Shazde Garden: A Sparkling Diamond on Heart of Desert

Shazde or Prince Garden, one of the most outstanding examples of Persian historical garden, was originally built under the order of the governor of Kerman, during the late Qajar period.  Its location, near Mahan, was selected strategically as it was placed on the route between Bam Citadel and Kerman. The garden’s traditional edifice was embellished with small brooks rushing between green and gigantic trees.The presence of fertile soil, gentle sunshine, mild breeze and most importantly  qanats(water ditches), miraculously, has provided the possibility of creating a grassy garden in that  dry area.Shazdeh Garden was registered by UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the name of the Persian Garden in 2011. We wish the best for our American guests in their future together and thanks for letting us share part of their honeymoon.

Our American guest are visiting Shazde Garden in Kerman

Ab-Anabr-e-Shesh Badgiri (cistern with six windward)

Most of cistern so called Ab-anbar which means water storage is a sustainable traditional water supply system in a hot arid regions and is a remarkable example of Iranian vernacular architecture. It is the traditional type of reservoir that was commonly built in pre-modern Iran. Yazd is known for its adobe architecture, Zoroastrian fire temples and tall structures known as badgirs, or wind-catchers, which in ancient times functioned as natural ventilation in large buildings. The city as the historical and desert part of the country contains several Ab-Anbar. These structures are usually located in the center of the city made up of main parts: the underground reservoir, the platform, and the dome and six wind catchers. Ab-Anabr-e-Shesh badgiri is one of the oldest water storage in Yazd which is located in the Tel district. The building has two entrances with 55 steps in the north and south. The most outstanding feature of this structure is the arch by brick facade and large roof water storage tank which was built by Haji Hussein Mirallah in 1379 AH. The ancient city of Yazd in central Iran has become the country's 22nd world heritage site.

Ab-Anabr-e-Shesh badgiri , Yazd, Iran

Persian Hammams: A Hidden Aspect of Iranian Culture

For Iranian, having a bath in addition to cleansing the body, is a religious ritual. In all pre-Islamic religions like Zoroastrianism bathing was one of the necessary conditions of participating in ceremonies. Many signs of the existence of baths were found in Persepolis by archeologists, and it was concluded that the construction of public baths was common in all cities of Iran since the Achaemenid era.

The architecture of these bathrooms or Hammams are very different from the design of modern bathrooms. In the old days, the bathroom was composed of four parts called Sardine, Garmkhane, Khazine, and Chalhoz, and those who had to enter the bathroom had to pass through these spaces; each of them has its own therapeutic properties. In Sardineh, which has a cool and dry space in the bathroom, people still had their  clothes on, and at the time they came to greet and chat with other people to purify their souls as well as their bodies. Alongside Sardinah, however, there was the main bathroom space called Garmkhane with a warm and dry texture, which in fact was a space for bathing and having massage. After this, there was a warmer and more natural space called Khazine and thereafter it was a cold water pool which was named chalhoz. There was a strict rule saying that the water of Khazine and Chalhoz should be entered on one side and out of the other side so that the water inside of these two pools would remain constantly clean, which if they were not, they considered the bathroom unhealthy. Enjoying a warm Iranian bath is a unique cultural experience. For first timers it may be a little daunting, but once you get used to it, the Iranian bath often becomes an addiction; relaxing, healing, and regenerating its followers.

While you are in Kerman and Shiraz, don’t hesitate to visit Ganjali khan Hammam of Kerman or Vakil Bath of Shiraz where suggest you the relaxed and alive atmosphere of Persian Hammams.

Ganjali khan Bath of Kerman