CNN's Frederick Pleitgen has been traveling around Iran. Here are his photos from the city of Shiraz and the ancient site of Persepolis. The Nasir al Mulk Mosque in the town of Shiraz is also called the "Pink Mosque" because of its extensive use of pink in the many detailed tile frescos.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
Pink tiles in the courtyard of the Nasir al Mulk Mosque. There is currently a restoration project underway in the building.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
The Vakil Mosque was built between 1751 and 1773 during the Zand dynasty.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
Extensive restoration work is currently underway in the Vakil Mosque.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
The Karim Khan castle or Arg of Kharim Khan is a citadel in Shiraz.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
The Eram Garden is a garden in central Shiraz that has been converted into a museum and is run by the University of Shiraz.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
Hafiz was perhaps the most well-known Persian poet and a son of Shiraz. His tomb in the town is a massive garden where visitors can see the tomb but also take time to relax and to reflect.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
Persepolis was the ancient ceremonial capital of Persia. The defense ministry and the entire site are decorated with statues and frescos showing the Persian army.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
The Persepolis Temple of Light -- the Palace of Darius I -- was used as private quarters by the emperor. It was known as the palace of light because the walls were so bright and polished that it illuminated everything inside.
Frederick Pleitgen/CNN
Persepolis has had many famous visitors over the centuries. Some have even carved their names into stones at the site. Here is Friedrich Wilhelm Graf von der Schulenburg -- envoy of Germany, later diplomat under Hitler and staunch Nazi. He became disillusioned with Hitler and was accused of being implicated in Hitler's 1944 assassination attempt so was executed.
