World Cultures And Youth: Jafar's Blue Tiles (1980)

Jaffar, a 14-year-old boy from a small Iranian village, shares his summer adventure involving the restoration of a 666-year-old dome in his village square. He assists his father, the chief bricklayer, and learns to make special blue tiles crucial for the dome's reconstruction. Guided by Mr. Dero, an Italian expert, Jaffar discovers the art of tile-making and glazing, contributing to the preservation of a significant historical site. He feels pride and excitement as he successfully creates tiles that he hopes will endure for centuries. Keywords Jaffar, Iran, village, dome, restoration, blue tiles, Mr. Dero, craftsmanship, history, family, adventure, summer, preservation