours, the New Year will be started. Yes, again we finished 1 year of our life with a complex of happy and sad times. Since I remember, it was a question for me that why God has created us? I ask myself this question at the end of per year and I am sorry that I do not have any answers yet.
For the New Year, I wish No War, No tears, No sad happening in the entire world. I hope all kind wishes come in true. Happy New Year!

Let's pray for a peace full World!

My dear friends, I am going to travel to Tehran tomorrow with a turned off cell phone and a closed lap top. With any lesson to study, any project to do. I am so tired and want to be a little relaxed. I'll update the blog on 27TH of March with many photos from other parts of Iran.

The Last Week of Year II

2009-03-18T23:07:00.015+03:30

Last night was the traditional Persian celebration; Chahar-shanbe Suri. This is a unique and old celebration that Iranians have at the night last Wednesday of year. This custom was available in ancient Iran (Persia) and nowadays it is still alive. Since we were yet busy with our spring-cleaning yesterday and the last night of Mashhad was too cold and rainy, I stayed at home and could not take any photo from Chahar-shanbe Suri. If you like to know about this tradition please follow the link above.

Now Let's see the series II of my photos from The Last Week of Year!

The Last Week of Year I

2009-03-17T17:09:00.020+03:30

We have just 3 days to finish the year 1387. Every things show us the spring. I can feel the smell of flowers well. People are busy with their shopping these days as they seem so happy and hopeful with all their life's difficulties. A week before Nowruz we have "Beneficence Celebration". Iran's government builds many stations in streets to collect people's charities for poor families. This is the best way that we can divide all our joys with others.
Today morning, I went out with my mom to shop since 8:00 Am and it was so enjoyable to take photo for me. I always loved the last week of the year, the lovely city of the last week is a different one and I am sure that such city is just in IRAN. I wish you could be here and feel the smell of LOVE and PEACE here.

Sabzeh , one of 7 sin 's (or 7 "S") Elements - wheat, barley or lentil sprouts growing in a dish - symbolizing rebirth

Different types of Sabzeh and flower for 7 sin table

Sonbol- the fragrant hyacinth flower , another elements of 7 sin that symbolizing the coming of spring

In the confectionery, people buy their favorite sweet such as traditional Iranian pastries like baghlava for new year and their gusts (this is a custom that people have gathering parties with their relatives in the new year). The number 88 shows the year 1388.

I could see the 7 sin sets in all sores today, like this antique one

Municipality tries to clean all parts of the city and paint the equipments

In the traditional way, Iranians have roast fish with steamed rice & vegetables for the first dinner of New Year

And we bought fish & fresh vegetables, too.

I will post more photos on my next update. I offer you do not miss my these days post ;)

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

2009-03-15T08:47:00.004+03:30

Prophet Muhammad 's mosque, Medina

The inside of mosque

(photos are taken at summer 2008)

In the Islamic calendar, the 12Th day of Rabi-al-Awwal marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
There is a difference of opinion about whether the Milad An-Nabi (Prohet Mohammad's Birthday) should be a time of celebration. There is evidence that the Prophet, his Companions, and the early followers after them did not celebrate or otherwise observe his birthday. On the contrary, Muhammad was careful to warn his people not to imitate other faiths, whose followers elevated their prophets and added to the religion what was not in the original teachings.
Those who disagree claim that although not practiced in the early years of Islam, the remembrance of the Prophet's birthday is a "good innovation." They see it as a time to read the Qur'an, and remember the life, teachings, and example of the Prophet Muhammad.

Reference of the text :about.com

Hajji Firuz eh...Sali ye ruz eh!

2009-03-13T09:36:00.007+03:30

He sings : "Haji Firuz eh....sali ye ruz eh"

Hâjji Fîrûz or Hajji Piruz, is the traditional herald of Nowruz. He is a black-faced character clad in bright red clothes and a felt hat. While ushering in Nowruz, Hajji Firuz plays a tambourine and sings "Haji Firuz eh, sali ye ruz eh" (It is Haji Firuz time, It happens one day in a year). People of all ages gather around him and his troupe of musicians and listen to them play the drum, saz or kamancheh, and dance. to know the history please click here.

Text by wikipedia

While I was watching Hajji Firuz in the street, I just thought that "how we could live with out such symbols in our culture?! " I really can not suppose the new year with no Hajji Firuz!

Wheat is sprouted !

2009-03-10T17:44:00.006+03:30

We have 10 days to finish the solar year (1387). The spring is coming and every thing is going to be new. I do not know that how much you have heard about the Iranian's customs for New Year. Since the solar calendar is the current calendar of our country, we celebrate the New Year after finishing 12 months of a solar year.
In the last days of the year, Iranians start to clean their homes. "Khaaneh Tekaani" in Farsi or spring-cleaning in English is one of our important New Year traditions that were also available in the ancient Iran. We believe that, we should make every thing clean or even new for a New Year. To me it is the philosophy of spring, to be new and fresh, like the nature.
And about my today's title! Sprouted wheat is the one of our other customs for New Year. In my future posts, you'll be known about it and other customs like "Chaharshanbe Suri"(the last Wednesday party) ,"Nowruz", "7 sin", etc. It would be so interesting for you, specially do not forget to see the post of 20Th of March!

