Away from politics and  the intense debate of the Iran provisional nuclear agreement, here is some of my collection of  photos from my visit to this fascinating country. And yes, I  felt more comfortable outside Tehran 

Shiraz: 

Pink roses are particularly dominant in Shiraz’s architecture.

The romantic tomb of the great Iranian poet Hafez

An old bath turned to a resturant

Isfahan

Ali Qapu Palace In Isfahan

A Closer look at Isfahani architecture 

Yazd 

The best old and inhabitant city of Iran and an important centre for Zoroastrianism.

Its ancient mud-bricks houses are special insulation design.

Remnants of Zoroastrian buildings

Masule

A breathtaking, unspoiled mountain village in Gilan province. It is formed by several irregular levels of terraced houses. It has few alleys, most are absent, and instead the flat roof of houses form a pathway for the level above.

Persian History 

Naghsh -e Rostam: An ancient necropolis 12 km northwest of Persepolis.

I refused to visit Imam Khomeini grave, but here one of many placards about him in Tehran

Gorgeous little Hijabi girls 

 Alamut Castle ( death castle) that witnessed the intriguing history of Shia Nizari Ismaili, allegedly the first inventors of suicide fighters. 

The magnificent spring blossoms and the snowcapped mountains 

Shia Islam

Shia do not mind depiction of the Prophet’s  male relatives

Tribal ladies 

Iran has many tribes, many of them produce distinctive rugs

All photos are mine. All rights reserved