Andy in Iran

"Andy in Iran" is now complete!

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My trip to Iran was back in July-August of 2005 a very short time after my father's funeral. It has taken me this long to finally finish posting all the pics I took while there. It was a hard decision to go due to the circumstances, but I had already strongly felt and had it confirmed that going to Iran was part of God's plan. I really praise God for the opportunity of visiting Iran and seeing one of my best friends, Gholam, and his family. How awesome to be able to see such an interesting country and to meet such fascinating people.

This blog is dedicated to my wonderful father, Wayne Brown. Even 3 years later, it is so hard to believe he's gone. But I have not "lost" my father. "Lost" is what happens when we don't know where something or someone is. Because he put his faith in the Lord Jesus, I know exactly where he is. Like Dad himself said, "I may not be the best Christian, but I'm under the blood." I wish I could tell Dad just what a great father he had been and all the things I wish I could thank him for but I know he already knows that.

Azadi Monument (Freedom Monument), Tehran

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My good friend, Hossein, at Freedom Monument on my last day in Iran

Friendly Tehran Uni Student & Part-time "Tour-Guide"

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Bahram, a recent Tehran University economics graduate, when he saw me slightly lost in Tehran, showed me around a bit and then took me here, to Khatoon Teahouse.

The Iran National Museum and The Islamic Museum

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Check out the machine gun between the flags....hmmm...

The ticket price to the Iran National Museum includes free admitance to the Islamic Museum just next door.

"The Salt Man" and a Pottery Cow

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Pottery Cow from 1250 BC

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"Pottery Vessel in the Form of Bird and Man" dated 1st mill BC

A lot of weapons were on display in the 2 museums

Ah, isn't that cute?! I think he wants a hug, ha!ha!

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Human headed capital from Persepolis dated 5th century BC

Proud declaration of Xerxes. Should be compared another Persian king's (Nebuchadnezzar's) declaration of the one and true God found in Daniel chapter 4. Some people are surprised to learn that one of Persia's past kings has a whole chapter (in Aramaic) in the Bible. Read it here.

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Mummies in Iran?!

Let's give this guy a hand!

Freaky looking guy,no?! And is that a child or woman he's dragging along there?! Well, surprise, surprise... according to the plaque, this is a statue of Bacchus, roman god of wine and fertility found in the ancient city of Susa (where Daniel, the prophet, once lived! Nehemiah 1:1) "god of wine..." that basically sounds like the false god many people on this planet are following. "But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment." (Isaiah 28:7)

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Lustre Painted Cross-Shaped Tile 13th century AD

Glaze painted large dish from northern Iran 16th century AD

Laquer Oil Painting Representing Christ and His mother 17th century AD ("Peace Be Upon Them Both" written on the plaque but should say about Christ, "Peace is UPON HIM and IN Him ONLY!)

Amazing that many Christian artifacts (even displaying the cross) are found in the "Islamic Museum". God has not left people without testimony and we are all without excuse.

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A cart-wheel from the late 2nd mill. BC

Sitting lion figurine from Susa, 1800 BC

Pottery Statue from 1st mill BC

I love this little figurine. I reminds me of 2 Corinthians 6:14 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what in common hath righteousness with lawlessness? and what fellowship hath light with darkness?"

St. Peter Evangelical Church

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My hotel receptionist

Motorcycle-taxi - I'm lucky to be alive. These guys drive like maniacs!

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Hatred

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The hostage taking of 52 US diplomats (for 444 days!) was and still is morally irrrehensible. A group of militant Islamic students took over the American Embassy in support of Iran's Islamic Revolution. As written on wikipedia, "the hostage taking was widely seen as an outrage violating a centuries-old principle of international law granting diplomats immunity from arrest and diplomatic compounds sovereignty in the territory of the host country they occupy." I couldn't agree more.

These murals are painted all across the walls surrounding what used to be the American Embassy in Tehran.

More Hatred

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You Guessed It...Even More Hatred!

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Hate, hate, hate for America is very popular these days. Here's a great article: To Hate America is to Hate Mankind.

Here is a famous Canadian speech about the good that America has done over the years: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ_okAgAUGE&feature=related

Here is part of the speech in text if you are too lazy to click above, ha!ha!

