MARIA'S MAGICAL JOURNEY TO PERSIA

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aria’s Mi gical

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Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran,

Bucharest - Romania

In the name of God

Maria's Magical

Jourriey lo Persia

Maria’s Magical Journey to Persia

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Bucharest - Romania

Text written by lulia Laszlo

Illustrations by Mahsa Valizadeh

All rights reserved by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Bucharest - Romania This publication may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Bucharest - Romania.

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Hi, dear curious friends! As Maria approached the grand gates of the castle, her heart Get ready to embark on a magical journey to the enchanting leapt with joy, as if she could feel all the centuries-old legends land of Ancient Persia! Let’s join Maria in a colorful world and secrets hidden within the massive stone walls. Inside, Bran full of wonderful stories and captivating history! Castle was like a giant labyrinth of narrow, twisting corridors, Once upon a time, in a little corner of Romania, there lived dimly lit chambers, and secret passages.

a 12-year-old girl named Maria. Maria was an incredibly Her heart pounded fiercely in the castle’s curious girl, with golden hair like the sun, sparkling green Great Hall, where flickering lamps cast eyes, and a smile that could light up even the darkest rooms. mysterious shadows on the walls. The One sunny day, Maria set out on an unforgettable adventure atmosphere was so thrilling that Maria with her parents to the famous Bran Castle—yes, that could barely keep her composure. You Bran Castle, home of Dracula! Perched high on a rocky hill in could almost hear her heartbeat in the the heart of Transylvania, the castle stood proudly, with the eerie silence of the castle’s forgotten Carpathian Mountains towering like legendary guardians dungeons.

behind it, protecting secrets hundreds of years old. In her mind, brave knights and elegantly Dressed in her traditional Romanian blouse, Maria became dressed ladies began to take shape. Then, a little heroine, a keeper of ancestral traditions. As she from the dark shadows, creatures from wandered through every mysterious corner of the castle, stories she had never even read before Maria imagined herself as the princess from the stories she began to emerge one by one.

loved to read so passionately!

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The beauty of the castle had an In the enchanting gardens surrounding the castle, Maria’s joyful laughter echoed eerie yet fascinating aura! Maria as she chased a colorful butterfly. Suddenly—*whoops!*—a mischievous root couldn’t stop exploring, growing tripped her, and Maria found herself falling into an ancient well, one that no one more and more curious to uncover even knew existed.

what was happening around her.

Whispered tales of ghosts seemed *Thud!* the girl tumbled into darkness!

to float through the air, sending a cold shiver down her spine. I don’t want to give away any hints, but from here on, her adventure becomes *Brrr!* even more thrilling!

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When she woke up, Maria found herself in a dark cave, surrounded by mythical birds with dazzling plumage and impressive wings. It was a dazzling contest of colors!

Among them were the cunning griffin, Benu, the bird of creation, and Alkonost, whose enchanting melodies filled the cave with joy.

The northern ravens, Hugin and Munin, were preparing a grand feast, while Yatagarasu, the three-legged crow, offered its assistance, sparking Maria’s curiosity with its legendary presence.

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Suddenly, a gentle and mysterious voice greeted her:

“Welcome to the realm of mythical birds, Maria. We are the guardians of this sacred place.”

The voice belonged to Simurgh, a majestic bird from Persian legends, embodying wisdom and healing. Staring wide-eyed, Maria suddenly felt as if the stories her grandmother used to tell were coming to life right before her eyes.

Simurgh smiled kindly at Maria, reassuring her that she had nothing to fear:

“Do not worry! We have been waiting for you for a very long time!”

