Sa'adi tomb: the caretaker recites a poem

“The most interesting, exciting and memorable visit they have ever made” – this was how eight members of Ilkley and District U3A described their visit to Iran.

The visit was made at a time of mounting tension and political posturing by the Iranian President, and calls in the United Nations for sanctions to be imposed upon Iran, but this in no way affected the natural courtesy and friendliness of the Iranians.

In Tehran the group visited the Archaeological, Carpet and Ceramics Museums, the National Jewel Musuem and Golestan Palace.

They travelled to Shiraz, city of poets, visited the shrines of Sa'adi and Hafez and the Bagh –e – Eram Garden (Garden of Paradise), and spent a complete day at Persepolis and nearby Naqsh –e – Rostam.

Picnic in the park

Saadi tomb and garden

At Isfahan they marvelled at the exquisite tile work at the Imam and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosques, and the wonderful brick patterned Jameh (Friday) Mosque; they visited the Armenian Vank Cathedral, and later sauntered in the parks beside the river, encountering Iranian families picnicking on their Holy Day.

From their excellent guide they learnt about Persian art, culture, poetry and history, and the exquisite calligraphy, used in the application of Koranic verses on the walls of mosques.

The bridge at Isfahan

Persepolis tribute bearers

On returning to Tehran, they visited the palaces of the late Shah, still resplendent, despite the looting that occurred in the immediate aftermath of the 1979 revolution.

Throughout the entire visit they were treated as honoured guests, and they returned to the UK with memories of delightful, friendly and welcoming people, and a truly fascinating country.

To request a complete report of the visit with more pictures, email the group leader here.