Close-up of the dome of the Imam Mosque, Isfahan

Defying FCO advice in Spring 2014, Chris Bradley travelled back to Iran for the first time in seven years and his talk will cover the main sites of Ancient Persia as well as his observations on the position of modern Iran.

The ancient monuments of Persia, like Persepolis, are a unique blend of styles from Egypt, Greece and India. In the 17th century, Persian Islamic art and architecture reached unparalleled heights in a series of highly decorated palaces and mosques in Isfahan, at that time one of the largest cities in the world and one which still delights visitors today.

'Si-o-Se Pol' bridge across the Zayandeh River, Isfahan

General view of Iman Square from Ali Qapu, Isfahan

Tiles on a mosque wall, Yazd

Wall painting inside Ali Qapu, Isfahan

General view of ancient Persepolis, near Shiraz