A traveller's reflection: 2016 Iran Day 04: Kerman

"I am learning to trust the journey even when I do not understand it..." - Mila Bron

(Authentic place to stay on the Silk Route)

Day 04: Thursday, 10 Mar 2016

Route: Kerman – Yazd
Distance: 374 km
Hotel: Dad Hotel, Yazd

Today we travelled by bus from Kerman to Yazd, stopping only for comfort stops along the way.

We arrived Yazd in time for lunch. After we checked-in Dad Hotel and performed our prayers, we were ready to go for the tour of the attractions in Yazd.

(A hotel with beautiful courtyard and garden)

(Lamb kebab with buttered rice)

(A spacious cozy bedroom)

Yazd is the capital of Yazd Province and one of the main cities of Zoroastrian culture. Because of generations of adaptations to its desert surroundings, Yazd has a unique Persian architecture. It is nicknamed the city of windcatchers because of its ancient windcatchers. It is also very well known for its Zoroastrian fire temples, Persian handicrafts, silk weaving, and its high quality confectionery.

(The city of ancient windcatchers)

Zoroastrian Fire Temple, Yazd

The Yazd Atash Behram is a fire temple in Yazd. It was built in 1934 and enshrines the Atash Bahram or Victorious Fire. It is one of the nine Atash Behrams, the only one of the highest grade fire in Iran where Zoroastrians have practiced their religion since 400 BC. The other eight Atash Behrams are in India.

(The entrance to the Fire Temple)

(A place of worship for Zoroastrians)

The flame is said to be burning for over 1,500 years. The highest grade of fire that can be placed inside the temple of the Zoroastrian faith sourced from 16 various types of fire, including fire from lightning as well as a cremation pyre.

(The burning fire in the Zoroastrian temple)

Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions and was at one time practiced heavily throughout the country of Iran and is said to have been an extremely powerful religion. A well-known aspect of their religion is that fire plays a central role in worship ceremonies representing God’s light or wisdom.

(Banner to commemorate the death of Fatimah Zahra)

The Jāmeh Mosque of Yazd

The Jameh Mosque is the grand, congregational mosque of Yazd city. The mosque is depicted on the obverse of the Iranian 200 rials banknote.

(The outstanding 14th century buildings of Iran)

(The highest minarets in Iran)

(The Azari style architecture)

The mosque is a fine specimen of the Azari style of Persian architecture. The mosque is crowned by a pair of minarets, the highest in Iran, and the portal's facade is decorated from top to bottom in dazzling tile work, predominantly blue in colour. Within is a long arcaded courtyard where, behind is a sanctuary chamber. This chamber, under a squat tiled dome, is exquisitely decorated with faience mosaic. Its tall faience Mihrab, is one of the finest of its kind in existence. The elegant patterns of brick work and the priceless inscription of mosaic tiles bearing angular kufic all create a sense of beauty.