April 19, 2023 | Farvardin 30, 1402
Tajrish.
Image: Statue of Arash the archer in Sa’adabad Complex.
Last Day in Tehran?
I am due to leave to the city of Hamedan tomorrow, and I want to see one of my friends before I go. We agreed to meet up at noon in Ferdowsi station. We did not have a plan; so we went north to Tajrish to get some fresh air from the higher elevations. It was there that we decided to continue north to Niavaran, to visit the Niavaran Palace Complex for a change of scenery.
Since we decided to walk, Sa’adabad Palace Complex was closer to Tajrish metro. The palace complex comprises numerous buildings built in the 19th century, and includes one of the residences occupied by numerous shahs of Iran, running from the Qajar dynasty 1789–1925, to the Pahlavi dynasty 1925–1979. As of today, many of the buildings, including the garden areas, have since been turned into a huge museum complex for the public to enjoy, but some of the buildings are still actively used by government officials as they were in the past. The place reminds me a bit of some of the regal estates and historic gardens, like the Hillwood Estate and Dumbarton Oaks, which have later turned into museums, too.
I saw a metal ornament of what I assume to be a depiction of Gilgamesh in one of the palaces (Green Palace?), an epic hero from Sumero-Akkadian literature, holding a lion on the frames of some of the doors. Cool. Today, I learned that Amir Kabir is a much revered leader in Iran. We did so much walking on this day. Walking and vibing. I learned a new word from my friend: Farangi (Western). Friend helped me find accommodation for my Hamedan stay, and called Amaday Hostel for me to check for rooms. She booked me for a room for the night for $7. Hurray for making reservations at the last minute! We had dinner at 6:30 PM at a traditional restaurant near Tajrish Square. I wish I remembered the name; it was within a few stores on the same block as Shila Fast Food. It was on one of the many intersection streets by Tajrish Square, but within 5 stores from the actual Square. Hands down, one of the best restaurants (food-wise) I have eaten at in Iran. Nice ambience, too. Before leaving, I wanted to buy some comfortable clothes. But we are tight on time. We popped into stores along the walk back to Tajrish metro. The clerk was excited to use a bit of random Arabic words with me.
Iran, Az Cheshmanam 