Sky Watch : Night Of Mashhad

2009-03-08T21:30:00.001+03:30

Nice Feelings

2009-03-05T18:56:00.003+03:30

There are some things in the world that makes us happy. Gives us such a fun energy that we can forget our difficulties in our life for a minute or even for a second. These colorful smart candies are an example. I remember that I had a nice feeling to try them when I was a little girl. Today while I was shopping in the hyper market, found smart candies in the chocolate part and I got that feeling as well again. So I bought a big pack full of Smart Candies!
Sometimes we need to be a baby again ;)

Ducks in the Park

2009-03-03T19:49:00.003+03:30

By watching these lovely ducks, for a moment I really forgot that it is winter and Not spring!

Imam Reza Hospital

2009-02-28T21:42:00.011+03:30

These days I am working on my new project of the new semester. I have to design a hospital for 96 beds so I should visit different hospitals in Mashhad and study about foreign examples.

Imam Reza Hospital is one of the biggest (and oldest) health centers of Mashhad. This is built in Pahlavi era and as you see it is in traditional style of architecture which is great and unique.

Spaghetti Eiffel Tower

2009-02-27T21:49:00.005+03:30

Yes, this is Eiffel Tower but not in Paris, in Mashhad ;)

I built it in my 3 days free time.

No Title

2009-02-25T18:54:00.003+03:30

I am sure you've realized that what I wanted to say by this photo!

Haj Hossein Agha Malek Statue

2009-02-22T21:34:00.002+03:30

You remember that I post a photo from Vakil Abad Park and I told you that will post more about it.Today's photo shows Haj Hossein Agha Malek Statue who was one of the richest man in Mashhad. I do not know much about him, but he was the owner of our today's Vakil Abad Park. About 40 years ago, He was entailed the land of this park.

Sky Watch : Trees's Pray

2009-02-21T19:42:00.003+03:30

They may pray for the rain...

Cauliflowers

2009-02-19T18:23:00.003+03:30

I do not know the name of these flowers. Since they are like Cauliflower, I took this name for it at the title. They are very beautiful, aren't they?

By the way, IRAN in pictures is the name of Mr. Navid Chiniforoush 's photo blog. I offer you to visit it if you are intrested to see the other part of Iran.

Happy Sepandar Mazgan Day !

2009-02-17T16:34:00.005+03:30

Sepandār mazgān is the celebration day of love and earth in ancient Iranian culture. This day is dedicated to Spenta Armaiti, Spandārmad in middle Persian, the middle Iranian language/ethnolect of Southwestern Iran that during Sassanid times (224-654 CE) became a prestige dialect and so came to be spoken in other regions as well.
It is celebrated the 29Th of Bahman in Iranian calendar. Modern folklore dates the celebration to ancient times and Zoroastrian tradition.the original date for this ceremony is 5Th of Esfand, and a popular revised date of 29Th Bahman is due to the disorganized calendering during the past 20 years.

(Text is written according to wikipedia)

I am sorry that some Iranian people do not know anything about this event in their culture and celebrate the Valentine day (which is refer to another culture) instead of it.

Turning Advertisement

2009-02-15T20:44:00.004+03:30

I just interested in the people on that turning part of the advertisement! Also they are not real :P

Vakil Abad Park

2009-02-14T19:17:00.005+03:30

Vakil Abad park, is a beautiful place that is entailed by one of the richest men many years ago. I will post more about it in my next updates.

A Dry Winter

2009-02-12T22:03:00.002+03:30

The winter is going to be finished and we had not enough snow. It seems that a very horrible summer is on the way. I can hear a gloomy symphony from the nature, but what we can do?!

"S" for Surprise

2009-02-10T22:40:00.011+03:30

The last time that I went there, she was still pregnant. I mean our dog which lives in our garden. Today morning we decided to go to garden and when we arrived…wow, my God! Am I seeing true?! 8 cute pups?! Yeah, it was true!
The Watchman of garden fed them during our absence. He built a little house for the dog's family near his house to taking care of those puppies.
Now we should think to choose 8 names!!!

Oh, I miss 2 of them in the photo!

Note: My new blog Diaries By An Architect is stared but it is still in Persian. I know that some of you visit it so I try to translate my posts in English at the same time, as soon as possible.Thank you for your attention my friends.

The Last Project

2009-02-09T14:20:00.009+03:30

Finally I gave my last project of this semester. Excuse me for the few days' absence during that time. I had to render my sheets and make the sample of my designing, so I was working hard. Now I am so tired of that and need some days for break then I will start to post my photos from Mashhad again.
You can see some parts of the project in the photo. Architectural Designin III was one of my memorable lessons that I could get the first score in the class. ;)

City Cultural Center