Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – April 19, 1991

At half past six in the morning, we went to the barracks and flew by helicopter to the earthquake-stricken villages of Darab. Everywhere on the way, we passed over green and lush meadows. We landed in Rastaq section of Forg area.

The villagers gathered and gave a warm welcome. Demands were raised. I spoke for them and promised electricity and some additional schools. The reconstruction process is good, but some people expect more; It is a suitable place, but deprived.

I visited several villages under reconstruction. We flew to the nomadic region [Qashqai]. The nomads gave a warm welcome and gave an interesting greeting. They raised their demands and heard encouraging words from me.

We flew to the city of Darab. We arrived at noon. The people's reception was very wide and warm. Next to the mosque, I went to one of the humble houses next to the mosque to renew my ablution. Because it was crowded and it was not possible to leave, I went through their roof with a ladder. The owner of the house was Banna, I sat in their humble room for a while, drank tea and asked many questions about the living conditions of the people and gave them some coins.

I spoke at the Friday prayer ceremony. Because of the immense crowd, it was short and difficult to speak. We went to the governor's office for lunch and rest. City officials said the needs; We made several commitments to build roads, schools, halls, etc.

We flew to Lar. On the way, we saw the reconstructed village of Zirab and Haji Abad from the air. We arrived at Lar airport at four o'clock. The official welcome was done and we moved towards the city.

We went to the house of Mr. [Syed Abd al-Ali] Ayatollah, Imam of Juma city [Larestan] and we saw the samples of the used water tanks. The floods are collected in them and used for drinking throughout the year. They claimed that the current water being harvested has been stored since five years ago. We went to the city stadium; It was a huge community. The governor reported and I spoke.

We went to the guest house in the city. After receiving and listening to the demands and some commitments for the civil affairs of the city, we left for the airport. The reception and emotions of the people were amazing. We flew to Shiraz with the Iraqi Falcon that has recently arrived in Iran. At the Shiraz airport, waiting for the arrival of the 3-130 plane carrying the companions, we prayed Maghrib and Isha prayers and came to the governorate.

The family of the martyr [Seyd Abd al-Hossein] was absent. I got warm with them. They ate dinner with us. Dastghib's sister, who was said to be ninety years old, spoke. He was telling the story of his brother's arrest during the riot and being beaten, and others were embarrassed by his long talk and wanted to prevent it. I banned them.

Then I listened to the request of the mayor of Shiraz and several representatives and universities of Shiraz. I wanted to take a bath, the water was cold, so I postponed it until tomorrow. I wrote the memories of three days and slept.