"This Canadian thinks it is time to speak up for the Americans as the most generous and possibly the least appreciated people on all the earth. Germany, Japan and, to a lesser extent, Britain and Italy were lifted out of the debris of war by the Americans who poured in billions of dollars and forgave other billions in debts. None of these countries is today paying even the interest on its remaining debts to the United States. When France was in danger of collapsing in 1956, it was the Americans who propped it up, and their reward was to be insulted and swindled on the streets of Paris. I was there. I saw it. When earthquakes hit distant cities, it is the United States that hurries in to help. This spring, 59 American communities were flattened by tornadoes. Nobody helped. The Marshall Plan and the Truman Policy pumped billions of dollars into discouraged countries. Now newspapers in those countries are writing about the decadent, warmongering Americans. I'd like to see just one of those countries that is gloating over the erosion of the United States dollar build its own airplane. Does any other country in the world have a plane to equal the Boeing Jumbo Jet, the Lockheed Tri-Star, or the Douglas DC10? If so, why don't they fly them? Why do all the International lines except Russia fly American Planes? Why does no other land on earth even consider putting a man or woman on the moon? You talk about Japanese technocracy, and you get radios. You talk about German technocracy, and you get automobiles. You talk about American technocracy, and you find men on the moon - not once, but several times - and safely home again. You talk about scandals, and the Americans put theirs right in the store window for everybody to look at. Even their draft-dodgers are not pursued and hounded. They are here on our streets, and most of them, unless they are breaking Canadian laws, are getting American dollars from ma and pa at home to spend here. When the railways of France, Germany and India were breaking down through age, it was the Americans who rebuilt them. When the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central went broke, nobody loaned them an old caboose. Both are still broke. I can name you 5000 times when the Americans raced to the help of other people in trouble. Can you name me even one time when someone else raced to the Americans in trouble? I don't think there was outside help even during the San Francisco earthquake. Our neighbors have faced it alone, and I'm one Canadian who is damned tired of hearing them get kicked around. They will come out of this thing with their flag high. And when they do, they are entitled to thumb their nose at the lands that are gloating over their present troubles. I hope Canada is not one of those." "Stand proud, America!"

Why Don't You Tell Us How You REALLY Feel?!

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Now, why would anyone want to refuse such a country nuclear weapons?! And hey, do you think that whole wanting to blow Israel off the face of the earth thing was serious?! Just chill out, dude?! (Yeah, whatever...) Sounds like Osama's ramblings actually:

" Bin Ladin says that there are two ways for the war to end: with American defeat, or by mass American conversions to Islam: “It is imperative you…search for an alternative, upright methodology….the methodology of Allah.” He states it even more baldly toward the end of his video: “I invite you to embrace Islam.” Then he tries to ecumenically sweeten the pot by reminding American Christians that “the name of the Prophet of Allah Jesus and his mother…are mentioned in the Noble Quran dozens of times, and that in the Quran there is a chapter whose name is ‘Maryam’….” Iran’s ruling ayatollah has never held out conversion to Islam as an alternative for Americans, to the best of my knowledge. Perhaps Bin Ladin is laying the groundwork for another catastrosphic attack by offering conversion, because as Michael Scheuer (and others) have observed the Islamic traditions concerning hudnah, or “truce,” mandate that an enemy be offered the opportunity to embrace the faith of Muhammad. He may be, in effect, covering all his bases with his own constitutents before trying to replicate (or surpass) 9/11." (Timothy R. Funish)

Where's the Love?!

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Do you think it's just a coincidence that this big player organization just happens to have its office directly across the street from the hate inspiring propaganda against America?

This is the only graffiti around the entire ex-American embassy compound (and there is plenty!) in Tehran that I can agree with. Jesus says, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" (Matthew 5:44) Jesus practised what He preached. "Who, when He (Jesus) was reviled, reviled not in return; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously:" (1 Peter 2:23) Now, THAT is a God worth following!!! Love, not hate, is the stamp of proof of those following the right God. "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7:20)
Here is a link to a well-expressed letter from a professor to "protesting students":
http://roadsassy.com/index.php/2008/06/08/a-grown-up-academic/

Farewell to Friends!

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A Farewell to Close Friends!

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Maryam at work

Iranian Food

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Tabriz, Iran

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Located in the NW, Tabriz is Iran's 4th largest city with a population of 1,600,000. It was once the capital of Iran. It is the capital of the East Azarbaijan Province and it it most well known for its bazaar. The predominant language of Tabrizis is Azerbaijan, a Turkish language, although most can speak and understand Persian as well. The main reason we went here was so that I could get a flight to Tehran. The name Tabriz derives from "tap-riz" ("causing heat to flow" in the Iranian language, Persian), from the many thermal springs in the area.

Tabriz City Hall

The Bazaar (or Souk) of Tabriz, northern Iran

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Tabriz is best known for its bazaar which is one of the largest in the world and is covered by a vaulted brick roof.

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Tabriz is the number one center for production of the famous Turkish-Persian rug.

Iranian Scorpions!?

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One really has to be cautious when traveling around Iran as there are a variety of poisonous scorpions there!

