Iran1_500x335.jpg;We embark upon our journey, driving through the beautiful light of the Iranian plateau.
Iran2_500x335.jpg;This bas relief of a royal Persian woman stands in the ruins of Persepolis, located close to the city of Shiraz, in the heart of ancient Persia.  This elegant lady and her attire date to a period of history prior to the Muslim invasion of ancient Persia.  That she remains intact is a miracle, considering that most of the ancient empire's statuary was defaced by the Arab invasion.
Iran3_500x335.jpg;A local woman and her young child ascend the steps toward the ancient city of Persepolis.  The deep purple and gold of her long skirt indicates that she is a tribal woman, from the outskirts of Shiraz.
Iran4_500x335.jpg;These two girls are from a village in the Arab province of Khuzistan, a couple of hours outside the city of Ahvaz.  Their village had been destroyed by the overflowing river and all that was left were some shacks and temporary dwellings.  Their somber expressions and red tinted hair speak of their low status and malnutrition.  This village was located just a couple of miles from the Iraqi border, and was most likely destroyed by the Iraq/Iran war that erupted just days later.
Iran5_500x335.jpg;A man carries his little girl down the steps through an outdoor restaurant, typical of central Iran.  One sits on the carpeted platforms and eats rice and kebab, under the shade of old walnut trees.
Iran6_500x335.jpg;A woman contemplates a pool of water within the cool sanctuary of a mosque's inner courtyard.  She is dressed in the informal style of many villagers from central Iran.  This particular mosque was built in the time of Shah Abbos, during the Safavid dynasty, a period of great artistic and architectural activity in Iran.  Ishfahan, where this mosque is located, was Iran's capital at that time.  Many of the glorious mosques from this era possess courtyards with pools of water, which is revered in the dry climate of Iran.
Iran7_500x335.jpg;The bright, flowered scarves and heavily pleated, embroidered black skirts are traditional dress for the women from Abyaneh, which lies several hours south of Tehran.  They speak a language rooted in ancient Aramaic that is specific to their village, and recite passages from the Koran before large fires.  Such fire rituals hark back to the fire worshiping Aryans that settled the Iranian plateau, before the advent of Zorastrism.
Iran8_500x335.jpg;A Kurdish mother and daughter in law, from a village outside the city limits of Kermanshah,  are about to milk their goat.  Like many of Iran's tribes, it is said that the Kurds are the remnants of a very large and ancient tribe of people.  The women appear strong and work alongside  the men, with labor evenly divided.  They walk tall, necks exposed, and do not hide their face.  Many have chins tattooed with 3 blue dots, and wear their head coverings as if they're crowns rather than hejab, the Moslem code of modesty.
Iran9_500x335.jpg;A Qashqai woman walks alongside her caravan, her gossamer veil floating behind her.  The Qashqais are a very old nomadic tribe located in the country's south.  Some Iranians claim that they are the remnant of old Iran, the true Iranians.  The women dress beautifully, in hot pinks and neon greens, and wear the family wealth in the form of coins sewn into their headdresses and jewelry.  They are self sufficient with their traveling livestock, and famous for their exquisite carpets and other woven goods.