STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY JUDITH KEYANI, IRAN, 2016 MOSQUES AND MONUMENTS OF PERSIA March 17 to April 1, 2019 a program of the stanford alumni association Few countries in the world spark the imagination—or create misconceptions—in the minds of Americans as does Iran. In the past 10 years, Stanford has led scores of educational travelers to this cultural and historical gem, and time and again, they return with stories of the country’s amazing sights and of the Iranian people’s incredible warmth and hospitality. “Eye-opening,” “extraordinary,” “humbling” and “not to be missed” are just some of the glowing terms Stanford travelers have used to describe this exceptional destination. Join us and faculty leader Ali Yaycioğlu as we delve deep into a country that is at once full of—and ever on the verge of making—history. BRETT S. THOMPSON, ’83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Highlights VIEW priceless archaeo- STROLL through PONDER the past logical treasures, including peaceful gardens where amid the ruins of legend- the Iranian crown jewels Sufi poets meditated in ary Persepolis, Darius I’s and a collection of rare medieval times, and marvel ceremonial capital and one miniatures, in the museums at the tiled mosques and of the best-preserved sites of Tehran. squares of Isfahan. remaining from the ancient world. COVER: ISFAHAN SHEIKH LOTFOLLAH MOSQUE, ISFAHAN Faculty Leader ALI YAYCIOG˘ LU was born and raised in Ankara, Turkey. His fields of interest include the transformation of the Ottoman Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries. His books and articles focus on the restructuring of economic, political and legal institutions and practices as well as ideas about social order, life and death in this transformative period. About this trip Professor Yaycıog˘ lu says, “We have an amazing opportunity to take a close look at Iran’s enigmatic nature and rich architecture and to observe its lively social life. While at various sites, we’ll examine the multifaceted history of Iran and the Persianate world. I believe that appreciating the complexities and beauties of Iran is particularly “Ali was knowledge- important in our time, requiring deeper understanding about the lives and lands of the Islamic World.” able, accessible — Assistant professor, department of history, Stanford University, since 2011 — Author, Partners of the Empire: Crisis of the Ottoman Order and thoroughly in the Age of Revolutions, Stanford University Press, 2016 — Recipient, Denning Grant for Digital Humanities, Stanford enjoyable. He University, 2017, and visiting professor fellowship, Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, 2017 should become a — Recipient, Mary Seeger O’Boyle postdoctoral fellowship, program in Hellenic studies, Princeton University, 2008–2009; staple in the Travel/ and Aga Khan postdoctoral fellowship in Islamic Art and Architecture, Harvard University, 2008 — Recipient, KRUPP Foundation Fellowship of Center for Study organization.” European Studies, 2003–2004 — Recipient, McGill University Islamic studies fellowship, 1996–1998 WILLIAM KELLEHER, — BS, international relations, 1994, Middle East Technical University, JR., MA ’74, FOCUS and MA, history, 1997, Bilkent University—Ankara, Turkey ON ISTANBUL, 2014 — PhD, history and Middle Eastern studies, 2008, Harvard University STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY SIGN UP ONLINE: alumni.stanford.edu/trip?iran2019 OR BY PHONE: (650) 725-1093 Tehran Kashan I RAN Isfahan Yazd Shiraz Persepolis P e r s i a n G u l f UNITED ARAB Dubai EMIRATES arrival in Iran’s vibrant capital FRIDAY, MARCH 22 city, transfer to our centrally TEHRAN / KASHAN Itinerary located hotel, enjoying a coach Visit the Golestan Palace, SUNDAY & MONDAY, tour of the city along the way. also known as the “Palace of MARCH 17 & 18 This afternoon enjoy a special Flowers,” with its spectacular U.S. / DUBAI, UNITED visit to the Aaran Gallery, one mirror work. This afternoon we ARAB EMIRATES of Tehran’s most important drive three hours to Kashan. Depart on overnight flights contemporary art galleries, and MANOUCHEHRI HOTEL (B,L,D) from the U.S. to Dubai, and meet with the gallery owner and upon arrival on Monday transfer local artists for a discussion on SATURDAY, MARCH 23 to our hotel. RADISSON BLU DEIRA KASHAN Iran’s modern art scene. ESPINAS CREEK HOTEL HOTEL (B,L,D) Begin our exploration of Kashan with a visit to the Tabatabei TUESDAY, MARCH 19 THURSDAY, MARCH 21 House, renowned for its mirror DUBAI TEHRAN and stained glass work. Contin- This morning walk outside our Today is the first day of the ue to the Abbasian House, built hotel and admire Dubai’s strik- Persian New Year, Nowrouz, in the 18th century and featuring ing skyscrapers towering above symbolizing a fresh start for Ira- six courtyards decorated with the wooden abras (taxi boats) nians. Celebrations date back to intricate plaster and mirror work. that still ply the waters of the the 6th century B.C.E. and once After lunch visit an amazing Dubai Creek. Board one of the included fire jumping, believed