While Iranians seem less optimistic about their future, their capital city has actually become more liveable in some ways. Iranians last week enjoyed an extra three days off — a holiday declared by the government to improve traffic flow and security during a Non-aligned Movement summit. Those who didn't leave town headed for the mountains north of Tehran.
The center of the Tajrish Bazaar, a century-old traditional marketplace in north Tehran where prices are lower than in supermarkets and department stores, but food is increasingly expensive.
(Photo: Barbara Slavin)