|
|
| Two views of the
garden (central court yard) of the Abbasi
Hotel. Originally built as a caravanserai,
the picture on the left shows what was once the
entrance. It is now a wonderful teahouse
where guests and Esfahanis
can enjoy the historic surrounding of the
gardens. When Persians think of a garden, they
think of shade, flowers and the soothing sound of
running water (fountain). No matter how
small a garden, Persians try to incorporate these
elements into the formal setting of their garden.
The Abbasi's gardens are particularly fragrant
when in full bloom in April and early May.
It is also very busy and filled with tourists at
this time!
|
Another view of the
garden. The "arches" in the building are
the balconies of the guest rooms. The hotel is a
show place of Iranian artistic work. Inside, one can see
original Persian miniatures, paintings and tiles, gilt
ornaments, mirror, inlaid and plaster works.
The Mosque dome that can be seen just
beyond the Hotel is Madrassah-ye-Madar-i-Shah
(the Madrassah of the Shah's Mother) on Chahar Bagh
Avenue (Four Garden Avenue) which is still a favorite
place for Esfahanis to stroll.
Built as a theological school by the mother of Shah
Sultan Hossein, the last Safavid ruler,
the Madrassah-ye-Madar-i-Shah
is still used as a center for religious studies in
Esfahan. It is not open to tourists but its
beautiful turquoise and yellow dome can be viewed from
the formal gardens of the Abbasi Hotel. The
caravanserai was also built by her so the revenues from
it would supply an income to the theological school.
Source of this page is a friend from Canada. Our
photographer and contributor chooses for her own reasons
to remain anonymous.
For Further Reading: Guide to Rugs & Books
Thanks and best wishes,
J. Barry O'Connell Jr.
|
