The world in a door, nuances of Iran

It’s a tradition that belongs to a not-so-remote past, and while now it’s not in use anymore, the traces it left are still visible and epitomized in small doors, revealing the almost imperceptible nuances of Iran.

Different knobs for different guests, a heavy, sturdy and thick knob for men, the stronger gender, opposed to a lighter, more slender and dainty one for their female counterpart, the gentle gender. This way, inside everybody is aware of who’s knocking and they can better decide who’s going to open the door, what they can wear to welcome their guest and how to share the each member’s duty.

Nuances of Iran in the smaller, daily gestures.

Unconventional prelude to Iran’s private space, these pint-sized portals are the image of a world where discretion and modesty are compass.

Everything makes you expect a realm made of silence, and only after guests are gingerly let in, Iranian sense of hospitality will take over and a babel of chattering, laughing and lots of food will provide you with a true sensory overload.

Clearly belonging to the generation prior to the modern doorbell intercom systems, it’s fascinating to see how the desert city of Yazd has been quickly adapting to modernity without sacrificing its more traditional way of life.

Favorite stop of people, traders and ideas travelling along the legendary Silk Road, Yazd is a must-see for anyone who decides to visit Iran for the first time, or the second, third, etc., just like me, that I always like to go back in order to never miss my shopping adventures and bring home some more traditional termeh fabrics and baklava sweets.

“Keep knocking, and the joy inside will eventually open a window and look out to see who’s there.”
Rumi