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    fionachan's journal

    Photos from Iran

    There are [5] photos from Iran

    Whenever I pass a group of schoolchildren, I greet them with a wave and say, ‘Salam’ (Persian for hello), which encourages them to return the greeting. Generally, I do not linger unless the occasion requires it. Such an occasion arose when I met a large class of schoolgirls inside the Shaikh Safi Mausoleum in Ardabil. They had separated into smaller groups of friends who peeked at me with excited curiosity. I greeted the group nearest to me then paused. Their eyes full of anticipation. ‘My name is Fiona. I am from Australia.’ I held out my hand. After a few handshakes, the rest of the children approached, individually announced their names. We shook hands, gave each other high-fives. I took this photo before the entire class of 30 children or more, gathered in front of me. It was a special moment not interrupted by an attempt to capture it. This was the future of Iran. Views[684] Bread is a staple meal in Iran, particularly, freshly baked bread. I entered this bakery in Yazd with a local who wanted to show me the process. The baker made dough then placed each piece on the inside wall of the oven. After he took the bread out, it was shortly sold to customers. He gave one piece to us. Hot and crispy. Views[992] A number of people I meet in Iran are students, studying their first degree or subsequent degree in university. I met two of them in Persepolis. While our conversation was limited to basic English, the feeling exchanged was one of warmth, fun and innocence. They suggested a photograph, which I happily obliged. From the LCD screen, I saw their solemn pose. ‘This is not them,’ I thought to myself. I showed them the photo, told them to smile. Before they could pose again, I clicked my camera. ‘Not ready,’ one of them exclaimed. ‘More natural,’ I responded and showed them the photo. A happy moment immortalized. Views[547] Next to the Koran, the most revered book in Iran is possibly, the collection of poems written by Hafez. Not only is this book a literary masterpiece, it can also divine one’s fortunes. At the Tomb of Hafez in Shiraz, I was greeted by the Director and a member of his staff. They invited me for tea, which I accepted. I joined them in their office, listened to the sounds of conversation. People came in and out to borrow (or return) one of many books on the Director’s desk. I photograph the staff member just when two women opened the door. They came to borrow a book of Hafez’s poems. Views[443] During my three weeks in Iran, I am fascinated by the women. They come in all colours of clothing, black being the most common. Women from a country town dress conservatively, while their city counterparts prefer vibrant colours. I saw this woman at the Afif-Abad Garden in Shiraz. She was stunningly beautiful and I approached her for a photograph. I couldn’t learn more about her as language was a barrier. She was the most fashionable woman I saw. A modern side to Iran. Views[600]
     

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