I didn’t quite know what to expect from Kerman, Lonely planet says it has been a trading city since around the 3rd century AD. It is just on the edge of the desert, the landscape out here being very similar to areas that I have seen in Nevada. Outside the city are large rocky, dry mountains. The whole area is very dusty for lack of water.

We were meant to see a few different things this morning, but the Mosque and Hammam were both closed because it is Monday. Near that area, however, we did go to the Moshtari-ye Moshtaq Ali Shah shrine, a mausoleum for the Sufi mystic Moshtaq Ali Shah. He is known for putting the Quran to music, which earned him disfavor resulting in stoning. But he was quite popular and his burial place was made into this shrine made of mirrors!

 
  
Probably my favorite part of the morning was walking around the bazaar, watching people, and seeing all of the handicrafts and craftsmen at work. It is quite clear that Kerman is more conservative, as I’m told Yazd is (we go there soon). Most women wore the chador in black, though my guide said she doesn’t know why they wear black, apparently the Prophet said it is best to pray in light colors. Despite the conservative and religious outlook here, I did not feel strange in my bright colors including a pink hijab. I think they are becoming more accustomed to tourists.  

At the bazaar, I purchased a Kermani pate, a brightly colored square of cloth handmade and embroidered with wool. I’m told that this is the only place in Iran where this type of artwork is done. The results are quite beautiful.