After saying goodbye to the Chikan nomads, we left the nomadic areas towards Ilam and passed through Kurdistan to the Lorestan region of Iran. The roads of this region of Iran are mesmerizing and instead of typical Iranian buildings and decorations, they display natural beauty. The architecture here is the architecture of nature, which captivates you with its splendor.
We spent the night in Ilam and decided to enjoy the natural wonders of Lorestan on the way to Kashan. We started early in the morning and drove on the roads until late. We reached Khorramabad from Ilam and then continued to Kashan.
It is worth noting that this was one of the longest and most difficult routes we faced since the beginning of the trip, lasting 18 hours with non-stop driving.
We reached Kashan tired at night. In Kashan, you should not miss the opportunity to stay in historical mansions. We spent the night at Raheb Mohinstan Hotel, a traditional adobe style hotel that has been beautifully renovated.
A mosque and school whose construction began during the Qajar period under Mohammad Shah and was completed during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah.
It is one of the most precious Qajar-style architectural masterpieces. The interconnected volumes create a mesmerizing space, and its grandeur and decorations captivate you for hours as you wander through its celestial arches.
After visiting the magnificent Agha Bozorg Mosque, we had lunch in an Abbasid house and returned to the hotel to grab our sleeping bags and backpacks. We spent the night in the Maranjab Desert, waking up under its starry sky.
Maranjab is not just an ordinary desert; it’s a natural wonderland. Its vast sandy dunes resemble golden waves under the Iranian sun, and its expansive salt lake reflects the sky, creating a surreal and breathtaking landscape. The Aghaghia trees, in complete contrast to its golden sands, add to its unique charm.
As the sun sets behind the dunes, Maranjab transforms into a celestial wonderland. Away from the city lights, the Maranjab Desert offers a mesmerizing display of stars. Camping under its starry sky is an unforgettable experience.
We lit our campfire and placed our beds and tents in its light. Lying on my bed, I gazed at the sky in the absolute silence. A galaxy of stars in the black sky.
indescribable…
I don’t know when I fell asleep, but in the morning, we woke up to the sound of camels outside our tent.
We set up our breakfast on the remnants of the previous night’s campfire and spent some hours off-roading in an off-road vehicle on the golden sandy hills.
Maranjab Desert, with its astonishing views, historical remnants, and unique ecosystem, invites you to step into a world where time seems to stand still.
Beyond its sparkling sands, Maranjab weaves tales of ancient trade and presents itself as a sanctuary for those seeking the tranquility of the desert, bearing witness to the harmonious coexistence of nature and history in one of Iran’s most enchanting regions.
We returned towards Kashan, had lunch, and in the hotel, we succumbed to unconsciousness due to extreme fatigue.
The Borujerdi House stands as a testament to the grandeur and brilliance of Qajar-era architecture. Built in the 19th century, this historic residence is a captivating blend of Iranian traditional artistry.
Its architecture, like a symphony of traditional Iranian design, is adorned with intricate windcatchers, not only cooling the mansion but also contributing to its composition and aesthetic appeal.
Its courtyard, adorned with its lush flowers and a water pond in the middle, acts like a magnificent mirror reflecting the sky onto the ground. Its gypsum and mirror works have been applied to the adobe walls in the most artistic manner possible.
Today, this house stands as a living testament to the artistic brilliance of Iranian architecture and the cultural richness of the Qajar era. Stepping into it feels like diving into the grandeur of 19th-century Iran, witnessing the living legacy of artistic mastery and cultural opulence.
architectural mastery. The combination of intricate Iranian traditional elements, stunning gypsum and tile work, and beautifully calligraphed inscriptions on the walls make this house a breathtaking piece of art.The play of light and shadow in these intricate designs, evoking a sense of wonder at every moment, creates images with an identity independent of themselves.
The Ameris Historical House stands as a living and steadfast witness to the grandeur of traditional Iranian architecture in the 19th century.
In my view, this house is like a gem adorning the crown of Kashan’s architecture, offering a glimpse into the splendor and complexity of Iranian life during that era.
Another historical residence from the 19th century and the Qajar era, this time commissioned by a wealthy carpet merchant named Seyed Jafar Tabatabaei. Designed by the renowned architect Ali Maryam of that period, the result is an architectural marvel seamlessly blending traditional Iranian design with intricate details and unique spatial arrangements.
What distinguishes this historical house is its precious courtyard, conceived as the focal point of the mansion and surrounded by rooms adorned with colorful stained glass, intricate plasterwork, and delicate mirror decorations.
Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse is an architectural marvel from the brilliance of Iranian builders in the 16th century during the Safavid era. It was later reconstructed during the Qajar period, with intricate details added that contributed to its greatness.
One of the attractions of Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse is its unparalleled tile work and gypsum carvings. Upon entering, it feels as if you are stepping back in time, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Iranian bath rituals. The preservation of all the details and decorations in its rooms during restoration allows you to envision the life that unfolded within these walls.
We bid farewell to the beautiful city of Kashan with a visit to its Fin Bathhouse. Its history dates back to the Safavid era, and the elegance and grandeur of its tile work and gypsum decorations bear the mark of Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse’s signature.
The bathhouse boasts captivating architecture and tile work within the heart of a large, lush garden. All elements signify the importance of communal baths in Iranian society, serving not only for bodily cleanliness but also as a space for the gathering of prominent figures of the time and the people, sharing their beliefs and thoughts.
We bid farewell to the beautiful city of Kashan and set out towards the city of Isfahan. Kashan marked the beginning and acquaintance with the art of the Safavid era, and we were captivated by the complexity and unique elegance of Safavid architecture and decorations.
Unaware that our next destination had reserved the climax of the enchanting season of Safavid-era art within its heart…
Where Imagination Knows No Bounds, and Every Stroke Tells a Tale.
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