Shiraz

Satti was born in Shiraz, the ancient heart of the Persian empire, a region known for its roses, wine, and poets. However, as an infant she was moved to Tehran, where she spent most of her life.

The Family Compound on Sepah Avenue in Tehran

Satti spend an idyllic childhood in the family compound her father built on Sepah Avenue in Tehran. There, her father built a large house for himself, run by his housekeeper. Surrounding the courtyard, he built houses for three of his younger wives. The tranquil, beautiful walled compound containing 1,000 people was like a small city, with carpenter shops, a dairy, greenhouse, blacksmith shop, pools, gardens, and many servants. Despite this luxury, the compound has no telephone or electricity outside Shazdeh's home, and no central heat or hot water.

Reswanieh

Shazdeh's summer home was in the cool mountains of Reswanieh, where he takes his...