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The city buzzed with joy, and Maria, overwhelmed by the beauty stretching before her, watched as entire families gathered, preparing for the arrival of spring. They embraced friends and exchanged symbolic gifts. Simurgh spread its wings wide, as if offering a gentle hug, and spoke to Maria in a warm voice: “This is Susa, Maria, an ancient city where merchants from distant lands once arrived after long journeys along the Silk Road.” Simurgh told Maria about the ancient Persian solar Overwhelmed with excitement, Maria calendar, patiently explaining how it marked the precise beginning of spring reached out and touched the silky feathers and the celebration of Nowruz. “This is the time when everything is reborn, dear of a nearby bird, feeling as though her child,” said the bird, “and people begin the year with hope and joy.” Caught up in adventure was just beginning. Simurgh the festive cheer, Maria joined in decorating the Haft-Sin table. Under Simurgh’s approached her, gazing deeply into her guidance, she learned about the significance of each item on the table. There were eyes, and made an unexpected proposal:

tender green sprouts resembling blades of grass, the chance to travel back in time to the origins a sticky and honey-sweet dessert, dried brown of the great Persian Empire.

fruits, pungent garlic—“Phew, what a smell!”—a Summoning her courage, Maria climbed fragrant, shiny apple, tart little berries, and deep onto the majestic Simurgh’s back, ready to red vinegar, like the colors of dawn. Each item held embark on an adventure beyond time and a special meaning: rebirth, strength, love, health, space.

beauty, and, of course, patience! Holding tightly to Simurgh’s grand feathers, Maria felt time flowing like an invisible river, leaving the present—and Bran Castle—far behind. Everything transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors and lights, and in an instant, her surroundings changed completely: she found herself in ancient Susa, on the first day of Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

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Their journey continued to the city of Yazd, a place full of wonders and ancient inventions. Simurgh showed Maria how people of old had come up with clever Simurgh then took Maria to the top solutions to stay cool during the hot summer days. of the Dolat Abad Tower, the tallest They had built tall wind towers that captured the wind tower in Iran. Looking out over air and directed it into homes, creating a natural the entire city, Maria exclaimed in air-conditioning system. They also dug tunnels admiration, underground, called qanats, through which they “How clever the people here are!

brought cool mountain water to the heart of the They’ve found so many tricks to city. conquer the heat and bring water from afar!”

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Arriving in the city of Isfahan, Maria and Simurgh joined the artisans in “I love it here, Simurgh!”

Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Maria carefully picked up a Mina bowl from the Maria exclaimed, enchanted by the counter and gazed at it with wide eyes full of wonder. magic of the place. “Now I understand “Do you see?” Simurgh whispered gently, its feathers shining in the why everyone says Isfahan is like half sunlight. “Here, the sky is crowned by the hands of the artisans. Each of the world.”

bowl is like a window to paradise.”

It seemed as though every curved line, every shade of Persian blue, came to life under their brushstrokes.

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As Maria wandered through the bustling square, she noticed an elderly man with a long white beard sitting in the shade of a tree. Drawn to his wise figure, Maria approached, and the old man smiled kindly, as if he had been waiting for her.

“Welcome, my child,” he said with a warm and deep voice. “I believe you have come to discover the hidden secrets of Isfahan.”

“But how do you know?” Maria asked, surprised.

“Ah, my dear!” the old man chuckled softly. “Isfahan is full of stories. But I will tell you the tale of Mithra, an ancient god, about whom few children like you have the chance to hear.”

“Mithra,” the old man continued in a gentle tone, “was the god of the sun and friendship, revered by the ancient Medes and Persians. The legends about him are so old that they have been lost in the mists of time, stretching back nearly 5,000 years. It is said that Mithra was born in regions where people worshipped many gods and believed in the power of light. He was the one who brought the sunrise, the light, and warmth of each day, but he was also the protector of friendship.

People would ask for his blessing when making promises, for before Mithra, any vow was sacred. He could change the seasons and influence the fate of people, He would appear in their dreams, riding a chariot drawn by white horses, armed bringing them luck or protecting them from misfortune.” with a silver spear and a bow with golden arrows. He was not only a powerful warrior, but also a god of justice, who punished traitors and protected his trusted “Roman soldiers,” the old man added, “worshipped him because friends.” he provided protection and courage in battle. In Mithra, they Maria turned her gaze toward Simurgh, who seemed to understand every word. found a leader.”

“What a beautiful story,” she said softly, “and what a noble god Mithra must have been.” Thus, Maria received a valuable lesson about friendship and loyalty, learning that the ancient gods, though perhaps forgotten by many, had left their marks on the souls of those who cherished these values.