Tabriz Bazaar - Part 1

From the MIR brochure accompanying our tour of Iran:

"...one of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the world, the UNESCO-listed Tabriz Bazaar was already flourishing in the 13th century, a hub of Silk Road commerce. The labyrinthine bazaar continued in importance until the 18th century, when the Ottomans increased in power. Different crafts are represented in different sections of the complex."

I found the bazaar so photogenic that I've divided my selection of top photos in half. I'll publish half today, half tomorrow.

Koran and Calligraphy Museum in Tabriz

A relatively small but interesting and focused museum, displaying the elegance that characterizes so much of Iranian life.

Look carefully: this is religious writing, not wooly woven cloth!

A beautiful memorial bouquet on the steps outside the museum.

Tehran to Tabriz

Very early flight on October 6, with a view of the Azidi Tower on the way to the Tehran airport. Landing in Tabriz, the 4th largest city in Tehran, after about three hours.

Control tower of Tabriz Airport

Scenes from the bus in the neighborhood of the airport and on the way to our hotel in Tabriz:

At the hotel

Tour member Frank with a picture of Ayatollah Khomeini

Reza Abbasi Museum

 On the day before leaving Tehran for Tabriz, we visited the Reza Abbasi Museum. Quoting from the Mir brochure: "Showcasing objects from Iran's distant past through 19th century calligraphy, the Reza Abbasi Museum gives a general overview of the development of decorative and applied arts throughout Iran's long and storied history." It's an unusually diverse, and fascinating, collection. Here's a brief sampling.

Lunch at a Favorite Tehran Restaurant

 Traditional dishes and decor. A tasty lunch.

Tour leader Farzaneh checking the group.

Help in composing a traditional dish.

Reproductions of old paintings in a new environment.

Colorful kitchenware as decoration.

Sa'ad Abad Palace

Another tour to the outskirts of Tehran, to the former residence of the deposed royal family of Iran. Nice environment, inside and out.