STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

JUDITH KEYANI, , 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 , Darius I’s and a collection of rare medieval times, and marvel ceremonial capital and one miniatures, in the museums at the tiled and of the best-preserved sites of . squares of . remaining from the ancient world. COVER: ISFAHAN

SHEIKH LOTFOLLAH , 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 / 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 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, , PERSEPOLIS

with its tiled (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 , 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 , the area’s Zoroastrian history Ali Qapu Palace and towering and visit the Atashkadeh, a fire SUNDAY, MARCH 31 SHIRAZ / SHARJAH, portal of the . Visit temple whose sacred flame is UNITED ARAB Isfahan’s bustling bazaar and said to have remained burning view three of the five 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 . 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. These air purchases are NOT included in the program cost. To assist you in making these COST* independent arrangements, we will send you details $10,995 per person, double occupancy with your confirmation materials on when to arrive $12,995 per person, single occupancy and depart. *Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $300 per person WHAT TO EXPECT Past travelers report that Iranians are very curious INCLUDED about, and extremely welcoming of, American tourists.

14 nights of best-available hotel accommodations Travel in Iran does require an open mind and a sense of

14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 13 dinners Wel- adventure, and all participants are expected to adhere

come and farewell receptions in Dubai Visa fees to local customs and laws, details of which will be sent (expedited fees are not included) in Iran for U.S. citi- to registered travelers. Women in Iran, for instance, must

zens Internal flights from Dubai to Tehran on 3/20 wear a headscarf and loose-fitting clothing that fully

and from Shiraz to Sharjah on 3/31 Gratuities to covers the arms and legs, and alcoholic beverages are porters, guides, drivers and wait staff for all group strictly prohibited. activities All tours as described in the itinerary Airport transfers and baggage handling on program We consider this to be a moderately strenuous program

arrival and departure days Minimal medical, ac- that is at times physically demanding and busy, with

cident and evacuation insurance Educational pro- some long travel days. Drive times range from five to gram with lecture series and pre-departure materi- eight hours, including rest stops. Daily excursions may als, including recommended reading list, a selected involve one to three miles of walking, often on uneven

book, map and travel information Services of our terrain, such as at large archaeological sites or in older professional tour manager to assist you throughout city quarters with uneven or unpaved streets. In many the program instances, stairs lack handrails, and most buildings do not have elevators. Participants must be physically fit, NOT INCLUDED active and in good health. We welcome travelers 15

International and domestic airfare Passport fees years of age and older on this program. Visa fees for non-U.S. citizens Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified , ISFAHAN

Terms & Conditions Deposit & Final Payment if you purchase your policy within war, quarantine, force majeure or A $1,000-per-person deposit is 14 days of written confirmation of other causes beyond our control. required to reserve your space. your participation on the trip. All such losses or expenses will Sign up online at alumni.stanford. have to be borne by the passenger edu/trip?iran2019 or call the Travel/ Eligibility as tour rates provide arrangements We encourage membership in the Study office at (650) 725-1093. only for the time stated. We reserve Stanford Alumni Association as the Final payment is due 120 days the right to make such alterations program cost for nonmembers is prior to departure. As a condition to this published itinerary as may $300 more than the members’ price. of participation, all confirmed be deemed necessary. The right is A person traveling as a guest paid participants are required to sign reserved to cancel any program prior for by a current member will not a Release of Liability. to departure in which case the entire be charged the nonmember fee. payment will be refunded without Cancellations & Refunds For more information or to purchase further obligation on our part. The Deposits and any payments are a membership, visit alumni.stanford/ right is also reserved to decline to refundable, less a $500-per-person goto/membership or call (650) accept or retain any person as a cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to 725-0692. member of the program. No refund departure. After that date, refunds can will be made for an unused portion be made only if the program is sold Responsibility of any tour unless arrangements The Stanford Alumni Association, out and your place(s) can be resold, are made in sufficient time to avoid Stanford University and our operators in which case a $1,000-per-person penalties. Baggage is carried at the act only as agents for the passenger cancellation fee will apply. owner’s risk entirely. The airlines with respect to transportation and concerned are not to be held Insurance exercise every care possible in doing responsible for any act, omission or Stanford Travel/Study provides so. However, we can assume no event during the time that passengers all travelers who are U.S. or liability for injury, damage, loss, are not on board their plane or Canadian citizens with minimal accident, delay or irregularity in conveyance. Neither the Stanford medical, accident and evacuation connection with the service of any Alumni Association, Stanford coverage under our group-travel automobile, motor coach, launch University nor our operators accept insurance policy. Our group policy or any other conveyance used in liability for any carrier’s cancellation is intended to provide minimal carrying out this program or for the penalty incurred by the purchase of levels of protection while you are acts or defaults of any company or a nonrefundable ticket in connection traveling on this program. You may person engaged in conveying the with the tour. Program price is based choose to subscribe to optional trip- passenger or in carrying out the on rates in effect in June 2018 and is cancellation and baggage insurance. arrangements of the program. We subject to change without notice to Information offering such insurance cannot accept any responsibility for reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, will be provided to travelers with their losses or additional expenses due tariffs or fuel charges. to delay or changes in air or other welcome materials. The product services, sickness, weather, strike, offered includes special benefits

© COPYRIGHT 2018 STANFORD ALUMNI TELEPHONE (650) 725-1093 ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. EMAIL [email protected] PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50 PAPER IN THE U.S. STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY in understand trip and person helped it me see country this amazing “This JUDITH KEYANI, IRAN, 2016 IRAN, KEYANI, JUDITH thing dimensions in two transforming to three dimensions. Ithad aprofound in and its context. modern further Itwas as though it‘came alive,’ like some , SHIRAZ MOSQUE, VAKIL impact me on both intellectually emotionally. and Iwill not likely forget it.” Stanford Travel/Study Nonprofit Org. Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center U.S. Postage 326 Galvez Street PAID Stanford, CA 94305-6105 Stanford Alumni (650) 725-1093 Association

MOSQUES AND MONUMENTS OF PERSIA

March 17 to April 1, 2019 - STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY