The Legend of Stars Valley in Qeshm Island, Iran

When people think of traditional Iran, they tend to imagine the bright blue skies and the diverse landscape that embody southern Iran. Stars Valley, as the natives call it a fallen star, is the most beautiful display of erosion in the vast island of Qeshm. There’s something about this valley that just scream magical .The residents believe that after the fall of the stars in this place and as a result of a heavy blow, the soil of the earth arose and dried and such forms emerged. Some people believe that when it gets dark, ghosts and goblins come to this place, but such a thing has not been proved true.

Located to the north of Berkeh-ye Khalaf village, only five km away from the southern edge of Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf, the Stars Valley is one of the most-visited sites among all Geosites.  What is clear is that the forms of valley were created by wind and rain erosion and seasonal storms which make the Stars Valley a notable example for geological studies. It should be mentioned that this valley is recorded as a part of the geo-park of Qeshm Island in UNESCO’s list. A visit to Stars Valley in a moonlit night has special attraction, especially at the moment of silence in everywhere, when the sky and the stars are felt particularly close to the ground.

Stars Valley, Qeshm Island, Iran

Scrutinize Persian Art, from the Large to the Miniature

Iranian art has engendered great public interest and involvement, resulting in the consistent production of monumental and spectacular works. One of the most enduringly Persian art which is flourished in Safavid era is miniature. A richly detailed painting which depicts religious or mythological themes and can only be achieved with a very fine hand is known as miniature. These delicate, lush paintings are typically visually stunning and many of them are quite small, but they feature rich and complex scenes. Content and form are fundamental elements of Persian miniature painting, and miniature artists are renowned for their modest and subtle use of color. Many of the mythological creatures depicted in early Persian art, for example, bear a striking resemblance to animals in Chinese myth. Over time, however, Persian artists developed their own style, themes, and distinctive features. The allure of Persian miniature painting lies in its absorbing complexities and in the surprising way it speaks to large questions about the nature of art and the perception of its masterpieces. Mahmoud Farshchian, a world renowned master of Persian painting and miniatures, has played a decisive role in introducing Iranian miniature art to the international art scene.

Miniature painting of Chehelsotoon Palace,Isfahan

Sadeh; the Zoroastrian festival of fire and light.

Sadeh festival is one of the ancient Iranian rituals that have been kept alive for millenniums and centuries. Sadeh, known as the festival of fire, warmth and light, is held on January 29th, 50 days before Nowruz (Persian New Year). On the day of Sadeh festival, the Zoroastrian people make a huge bonfire near their fire temple and worship God for granting them valuable fire that warms and brightens their hearts, lands and homes.

The large bonfire of Sadeh festival surrounded by the Zoroastrians.