Exploring culture as well as The Kaluts in Kerman, Iran

We spent 3 nights in the city of Kerman as well as had a extremely unforgettable time with the regional people, while experiencing the religious ceremony of Ashura very first hand. As we’ve stated before, it’s the bit things in travel that truly bring us happiness as well as our time in Kerman was a prime example.

The bus to take us from Yazd to Kerman
Initially, we made a decision to find to Kerman to go to the surrounding desert, villages as well as the amazing Kaluts (sand formations in the desert). considering that tensions are currently high with the neighbouring country of Pakistan, we made a decision it was finest to not venture as far east as we desired as well as spend a lot more time with the Akhavan household at our hotel.

Immediately upon inspecting into the Akhavan Hotel, we understood we were going to like it there. The siblings who own the hotel were friendly, there were only 4 other tourists there, the room was immaculate, the on-site restaurant served up great food as well as the all around vibe was friendly as well as warm.

Our space at the Akhavan hotel in Kerman
We ditched our bags in the space as well as set off to inspect out the 1200m long “end-to-end” covered bazaar. We were provided complimentary samples of nuts, dried fruit, fresh pomegranate as well as hookah pipe! We spoke with lots of regional people as well as wandered around enjoying the atmosphere.

Hookah pipes for sale at the market in Kerman
Back at the hotel we had a tasty dinner of beef stew, fried fish, rice, salad, yogurt, grilled potatoes as well as bread. It was rather the feast, total with “beer” that the humorous waiter, Mohammad, insisted we drink. let me tell you, it was absolutely not beer.

The complying with day, we set off to see the little close-by town of Mahan as well as the popular Kaluts with our motorist for the day, Ali. He spoke no English, however was a fantastic motorist as well as always stopped whenever we asked as well as even made us tea throughout the day.

Mahan was a fantastic town however considering that it was the holiday time (Ashura), lots of things were closed. We were, however, able to see the shrine of the Sufi dervish as well as poet, Shah Ne’mattolah Valie, who died at the age of 100. The Mausoleum is likewise extremely old, it dates back to 1436!

Beautiful ceiling inside the shrine
From Mahan, we made our method out into the desert. After about 2 hours of driving, the landscape started to change. As if out of nowhere, little mounds started to type all around us.

Arriving at the Kaluts!
As we made our method additionally into the Kaluts, towering sand formations stood before us. The “sand castles” have been sculpted over a millenia from the modification in wind, which triggers the desert sand to stack up as well as type different shaped formations.

Enjoying sunset at the Kaluts
We stayed up until the sun set as well as took pleasure in yet one more cup of tea with our new friend, Ali.

That evening, we were invited into the busy kitchen area by the owners. Mr. Akhavan’s family, buddies as well as personnel were all hectic preparing 3 huge cauldrons of food to provide away the next day. during Ashura, if you are able to, it’s customary to prepare food or drinks for the community. The hotel was making lamb stew as their contribution as well as had sacrificed 6 sheep in the process.

Helping make the Ashura meal
Nick as well as I assisted a bit bit by stirring the big vats of deliciousness. I likewise satisfied the owner’s three daughters who shared some info about Ashura with me.

Me with the the owner’s three daughters
The next morning people were lined up outside the gates to the hotel. Each bring a bucket, pot or some type of container to get the offerings. Nick as well as I were put to work as well as assisted relay the food to the locals. We collected the buckets from the gates, went to the kitchen, filled it up with stew as well as brought it back to the eagerly waiting families. It was such a awesome experience! everybody was in great spirits as well as we were used a meal as well.

After our hectic morning, Mr. Akhavan explained that now everybody would be gathering downtown to sing, chant, pray as well as (for the men) self flagellate. So, Nick as well as I set off downtown. considering that this is a mourning period for the Shia Muslims, everybody uses black. There were numerous people. Men, women as well as kids were all out to mourn the loss of the Imam Hussein who died 1,333 years ago.

The ceremony of Ashura in Kerman
Although it was a extremely fascinating sight for us, we started to feel claustrophobic as well as after about an hour as well as figured it was time for us to leave. As we made our method back home, we were used complimentary hot chocolate as well as warm milk! Delicious.

Receiving some complimentary hot milk for Ashura
Our time spent in Kerman was about the sights, however it was likewise extremely much about seeing the religious ceremony as well as satisfying the terrific Akhavan family. We took pleasure in our time there, however after 3 nights, it was time to step on.

Stay tuned to hear about Nick’s birthday in Shiraz!

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