An Apartment in Sajjad Street

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.

That's a sad Fact !

The Second Plane diaster During These Days

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.

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)

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

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 ;)

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!

No Title

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

Turning Advertisement

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

Ashoura III

Why remember Ashuora ?

Why is Imam Hossein regarded as the "leader of the martyrs" ? It is because he was not just the victim of an ambitious ruler. There is no doubt that the tragedy of Kerbala, when ascribed to the killers, is a criminal and terrible act. However when ascribed to Hossein himself, it represents a conscious confrontation and a courageous resistance for a sacred cause. The whole nation had failed to stand up to Yazid. They had succumbed to his will, and deviation and regression towards the pre-Islamic ways were increasing.Passiveness by Imam Hossein in this situation would have meant the end of Islam as we know it. Thus Hossein took upon himself the responsibility of the whole nation. The greatest tragedy was that one who stood up for the noblest of causes, the defence of Islam, was cut down in so cruel a manner.It is for this reason that the sacrifice of Hossein is commemorated annually throughout the Muslim world. Our sorrow never abates as we relive the tragedy.

In Iran many people from other religions like christian and Jewish strongly believe in Imam Hossein as well as they take apart in Ashoura gatherings and respect Imam Hossein. This is a good example that shows the great event of Ashoura is not just for Muslims.

Alam is a kind of symbol for Ashoura event

Near Imam Reza shrine, Today every things are black to Muslims!

People are going to Imam Reza shrine to congregate for sorrowful

Some people use a kind of simple chain (called Zanjir, without knives or razors) to beat their shoulder just to make noise not to harm themselves.

Every day is Ashoura and every place is Karbala.Yeah, That is right. These days many innocent people experience Ashoura event again as Gaza became the other example of Karbala. How we can be quiet?! What is the difference between us and those who did not help Imam Hossein in Ashoura event?!

السلام عليك يا ابا عبدالله

Assalamu alayk Ya Aba Abde Allah

God's regards to you Ya Hossein!

Ashoura II

Who is Imam Hossein?
The leader of the small band of men who were martyred in Karbala was none other than Hossein, son of Ali ebn Abi Taleb (Imam Ali) and grandson of the Holy Prophet Mohammad. Who was Hossein? He was the son of Fatima for whom the Holy Prophet said, "Hossein is from me and I am from Hossein. May God love whoever loves Hossein."With the passing away of his brother Hasanin 50 AH, Hossein became the leader of the household of the Holy Prophet. On the other hand, we have Yazid, whose father (Muawiya) and grandfather (Abu Sufyan - the arch-enemy of the Prophet) had always tried to sabotage the mission of the Holy Prophet, and who showed his true colour by stating in a poem, "Bani Hashim had staged a play to obtain kingdom, there was neither any news from God nor any revelation." The revolution of Hossein was an Islamic movement spearheaded by one of the great leaders of Islam. The principles and laws of Islam demanded that Hossein act to warn the Ummah of the evil situation which it was in, and to stand in the way of the deviating ruler. As Hossein himself remarked when he left Medina for the last time, "I have risen (against Yazid) as I seek to reform the Ummah of my grandfather. I wish to bid the good and forbid the evil." Hussain (A) was martyred on the battlefield as he did Sajdah. His head was removed from his body on the plains of Karbala, mounted on a spear, and paraded through villages and towns as it was taken to Damascus and presented at the feet of Yazid...

Special station that we can have tea and date there during these holy days of Moharram month

The Red flag, a sign for the day of Ashoura

I took this photo yesterday in my university, You see that we had an anniversary for Ashoura

An educated man was describing the reality of Ashoura for us

As Meead commented in the previous post some Muslims in any country or region have their own interpretation of some parts of this religion. Sometimes their interpretation is totally wrong and completely misunderstood. If you google Ashoura, you may find very sad and bloody pictures of people in Pakistan and Afghanistan who are doing crazy with their body. Ashoura doesn't mean that you have to harm yourself. No one benefits from their cruel behavior except those who are going to show Islam is a barbaric religion and Muslims are kind of barbars. Meead also mentioned to a speech by one an admirable Iranian cleric that he criticized Muslims doing such things on Ashoura. The cleric asked Muslims do they really think if "Hossein" was alive today, would he do the same?
These specific behaviors are now banned in Iran's public.Iranians often congregate together for sorrowful, poetic recitations performed in memory of the death of Hossein, lamenting and grieving to the tune of beating drums and chants of "Ya Hossein" and beating their chest. Some people also use a kind of simple chain (called Zanjir, without knives or razors) to beat their shoulder just to make noise not to harm themselves.