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The Asiyab Khurabe Spring and Picnic Area

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Lovely Iranians I Was Blessed to Meet

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Met these lovely Iranian women on the bus and we talked about many important issues of life. Persians are such warm, open and interesting people.

More Bridges of Esfahan

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More of the Vank Cathedral in the Joffa Area of Esfahan

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In case you can't read it, it reads:
"Medical Missionary in Persia from 1903. Beloved daughter of the late Edmond and Mary Ironside. Passed away in 1921 aged 19.
She heard the call "Come Follow". That was all.
Earth's joys grew dim. Her soul went after Him.
She rose and followed. That was all.
Will you not follow if you hear the call?"

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This tombstone from 1873 reads, "Before The Throne: Washed And Made White In The Blood Of The Lamb." Nice!

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The Vank Cathedral Museum was quite impressive but no photos! It also has a section informing people of the attempted genocide of the Armenian people by Turkey in the early 20th century.

These 2 lovely Armenians work at the Cathedral bookshop and it was such a pleasure talking with fellow Christians. They even gave me one of their personal CDs with Armenian music! May the Lord bless and protect them.

The receptionist at one of the Joffa Quarter hotels. Iranian women are incredibly beautiful but so many of them wear far too much makeup.

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A waiter taking a break at the classy rooftop NagbshJahan Restaurant

New friends: Batri, Livia, Maryam, Gholam and Andy

A lot of kids pay attention when they see foreigners and hear English. This cute little girl, for example, kept coming around our table and smiling. Adorable!

Emman Square, Esfahan

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This is what awaits tourists at the largest mosque in Esfahan. Yes...can't you just feel the love?!

Mingling With Iranians

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Iranians are hospitable, engaging, interesting and open to foreigners, contrary to what people might guess (based on the not so nice comments of their government...) This couple, for example, were so willing to let us see their sweet babies when we commented on how beautiful they were.

Chehelsotun Palace and Museum

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The "Islamic religious police" felt that the nipples on this painting should be censored!

You might be just as surprised as I was to see scenes of the cross here! Praise God!

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Churches at Jolfa, the Armenian Quarter of Esfahan

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This is the most important historical church in Iran: Vank Cathedral ("Vank" means "cathedral" in the Armenian language). It was built from 1606 to 1664.

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Maryam Church, Joffa Quarter, Esfahan

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A local Armenian Christian lady

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Now, don't go and get the "Jolfa Quarter" of Esfahan (city) confused with Jolfa (city) in NW Iran! They are connected though...Over 150,000 Armenians were moved from Jolfa to this area in the beginning of the 17th century (1606). Armenians were fleeing persecution from the Ottoman Empire and they were moved to this section, by force, as they were famous for being skillful tradesmen. It was hoped that their movement here would benefit Persia.

Si-o-Se Pol (Bridge), A.K.A. "allahverdikhan Bridge"

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Si-o-Se (33 Arches) Bridge was constructed in 1600 and is 295 meters long. It links Isfahan with the Armenian suburb of Jolfa. It is by far the longest bridge in Esfahan.

We met up with Andri and his sister, Livia, in Esfahan who were a lot of fun to hang out with.

Livia Thun

Gian Andri Thun enjoying a Nargilah pipe under Si-o-Se Bridge

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Bus Trip from Shiraz to Esfahan

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The distance from Shiraz to Esfahan is 216 miles or 348 kilometres. We left very late at night and arrived early in the morning.

Hammane Vikil (Ancient Dining Room - Previously a Bathhouse)

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This old bathhouse, constructed in the 18th century, has been restored and changed into a
teahouse/restaurant.

On the Streets of Shiraz

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Shiraz is the current day capital of of Fars Province, the heartland of Iran, which gives its name to the Iranian (Persian) language: Farsi. Shiraz has traditionally been known as the city of roses, nightingales, orchards, cypresses, poets, philosophers and literature.

Bagh-e Naranjestan (Orange Garden)

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Like Elam Palace, this pavilion was constructed during the Qajar period (1879-1886).

There is a small (unimpressive) museum in the basement.

The pavilion is decorated with beautiful mirrors, inlaid wooden panels, tile work and colourful stained glass windows. This was the residence of the Governor nears ago.

Some Local Folk in Shiraz!

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The Vakil Bazaar

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You can buy just about anything at the Vakil Bazaar including baseball caps with "I love Jesus" printed on them and all kinds of gold and silver crosses .

Karim Khan Zand came to power in 1750 (until 1776). He turned Shiraz into the capital and he built many buildings including the Bazaar-e Vakil.

Bagh-e Eram (Garden of Paradise)

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It has been named after a legendary garden called Eram in southern Arabia, built upon an order of Shaddad, an Arab king, to compete with Paradise. Yeah, right! Only paradise is paradise!