underground city that spreads traditional abras to cross the to burn fear in the spirit for the under the city of Nushabad at creek to the Bastakia neighbor- new year. As we drive to the a depth of from 15 to 60 feet. hood. Enjoy lunch at the Sheikh Archaeological Museum, enjoy End the day at the Kashan Mohammed Centre for Cultural the festivities in the streets. Folk Bazaar, the center of trade in Understanding, where we’ll characters known as the two Nushabad for almost 800 years. hear an excellent introduction to “Persian Santa Clauses” may MANOUCHEHRI HOTEL (B,L,D) Islam. This evening gather for an make an appearance. Amoo, introductory lecture and briefing or “Uncle,” Nowruz hands out SUNDAY, MARCH 24 KASHAN / ISFAHAN about Iran, followed by a wel- presents to children while Haji Before departing Kashan, visit come reception and dinner. Piruz plays the tambourine and RADISSON BLU DEIRA CREEK HOTEL the historical Garden of Fin, sings joyous songs. Head to the (B,L,D) which was begun in the early Water and Fire Park and enjoy a 16th century during the Safavid WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 picnic lunch. Later today, before period and is kept alive with wa- DUBAI / TEHRAN, dinner, we will set the Haft Sin ter from the Sulaimanieh Spring. IRAN table, which includes seven Continue to Isfahan for lunch, This morning board a com- symbolic items starting with the then visit the Friday Mosque mercial flight to Tehran. Upon letter “s”. ESPINAS HOTEL (B,L,D) Tehran Kashan I RAN Isfahan Yazd Shiraz Persepolis P e r s i a n G u l f UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Dubai RUINS, GATE OF ALL NATIONS, PERSEPOLIS with its tiled iwans (halls) and once a major stop on the cara- nary day amid ancient ruins at vaulted ceilings showcasing van routes to Central Asia and nearby Naqsh-e Rustam with spectacular Persian architec- India and home to some of the its elaborately carved tombs ture stretching from the 11th to finest examples of traditional before finally arriving in Shiraz. the 18th century. Check in to Persian architecture. Learn HOMA HOTEL (B,L,D) our hotel, a converted caravan- about a unique style of residen- serai, and dine here tonight with tial desert architecture when we SATURDAY, MARCH 30 SHIRAZ our group. ABBASI HOTEL (B,L,D) visit Dowlat-Abad House with its enormous domes that act as Spend today exploring Shiraz, MONDAY & TUESDAY, protective roofs for deep-water including the Pars Museum, the MARCH 25 & 26 tanks. Continue to the Water ornately tiled Nasir al-Mulk and ISFAHAN Museum, located in a restored the citadel of Vakil mosques, Enjoy two full days to explore mansion, and discover the his- Karim Khan. Visit the tomb this beautiful city, Iran’s capital tory of qanats, the underground of Hafez, a famous Persian from 1598 to 1722. Begin in water channels that Persians poet whose works have been the Maydan-e Shah, or Royal have used for more than 2,000 celebrated around the world Square to see the exquisitely years. After lunch, learn about for centuries. HOMA HOTEL (B,L,D) tiled Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, the area’s Zoroastrian history Ali Qapu Palace and towering and visit the Atashkadeh, a fire SUNDAY, MARCH 31 SHIRAZ / SHARJAH, portal of the Shah Mosque. Visit temple whose sacred flame is UNITED ARAB Isfahan’s bustling bazaar and said to have remained burning view three of the five bridges EMIRATES / DUBAI since 470 C.E. Enjoy dinner at a Depart Shiraz on a flight bound that cross the Zayendehrud local café where many of Yazd’s River, including the beautiful for Sharjah in the UAE, located young professionals come to a short drive from Dubai. This two-story Khaju Bridge. ABBASI eat and socialize. DAD HOTEL (B,L,D) HOTEL (B,L,D—BOTH DAYS) afternoon is at leisure before we gather for a wrap-up lecture FRIDAY, MARCH 29 and discussion followed by a WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 YAZD / PERSEPOLIS / ISFAHAN / NA’IN / SHIRAZ festive farewell reception and YAZD Depart Yazd and travel by road dinner. RADISSON BLU DEIRA CREEK This morning depart for the all morning to Persepolis, the HOTEL (B,L,D) long drive to Isfahan, stopping city begun by the third Achae- MONDAY, APRIL 1 for lunch in Na’in, an important menid king of the Persian trade center and geographical DUBAI / U.S. Empire, Darius I, in the 6th Depart this morning for flights center of Iran. DAD HOTEL (B,L,D) century B.C.E. and destroyed back home to the U.S. (B) by Alexander the Great in 330 THURSDAY, MARCH 28 B.C.E. After lunch at a local YAZD restaurant, end our extraordi- Spend today exploring Yazd, YAZD as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insur- Trip Information ance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as internet access, telephone and fax calls, DATES laundry and gratuities for nongroup services March 17 to April 1, 2019 (16 days) AIR ARRANGEMENTS SIZE You are responsible for booking and purchasing 34 participants (single accommodations airfare to the start location and from the end location limited—please call for availability) of the program.