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As the sun slowly sets, more and more people gather on the square. Families settle on the grassy fields to eat. Children play near the fountain, and horse-drawn carriages come and go with local tourists. When the square’s lights turn on, it creates a picturesque scene. I wait for the perfect evening light to photograph the Jameh Mosque. Suddenly, I hear shouting from the other side of the square. Something’s happening. The sound of people grows louder in my direction. The wind also starts picking up. Before I realize it, carpets are being blown into the air, and trash flies everywhere. A billboard next to me falls over. A small whirlwind sweeps across the square. Just as quickly as the wind started, it dies down again. Everyone simply carries on as if nothing happened.
Back on Ali Iman Square, I find a bench to write down my travel experiences. I don't get much opportunity to do so, as I'm soon approached by Ali and Hossein, asking if they can talk with me for a moment. In the end, we talk for over an hour about our trip, about Iran, the culture, and Amsterdam. Around 6:30, I break off the conversation for my appointment at the teahouse. By now, the square is bustling, and families are sitting on the grass everywhere. Attention is not lacking here. Whether I want to take a picture with the children to the left, shake hands to the right, and I shout "From Holland!" to a waving couple on a picnic blanket. The teahouse is located at the far end of the square. From the terrace, there’s a beautiful view over the entire square.