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This 19th century Qajar palace (Qajar dynasty 1795-1925), Elam Palace, is located in the middle of Elam Garden. It is not open for visitors. This mansion is now assigned to the Faculty of Law of the University of Shiraz.
Also known as Eram Pavilion, this is one of Shiraz's most famous buildings, often representing Shiraz on posters.

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The Mausoleom of Sa'adi (1209-92), Shiraz

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Sa'adi was born and died in Shiraz. He is one of the great figures in Persian literature. Like Shakespeare, Sa'adi is always being quoted and is popularly referred to by Persians as " the Sheikh".

Can't remember what this sign says. Can anyone help me out?

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Before Saadi died, he asked to have the following inscriptions on his tomb: "From the tomb of Saadi, son of Shiraz - The perfume of love escapes - Thou shalt smell it still one thousand years after his death." (Pretty proud, if you ask me, to suppose that your "love's perfume" will still give off scents 1000 years after your death. Sounds pretty self-exhalting)

The following poem of Sa'adi decorates the United Nations building entrance gate:
"The Children of Adam are limbs of each other
Having been created of one essence.
When the calamity of time afflicts one limb
The other limbs cannot remain at rest.
If thou hast no sympathy for the troubles of others,
Thou art unworthy to be called by the name of a man."
(As he was an Islamic writer, I'm sure there are MANY things he has written that I most certainly would NOT agree with but this would not be one of them.)

Outside the Mausoleum

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Underground Tea-House at Sa'adi Complex

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Having Fun on the Streets of Esfahan

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Who's the "dummy" now? ha!ha!

Notice the girl rolling blading on the street (and without headress!! Haram! Haram!).

USA! USA! Interesting choice of head-scarf! Didn't expect to see that there!

No need to feel intimidated by the soldiers! They're with me!

And a BEUTIFUL bus it is!!

An Orthodox Church in Shiraz...

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Out and About Shiraz

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Gholam in front of Shiraz City Hall
Shiraz was the capital of Persia under the Zand dynasty in the second half of the 18th century.

Arg-e Karim Khani (Citadel of Karim Khan)

This is also known as "The Leaning Tower of Shiraz". Interesting story. Apparently, the sewers couldn’t cope with the volume when the purpose of part of the citadel became a prison and leached out, softening the foundations. (Feel free to add your own "sewer joke" here, ha!ha!)
A specialist from the Leaning Tower of Pisa was supposedly flown over to try and help solve the lean of this tower but to no avail...

Good fertilizer I guess!

"The quran Gate", Shiraz (Darvayeh-ye quran)

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The quran Gate was originally built as an ornamental entrance to the north of the town by the Buvayhids about 1,000 years ago. Karim Khan-e Zand placed a volume of the quran in the small room built on top of the gate, for "the blessing" for anyone going on a journey. He thought that by presence of the quran, the gate would guarantee safe return to all Shirazis, who pass under it. As new roads were built 70 years ago, the gateway was torn down, but after angry reactions, it was built up again after five years.

PERSEPOLIS

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In about 518 BC, Darius the Great (522-486BC) made Persepolis in the heart of his empire to serve as a symbol of his power. The original name of this new capital was Parsa ("Persians") and came to be known as "The City of the Persians". The Greeks called it Persepolis as the city is now widely known as.

Terrace Stairway

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The Gate of All Lands

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This palace, on the northwest of the terrace, was built by Xerxes (486-66BC), who calls it in the inscription on its pillar, "The Gate of All Lands". Its square hall (612 square m) was provided with 4 columns (one is now reassembled from many fragments), each 16.5 m in height. The pillars of the western and eastern doorways are ornamented with the sculptured representation of "guardian bulls", which are in fact composite animals, each having the body of a bull, wings of an eagle, and the crown head of a bearded man.

The "Army Street"

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92 meters long and near the "Gate of All Lands" and the "Unfinished Gate"

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Griffin - A mythical creature, half-lion, half-eagle, which was supposed to keep guard over hidden treasure.

The Eagle-Griffin (Homa) Capitals

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Eagle-griffin capitals are mounted on short pillars in Persepolis for their preservation. They were unearthed in 1954. People call this eagle-griffin "Homa", which in Iranian tradition is regarded as an auspicious bird, and for this reason, it has been adopted as the symbol of the Iranian national air-line.

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The Unfinished Gate

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The remnants of this gate planned north of the north portico of the Hundred Column Hall indicate that the structure was left incomplete. Here roughly worked stone slabs intended for column shafts, bases and capitals are scattered on the ground and doorway pillars stand partially erected. These relics give us clear indications about the methods of construction (which employed wooden scaffolding) and sculpting (which started from the top and worked downward) at Persepolis.

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