Agatha Christie's three Iran trips

"From Teheran we flew to Shiraz, and I remember how beautiful it looked — like a dark emerald-green jewel in a great desert of greys and browns. Then, as one circled nearer, the emerald grew even more intense, and finally we came down to ..."
Agatha Christie 

The house at Shiraz book written after the first adventure

Agatha Christie that is the English detective novelist and short story writer visited Iran three time, in 1931, 1958 and 1971. 

The first trip happened in 1931 for the honeymoon of her second marriage with Max and visited Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz. She flew into Persia with a German Junkers monoplane and a German pilot and after spending time in Shiraz, she fell in love with the city and the house where she stayed in. She wrote the short story "the house at Shiraz" in 1933 after this trip.

Naranjestan mansion, Shiraz

In this story Parker Pyne investigates about a murder in a house in Shiraz. Arriving in Shiraz during Nowruz festival, Pyne makes the acquaintance of the English consul and dines with him. He talks about house that he saw outside the town on a visit to the tomb of Hafiz. The consul tells him that this is the house of Lady Esther who now lives alone, refusing to see anyone from England. The consul took over his post the day after the death of the companion who fell from a balcony in the courtyard while carrying a breakfast tray. The consul also approves some of the comments of the German pilot about  strange Lady Esther and speaks of her dark eyes....

Later in 1958 she traveled into Iran again and stayed just in Shiraz for two weeks. Her third visit was six years before her death in 1971.

And Then There Were None,Abbasi hotel

Beside "the house at Shiraz" short, a movie called "the little Indians" based on a story from Agatha Christie "And Then There Were None" was shot in Abbasi hotel in Isfahan and Persepolis near Shiraz.

And Then There Were None, Persepolis

Uppersia travel has planned an itinerary based on Agatha Christi's first visit to Iran so that people can live the story. You can check it here: 

Agatha Christie in Iran tour (10 days)

 

Saffron: Edible Ruby to Bring back from Iran

Planning a trip to Iran, and not sure what to bring back as an edible souvenir for yourself, or a thank you gift for the kind soul who’s watching your pet or child while you’re away?  Our suggestion is saffron, which is typically believed to be native to the Mediterranean, Asia Minor, and Iran. Saffron has been used for thousands of years as a seasoning, fragrance, dye, and medicine. The stigmas of the flower are harvested and processed by hand which is very labor intensive and the reason why Saffron is considered the world’s most expensive spice. Many Iranians believe that in its pure form, saffron works as an antidepressant and a culinary weapon against Alzheimer’s, cancer and degeneration of the eyes and that is why saffron is omnipresent, in Iranian recipes. We suggest you to indulge buying this edible ruby from Mashhad, Isfahan, and Shiraz, the producer of more than 80 percent of this valuable spice in the world.

Saffron: valuable souvenir from Iran

It's OK to indulge Shirazi Kalam polo

Whether you are spending a few days up north in Rasht or vacationing down south to Shiraz, you will witness striking dissimilarities in the kind of foods people savor. This is what makes Iran one of the much-loved countries by gourmets the world over. One of the best hobbies of Shiraz people is testing new restaurants and having new dishes. That’s why there are numerous and various restaurants, fast foods, international restaurants and cafés in the city. So as a traveler you might not find it hard to find your own kind of food in Shiraz: Kalam Polo, a great variation of rice and staple in Iranian cooking, reminds the name of Shiraz. This would be your favorite food if you are good with cabbage. Kalam polo is the well-cooked combination of rice, herbs, small meatballs and cabbage. Enjoy Kalam Polo with a side of Salad Shirazi, Sabzi, fresh herbs, or torshi (pickled vegetables).If you are a foodie, Uppersia invites you to the Iran culinary tour and see what awaits you in this appetizing tour. 

 

Enjoy eating Shirazi Kalampolo

Treasures of Shiraz

An immediate glance and you’ll probably notice that rich culture and traditional history are two of Shiraz’s most prominent features. With so many amazing sights, putting together a compilation of sightseeing in the heart of Iran’s hospitality, Shiraz, is no easy task. Uppersia suggests you treasures of Shiraz, three of must-see places in this city, for those who wants to make the most of their trips in in this four-season city of art and poetry.

Eram Garden

The garden with its delicate and rare flowers, stimulative atmosphere, tall cypresses and fragrant myrtles is a major tourist destination especially in the spring. This botanical garden was established during the Seljuk Dynasty on the orders of the celebrated Seljuk monarch and it was restored and repaired by the Zand kings in 1750. Although that is not to say the other gardens such as Afif abad, Delgosha and Jahannama aren’t high-quality and worth a visit. But Eram Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning attraction which offers an attractive variety of horticulture and floriculture.

Eram garden,Shiraz,Iran

Hafez Tomb

You can walk the streets of Shiraz and feel the atmosphere which delighted Hafez’s mind as an inspiration for creating such spiritual and moral poetry. Hafez, as one of the greatest composers of lyric poetry, is a well-known poet for all of Iranians and many bards in the whole world. Every year, many travelers from different parts of the world visit Hafez’s marble tombstone which emblazoned with 2 sonnets from him.

Hafez Tomb.Shiraz,Iran

 Nasir ol Molk Mosque

The colorful Nasir ol Molk, which is known as one of the prettiest Iranian mosques in Iran, is a gem hidden in the heart of old Shiraz. Walking in Nasir ol Molk Mosque is like walking through the fantastic land of colors and lights. Because of its unique rose tile works, this mosque is known as the “Pink Mosque”.The best time for visiting Nasir ol Molk Mosque is around 8-10 in the morning, when you can see the fabulous show of the lights passing through the stained glasses and getting spread on the walls and carpets of the hall.

Nasir-ol-molk Mosque.Shiraz,Iran