We leave Tehran and set off on the start of our ten day tour of Iran....

Mashhad is our first destination, located some 700 km from Tehran in the far northeast of Iran not far from the border with Turkmenistan.

Mashhad is Iran’s second largest city and for a short period was the country’s capital. It is also Iran's holiest city - home to the world's second largest religious site, the Holy Shrine Complex of Imam Reza, commemorating the martyrdom in AD 818 of Shiite Islam's 8th Imam. According to the latest figures, more than 27 million Shiite pilgrims visit the complex each year, but unlike the world's largest religious site, Mecca, non-believers are permitted to enter the vast complex although not allowed to approach the tomb of the Imam itself and the area around it.

Our visit was a truly mesmerizing experience and as far as I could see, our group were the only "tourists" amongst the vast crowd.

The Imam's tomb itself is in the middle a complex of nine courtyards, domes and minarets and numerous prayer halls, collectively known as the Haram. The site is considered one of the great marvels of Islamic architecture and its authenticity is evident, certainly in comparison to other Islamic sites we've visited which are more "tourist attraction". We were able to freely wonder around, arousing only a little curiosity (and greetings) from some of the women and children.

Cameras are not permitted in the Shrine, but the authorities either allow or turn a blind eye to the use of cell phone cameras. I found it difficult to really capture the sight and feel of the Shrine with my iPhone camera, but I have included a few photos in the album accompanying this entry which may at least give an impression of what for the four of us was a truly unique experience...!!