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One of the best and different experiences of traveling to Iran is visiting the Armenian region of Jolfa. Armenian people living in Isfahan have been sent from Jolfa area in the northwest Iran, near Azerbaijan border, by Shah Abbas’s command in order to be protected. This happened around 1600 AD and in 1604 Armenians inhabited in Shams Abad region and moved to Jolfa region when it got ready. Armenians started living comfortably and occupied themselves with building churches. Vank Cathedral is one of them. As the Italian tourist Pietro Della Valle said, at the time of his arrival 10 churches existed in Isfahan and Jean Chardin counts 30 in his time. Today Jolfa region is still vivacious and some of its streets are turned into special shopping centers. Also a part of this region has kept its traditional structure and is paved by Isfahan’s municipal’s help. As for design and up-keeping of this region, it was tried to keep the originality of the buildings. In the alleys leading to Vank Cathedral there are a lot of cafes that are managed by young Armenian people. While visiting this region and Vank Cathedral, try the taste of their coffee too. Armenian society of Isfahan, based on the regulations of Islamic Republic of Iran, is considered as religious minority and based on law pursue their own religious, social, cultural, convenience, charity and personal issues and follow Armenian Apostolic Church’s customs and rituals. Isfahan has archbishop and the organization is in Beirut, Lebanon, based on rules and principles of the Armenian Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia. The population of Armenians dwelling in Iran is around 60 to 70 thousand people and Armenians of Isfahan are around 6000.

What is Brass? The combination of Copper and Zinc result in a practical alloy called Brass, known for its yellowish warm tones that can flicker like Gold. The proportions of the copper and zinc make many different kinds of Brass with various attributes. Basic modern Brass is 67% Copper and 33% Zinc. The usage range of this alloy is very extensive, from decorative objects and jewelry to machinery and musical instruments. Brass History The background of the word "brass" is vague and is still a mystery. But the English word brass comes from the old English word Braes, meaning bronze. Roman and Greek documents explain that the wide production of alloy almost the same as modern Brass began around the 1st century BC. Discovering Brass by Romans, this alloy became widespread. The Romans had discovered how to produce brass, the alloy started to be used in coinage in the areas of modern-day Turkey and all over the Roman Empire. Also, Brass has been referenced at least 39 times in the Bible which shows the importance of this metal in history. Due to warm golden tone which gives an impression of magnificence and worthiness without the high price of gold, Brass turned to a cherished metal soon. Brass Appearance People know Brass with its bright gold appearance; although, it can also be reddish-gold or silvery-white. High percentage of copper causes a rosy tone and more zinc yields a silver look in Brass. Brass features Brass is known for its strength and durability. The malleable trait made Brass very ideal to use in intricate jewelries. It is not brittle and it does not break easily and tends to stretch under pressure. By a reasonable care and maintenance, a piece of Brass jewelry can endure for ages. However, it develops a greenish patina

Art instead of Industry Although in the past, Pottery has been known as an industry, now in modern society it is known as art. And although, there is considerable information in relation to Iranian ancient pottery, there are very few documents and written information of ceramics from the Qajar era until contemporary time. At the first of Iranian pottery history, ceramic dishes just were used by the lower class and aristocrats used golden, silver, brass or copper dishes. But the advancement of enamel and new ornamental techniques made the richer clients, as well.Pottery in Iran dates back to 4000 BC, the Neolithic era. In that time ceramics have been used for daily and religious activities. Iranian and Chinese potters have continued pottery and experienced many styles and techniques. According to several tablets written in Babylon and Ashore calligraphy from 1700 and 5650 BC, we have some instructions about making color and enamel of clay. Also, a brochure about pottery dates back to 1301 is accessible in Kashan. Kashan is one of the important pottery centers that has continued this industry from Neolithic and its fame peaked in the Middle Ages, it still many delicate dishes.An ancient analysis in different regions of Iran such as Tal Chogha, Khorvin, and Hasanlo have delivered much valuable knowledge about ceramic features in each period. For instance, according to research on Esmaiel Abad civilization related to 5000 BC, its ceramics were made of a red and polished paste composed of sand and pug. These ceramics were hand made with black motifs such as animal, figurative, geometric and organic designs. In addition, many ceramics have been discovered from East of Iran, on the way to Iraq for example Susa. The oldest Iranian discovered ceramics is a hazy dish colored red with black stain due to faulty