Safar Nameh, Persian Pictures: A Book of Travel

A travelogue written in the late 19th century. This work offers a vivid exploration of Persia, intertwining the landscapes, cultures, and the people Bell encounters on her journeys. Through her keen observations and poetic prose, she paints a rich tapestry of life in Persia, revealing its striking contrasts and the complexities of its society. The opening of the travelogue captures the modern capital of Persia, Tehran, depicted through its stark and barren landscapes characterized by mountains and desolation. Bell reflects on the starkness of the city, intertwined with hints of its past grandeur, emphasizing a duality of beauty and decay. She describes the city’s irrigation system, its architecture, and the daily life of its inhabitants, from the bustling bazaars to the variety of people moving through the streets. As Bell walks through Tehran, she contrasts the city’s present state with hints of its historical significance, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of a culture that is both alive and steeped in history.