Ashoura is exactly the Revolution of Justice against Evil

Please follow my next post!

Ashoura I

Child in the special cloths to remember imam Hossein kid at the day of Ashoura

Ya (Hey) Hossein!

In the month of Moharram 61 AH (approx. 20 October 680 AD), an event took place in Iraq at a place known as Kerbala on the bank of the river Euphrates. A large army which had been mobilised by the Umayyad regime besieged a group of persons numbering less than a hundred and put them under pressure to pay allegiance to the Caliph of the time and submit to his authority. The small group resisted and a severe battle took place in which they were all martyred.It appeared at that time that like hundreds of similar events, this battle would be recorded in history and forgotten in time. However, the events that occurred on the 10Th day of Moharram in Karbala were to become a beacon and an inspiration for future generations...

Ashoura is exactly the Revolution of Justice against Evil

Please follow my next posts for the CONTINUANCE of text!

Eid-e-Ghorban

Four thousand years ago the valley of Mecca was a dry and uninhabited place. Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was instructed to bring his wife's servant, Hagar (Hajar) and their child Ishmael to Arabia from Palestine by Allah's command, as his first wife Sarah started to get jealous after Hagar got her baby.
With some supplies of food and water he left them without wanting, his wife Hagar asked him: "Who ordered you to leave us here", Ibrahim replied :"Allah", she said: "than Allah will not forget us, you can go". However the supplies quickly ran out and within a few days Hagar and Ishmael were suffering from hunger and dehydration.
In her desperation Hagar ran up and down two hills called Safa and Marwa trying to see if she could spot any help in the distance. Finally she collapsed beside her baby Ishmael and prayed to Allah for deliverance.
Ishmael struck his foot on the ground and this caused a spring of water to gush forth from the earth. Hagar and Ishmael were saved. Now they had a secure water supply they were able to trade water with passing nomads for food and supplies.
After a while the Prophet Ibrahim returned from Palestine to check on his family and he was amazed to see them running a profitable well.
The Prophet Ibrahim was told by Allah to build a shrine dedicated to him. Ibrahim and Ismael constructed a small stone structure – the Kabe - which was to be the gathering place for all who wished to strengthen their faith in Allah.
As the years passed Ishmael was blessed with Prophet hood and he gave the nomads of the desert the message of surrender to Allah.After many centuries, Mecca became a thriving city thanks to its reliable water source, the well of Zam Zam.
In the year 628 the Prophet Muhammad set out on a journey with 1400 of his followers. This was the first pilgrimage in Islam, and would re-establish the religious traditions of the Prophet Ibrahim.
Eid-e-Ghorban or the Festival of Sacrifice is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide in commemoration of the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God. The devil tempted Ibrahim by saying he should disobey God and spare his son. As Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God intervened and instead provided a lamb as the sacrifice. This is why today all over the world Muslims who have the means to, sacrifice an animal (usually a goat or a sheep), as a reminder of Ibrahim's obedience to God. The meat is then shared out with family, friends (Muslims or non-Muslims), as well as the poor members of the community.
I took some photos from a Sacrificing place in Mashhad for Eid-e-Ghorban. Every year, my dad buys a sheep, and then we sacrifice and distribute it between poor people.

A place of Sacrificing in Mashhad

Dad selected a sheep to Sacrifice

Flayers are dividing meats

* The Arabic sentence at top of the photo says: When an orphan (a child without living parents) cries, the Throne of the God shakes! Erase the tears from his/her face kindly!

Happy Eid-e-Ghorban to all Muslims!