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shiraz, the heartland of persian culture 23, 25 October 2007
Drink until the turbans are all unbound, I'm in Shiraz, the heartland of Persian culture. Shiraz was one of the most important cities in the medieval Islamic world and the capital of the Zand Period (1747-1779). Through its many artists and scholars the city earned a reputation for being the 'House of Learning' and was synonymous with education, nightingales, poetry, roses and at one time, red wine. It is home to one of the oldest universities dating to the 7th Century. Two of the world's greatest poets, Hafez and Saadi are buried here. Shiraz in October 2007 still has many charms to its credit. Stunningly beautiful pink painted tile work, Hafez' soulful poetry, a quiet understated sense of elegance, and a sweet fruity non-alcoholic beer which is as close as you'll get to Hafez' coveted glass of intoxication. But then of course one could dig deeper into the Sufi nuances and realize that Hafez is not talking about wine at all, but being drunk on our love for our Creator, and being one with Him. And twirling round and round in that love just like the world turns around. Did I get it right, Hafez? There is much to see in Shiraz. The Citadel from where Karim Khan e Zand ruled during the Zand period has, as its main claim to fame, impressive stucco work and a tilted tower which competes with the Leaning Tower of Pisa in beating the principles of gravity. The 19th Century Nasir-ul-Mulk mosque is exquisite with its pink floral tile work and calm pools. The Qajar period Naranjestan Gardens has the most amazing painted tiles depicting royal princes and hunting scenes, and mirror work where one can indulge in self portraits to ones hearts content. There are Shiite shrines covered in intricate mirror tiling which are heady in their ethereal beauty. And there is Hafez' tomb where scholars meditate on the mysteries of Sufism with tears in their eyes and wonder in their hearts. Occasionally I would come across a young man or woman with a plaster on their nose. No, they had not got themselves into a fight. It is the proverbial nose job. Everyone in Iran who can afford it gets their nose fixed. And at times their lips, eyebrows, cheek bones, and chins. It is a quest to perfect their own beauty. The Bazaar-e Vakil, constructed by Karim Khan as part of a plan to make Shiraz into a great trading center is the most architecturally impressive in the country. Within the vaulted brick labyrinthine lanes are an eclectic mix of Afghanis, Pakistanis, Persians, Azerbaijanis, Turks and Arabs selling Shiite memorabilia, handicrafts and jeweled trinkets. I bought a handmade ring for a dollar and a half from an Afghani who had lived in Pakistan, was a big fan of Shah Rukh Khan and spoke flawless Hindi. The highlight of my time in Shiraz was however the taxi ride back from Yord, a nomadic restaurant we went to for the staple chicken kebabs and chai. We took a cab from a company run by a woman who hired only women drivers. And boy, were they a fearless, speed breaking, swashbuckling lot! Our cab raced through town, jumped lights, drove against traffic in one way streets, took forbidden U-turns, and overtook cops with blatant joy. And at the helm of this epic drive was a demure hejab clad bespectacled smiling 21 year old bobbing her head to Iranian rap that blasted full volume from her car stereo, driving with one hand on the steering wheel and the other glued to her mobile with which she arranged maneuvers with her colleagues in the other cabs. Zoom. Zoom. Watch your heads. And watch your hearts. And in a flash we were back at the hotel. Phew! That's woman power in the streets of Shiraz. I wonder how Hafez would have interpreted it all.
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