Tag Archive for 'Mashhad'

Unsung heroine

Bibi Zahra runs a tea shop in the village of Kang, near Mashhad. Her husband is a “Janbaz”, or an injured veteran from the Iran–Iraq war. Due to his post-traumatic stress disorder, he cannot work, and the meagre pension he gets has left Bibi Zahra as the sole breadwinner. Life is clearly tough, but you wouldn’t know it, looking at the smiling face of Bibi. Her daughter, Elham, was one of the top students taught by my cousin’s wife, Elmira, who teaches in nearby Torghabeh. Continue reading ‘Unsung heroine’

Abgoosht

I am in Mashhad in Iran for a week, staying with my dad. I am increasing disliking the city life in Iran. My cousin, Mohammad, suggested we go out of town near Torghabeh, where his friend Mehdi has an ancestral land and garden. Mehdi made a traditional “abgoosht” (meat soup), on a wood burner. It was a welcome change from the city.

Mehdi starts cooking the Abgoosht in a wood burner The rich soup is served out first L1020277 The well cooked meat and potatoes are then mashed Mohammad boils water for tea, but almost smelts the kettle! Tea is brewed on the fire Meal is finished off with a hubble bubble