Foto: The central square of Esfahan is one of the largest in the world (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Iran - Back on Ali Iman Square, I find a bench to sit and write down my travel experiences. I don’t get much time for that, as I’m soon approached by Ali and Hossein, who ask if they can have a chat. We end up talking for over an hour about our trip, Iran, culture, the freedoms in Amsterdam – including sex and drugs – and even the price of a Peugeot in Iran, Syria, and the Netherlands. Around half past six, I excuse myself for my appointment at the teahouse. By now, the square is crowded with families sitting in the grass. I receive a lot of attention – people ask to take pictures with their children, shake my hand, and I wave “From Holland!” to a couple on a picnic blanket. The teahouse – now open – is located at the far end of the square. From the terrace, there is a beautiful view of the entire square. I take a photo of two Iranian couples smoking a water pipe, with the bustling square in the background. When I show the photo, they want to say something in Farsi, but I don’t understand. Someone steps in to translate and asks me not to post the photo online. At dusk, I head back onto the square to take photos at sunset. I meet a group of soldiers who want to be photographed. An older man offers me some walnuts, and a bit further along I decline a cup of tea. After about half an hour, I’ve crossed the entire square and finally take an evening shot of the Imam Mosque.
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Alborz Mountains in Tehran
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Imam Rezas mausoleum in Mashhad
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Persepolis
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