Images of Iran

The bazaar in Esfahan - the legant city on the banks of the Zayandeh river Photograph: David Watts

Ruins at Pasagardae, the first capital of Achaemenid Empire. It was built by Cyrus the Great, known in Iran simply as 'the father', he is attributed with being one of history's great humanitarian and liberating leaders Photograph: David Watts

Qashqai nomads near Shiraz Photograph: David Watts

Tea at a converted bathhouse in the desert town of Yazd Photograph: David Watts

Inside a tea house in Esfahan. Smoking is officially illegal in public spaces in Iran, but this is generally ignored by authorities Photograph: David Watts

Women walk among the ruins at Persepolis Photograph: David Watts

Flowers in a field with a backdrop of the Zagros mountains Photograph: David Watts

The Shah Cheragh (Persian for King of the Light) Mausoleum is a mirrored masterpiece in Shiraz Photograph: David Watts

Looking through the window of the Shah Cheragh Mausoleum Photograph: Chris Moss

Si-o-Seh bridge is 295m long, and was built under the rule of Shah Abbas the Great in the early 17th century. The riverside is the place to relax and be seen in Esfahan Photograph: David Watts

The Qashqai nomads, famed for their carpet making, are one of a number of nomadic groups in southern Iran Photograph: David Watts

School girls on a school trip to the Fin Gardens in Kashan throwing coins into a natural spring Photograph: David Watts

Decorations in a home near the Hashshashin’s castle of Alamut Photograph: David Watts

Bazaar in the ancient desert town of Yazd Photograph: David Watts