That's a piece of Persian Art !

The handmade carpet of Golestan palace, Tehran

Yakhchal or Natural Refrigerators

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.

Qajar Princes

The painting shows Qajar Princes

Ahmad shaah palace, Tehran- Iran

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

Mil (Minaret) Khosrogerd

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

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

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

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) .

Looti Style

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

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

Iran ; The Other explanation of Art

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

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!

Happy New Year !

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)

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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

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

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

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!

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 !

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!

Imam Reza Hospital

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.