Before getting to beautiful Abyaneh, the NGO that invited me to Iran, planned a stop in Kashan, ancient oasis city dating back to the 4th century BC that offers to visitors the priceless view of typical desert architecture. At about 228km away from Tehran, Kashan is a must-stop as it gives the great opportunity to take a peek on Iran’s private side by visiting a local house.
Kashan’s architectural style perfectly adapts to its surroundings: the mountain range creates a red boundary on one side, while the desert on the other side gives the environment its typical warm colors, widely used for decorating the city. With this in mind, we dared invading the privacy of the Abbasian tribe by visiting their huge residence.
This house, obviously belonging to a wealthy family, was built around a courtyard, and its windows, doors and arches look at the inside instead of the outside.
The residence was built keeping the four seasons in mind, so the underground floors had the purpose to soothe the summer’s extreme desert heat, while the winter was spent on the south of the house, to allow its dwellers to enjoy the daylight as much as possible.
The construction is actually not ancient, less than 200 years old, and the first thing visitors will notice is its majesty. The huge first, very well preserved, courtyard was devoted to welcome guests. The big pool in the middle and the finely decorated garden made it for a delightful view.
At the house we had a local guide but we were also free to wander around as we pleased, which gave me the time to take all the photos I wanted.
The daylight was slowly fading away and still no muezzin was on background.I started wondering whether he was not audible from where we were, which would have sounded very strange for a religious society, or if I was getting used to him already after a couple of days in Iran.
From my visit to Istanbul, I’ve always had a good memory of the muezzin, even at 4am I almost longed for his suggestive lament, so now I didn’t understand how he could go unnoticed.
To my relief, though, I soon learned I wasn’t that wrong, and after leaving the Abbasian family to what could have been their evening chores, we headed to the mosque for the last prayer of the day.
Oh la merveille! Quelles photos et quel texte! ADMIRATION!!!
Merci, c’est bien une merveille!
Fotografie stupende, correlate da un ottimo e suggestivo commento! Complimenti
Grazie! Bellissimo da visitare!
What incredible architecture! I would love to live in a house like that.
By all means make it to Iran, beautiful country to visit!
The architecture are so beautiful. I especially love the shape and the patterns.
Very beautiful indeed, warm colors and typical from the desert areas 🙂
Beautiful photos 🙂
Thanks dear 🙂
What an entrance; so gorgeous! I have a Kashan carpet on my floor. It’s one of the most beautiful things in my house.
Persian carpets are very precious, they have a great taste decorating their houses, the desert architecture was very beautiful.
Beautiful photographs!
Thanks 🙂
Stunning!
Indeed, beautiful views in Kashan.
I especially like the courtyard for its indoor/outdoor fuctionality for the home. Plus I think it adds a little bit more aesthetics. But this home already seems so beautifully crafted. It shows how much the owners cared for every detail, even the weather.
Yes, everything taken care of, pity there was no furniture, would have loved to see some to understand more of their lifestyle.
wow ! my god ! Very beautiful …
Thanks dear, I bet you like it 😉
Wonderful photos! I love this style of architecture. Such intricate design and graceful
Thanks Jenna, very beautiful indeed 🙂
How interesting that you were able to be able to visit a local house. And quite a house it is! Beautiful. Great photos.
Thanks Cathy, it was very interesting, I always find that visiting private places reveals more of a country than its national moments (yet interesting!). I would have loved to stay more in Kashan and also Abyaneh, maybe next time 🙂
Love the photos! It looks amazing!
Thanks Michael 🙂
It’s fascinating how much you can do with materials to make homes more efficient. Your photos are so beautiful and exciting!
True, it’s truly spirit of adaptation to any place, society and weather conditions 🙂
these are really gorgeous …. i advice all of you to visit other cultural cities of iran like Tabriz….. its fantastic……for example its architecture faculty is an old historid place which renovated and allready is being used just like a peace of heaven as decent faculty……just see it :
Thanks for commenting Vadoud, beautiful pictures, for sure I would love to visit all the rest of Iran, so many cities and interesting sites to explore!
I live in Iran and it’s great to see there’s such enthusiasm in Iranian art and culture. I have a small survey on Persian rugs I’d appreciate it if you guys could give me your feedback http://questionpro.com/t/AHbKiZL1GV
Thanks MJ, I will have a look at your survey, I absolutely loved Iran and its huge culture 🙂
Dear Angela
i published your photos at my website that is dedicated for introducing different aspect of Iran (Persia)
and i appreciate you if you have any special memory or photos from your trip to Iran to share with us , or even your point of view in general
Thanks Mohammad, great website you have!
It reminds me so much of the Moorish buildings in Andalucia…Beautiful. I really want to visit…
True, very beautiful architecture in Andalusia, at the end it’s always the same, collaboration of styles gives the best results 🙂
These photos are really beautiful! I think your camera is different of all! It shows the masterpeaces as they are … or more beautiful!
It shows that your point of view is really good.
Thaks sister Angella!
Thanks a lot Alireza for bringing the group to such a beautiful place 🙂
Beautiful, ur a fantastic photographer
Thanks, I try 🙂
Wow! What a house! The architecture is amazing.
True, it’s beautiful, typical desert architecture.
Hi
i think peaple in the world dont know enough about Iran , join us please in facebook
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Join us to see more
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Thanks for the link, just joined you 🙂
The architecture of the desert is not Correct, you must tell Islamic architecture. Grateful
It’s obviously Islamic architecture, but actually the definition of desert architecture is correct, in fact some of the devices were designed because of the desert climate, such as the badgirs.
Hi Angela! Considering I have 25 tabs open, I’m unsure how I found your blog at this point, but I think it was through Twitter. I am totally stunned by these photos. The beauty of the house and architecture is breathtaking! I’ve longed to visit Iran, but it doesn’t seem feasible in the short-term.
Hi Susan! Thanks for stopping by, I’m glad you found my site so at the same time I found yours! Iran is certainly a big worthy destination, very much unearthed and full of gems to discover!
nice photos , amusing explanation . thanks for visiting my country .