Terrific tour of Iran

Landing in Tehran with a group of Parsi tourists from Bombay I took a deep breath of our Persian air. It was cool and refreshing. This was followed by the whirlwind daily excitement and surprises. Tehran is a large city, well laid out, clean and beautiful. Its streets and pavements are wide, lined with well trimmed pine and fir trees. There are many parks and gardens with lovely flowers. Nobody blows the horn though the streets are jammed with cars, and nobody litters even though the police are conspicuous by their absence.

The interior of the former Shah’s palace is beautiful as is the garden with thick chinar and pine trees, and great beds of gorgeous roses and pansies. In the palace which houses the crown jewels, the magnificent crowns, huge rubies and pearls are breathtaking. But the Peacock Throne which Nadirshah had stolen from India is no longer there.

From man-made beauty to the thrills of nature. The Elburz Mountains have the famed snow covered peak called Damavand. But what is happening in the lush meadow in its shade? The Parsis of India are holding a jashan with six priests led by the Vada Dastur of Udvada. So thrilled is Damavand that it sends down booming winds to embrace us!

The Caspian Sea is another beautiful spot and the trip to the top of the forested hill by cable car is thrilling.

On the historical tour Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia and Ervad Kersi Karanjia explained the history, spiritual aspects and ups and downs of various dynasties as we traveled daily in comfortable buses. At Kermanshah we saw the awe inspiring Taq-e-Bourtan and then Mount Besitun at Hamadanthe.

At Shiraz the Takht-e-Jamsheed, better known as Persepolis, is so big it took three hours to see it. There was an excellent sound and light show as well. Naqsh-e-Rustom and Naqsh-e-Rajab are the resting places of famous ancient kings. And of course Cyrus’ astodan at Pasar-gade is world famous. It is surrounded by desert today, but in ancient times it was lush green with palaces and other structures.

A river runs through Isfahan with verdant gardens lining it on either side for miles. We went there on a Friday and many families were out picnicking until late. The ancient bazaar now called Khomeini Square is so large one can get lost in it.

We then went to Yazd in the south of Iran, surrounded by the Zagros Mountains which are bone dry and almost black. Being volcanic in nature, they are rich in minerals and the Tatas have obtained the rights to excavate in the area. Up in the hills there are holy places where in the past some persons had been buried by volcanic activity. Many Zoroastrians live in Yazd. As it is very hot, houses and schools have been built underground. Yazd has agiaries and an atash behram.

Now that tours of Iran have opened up it is hoped that instead of heading for Bangkok or Singapore Parsis will first visit Iran. It is a thrilling experience and conveniently priced. Soon there will be tours for youths and shorter ones for those who desire them. A tour of Iran at an impressionable age will make our youth proud and passionate about our community and cause it to flower and flourish.

Dr NARGIS MARKER