A close-up of an ancient stone relief on the central wall of a grand staircase, depicting four Achaemenid soldiers in profile. Symmetrical carvings of a lion attacking a bull are visible on the stair-fronts.

Apadana Stairway Reliefs — Persepolis (Apadana) — May 16, 2015 (#0037)

Sony Xperia Z1 (C6903) • 4.9 mm • f/2.0 • 1/2000 s • ISO 50

Full-res download: mofaeye.com/37

#persepolis #apadana #apadana_palace #achamenid #ancientpersia #persianempire #worldheritage #historicpersia #archaeology #ancient

A close-up shot of a golden-brown lizard with a long, black tail covered in bright yellow spots, resting on the ancient, textured stone ruins of Persepolis.

Golden Lizard — Persepolis — May 16, 2015 (#0029)

Sony Xperia Z1 (C6903) • 4.9 mm • f/2.0 • 1/5000 s • ISO 64

Full-res download: mofaeye.com/29

#persepolis #lizard #takhtejamshid #wildlifephotography #ancientruins #historicpersia #reptile #worldheritage #naturephotography #persianempire #wildlife

A serene palm tree standing tall in the gardens of Saadi's mausoleum, under a soft, beautiful sky.

Palm Tree in the Garden — Mausoleum of Saadi — May 14, 2015 (#0012)

Sony Xperia Z1 (C6903) • 4.9 mm • f/2.0 • 1/1250 s • ISO 50

Full-res download: mofaeye.com/12

#mausoleumofsaadi #saadishirazi #shiraz #palmtree #shirazgarden #persianarchitecture #historicpersia #gardenphotography #photography

Entrance columns of the Mausoleum of Saadi in Shiraz, with marble pillars and turquoise dome in the background.

Entrance Columns — Mausoleum of Saadi — May 14, 2015 (#0010)

Sony Xperia Z1 (C6903) • 4.9 mm • f/2.0 • 1/1000 s • ISO 50

Full-res download: mofaeye.com/10

#saadishirazi #mausoleumofsaadi #shiraz #persianarchitecture #persianpoetry #worldheritage #historicpersia #architecturephotography #marble

Mausoleum of Saadi Shirazi in Shiraz, Iran — Persian poet’s tomb surrounded by gardens and turquoise-domed architecture.

Mausoleum of Saadi — Shiraz — May 14, 2015 (#0009)

Sony Xperia Z1 (C6903) • 4.9 mm • f/2.0 • 1/1600 s • ISO 50

Full-res download: mofaeye.com/9
#saadishirazi #mausoleumofsaadi #shiraz #persianpoetry #persianarchitecture #worldheritage #unescoheritage #historicpersia #persianliterature #photography