kucheryavchik:
After having had a typical Iranian breakfast - with dry thin bread, butter and tea - we set off to Takht-e Soleyman
kucheryavchik:
We packed some cash into the pocket. The largest cash note in Iran is equal to 20 EUR, so you always end up carrying staples of cash around
kucheryavchik:
Takht-e Soleyman means Solomon's Throne, and is located two-hours drive away from Zanjan, pretty much in the middle of nowhere, lost somewhere between mountains in Northern Iran
kucheryavchik:
The road to Takht-e Soleyman crosses multiple mountain passes
kucheryavchik:
The road is sometimes straight and endless...
kucheryavchik:
...sometimes the curves
kucheryavchik:
There is not a lot of traffic en route. This road does not lead anywhere, There is a faster highway route to the next city which lies behind those unpassable mountains in the background
kucheryavchik:
In a few places the terrain looks like taken from the Death Valley
kucheryavchik:
Such a deep green hue!
kucheryavchik:
The city at Takht-e Soleyman used to be the capital of an medieval kingdom in Northern Iran. It did not last long
kucheryavchik:
At the entrance to the walled city
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Kurdish tourists from western Iran enjoying Friday day off
kucheryavchik:
The ruins are in a very good condition. The whole complex is under UNESCO protection. The ruins are under surveillance, the most sensitive areas are protected by a temporary roof
kucheryavchik:
Kurdish visitors
kucheryavchik:
He's a tourist, just like us!
kucheryavchik:
Takht-e Soleyman is locatd around a volcano lake. The water does not stop filling the lake since times immemorable. The zoroastrians used to believe that this lake in a volcano was sacred
kucheryavchik:
The neighboring volcano used to serve as a prison
kucheryavchik:
If I had lived at Takht-e Soleyman, they'd have to punish me for distracting and watching these breathtaking landscapes!
kucheryavchik:
Remaints of the city wall
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A lizard escaping midday heat in the labyrints of medieval walls
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City wall in blossom
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Rugged terrain does not offer any cover from winds. Only valleys are green and offer ground for agriculture
kucheryavchik:
Our guide was also our host, Mohammad
kucheryavchik:
That's my happy face
kucheryavchik:
Good bye, Takht-e Soleyman!