Iran is a mountainous, arid and ethnically diverse country in southwestern Asia. It maintains a rich and distinctive cultural and social continuity. It goes back to Achaemenid period which started in 550 B.C.
From the Achemenids period, this country was called Persia. There are documented evidence that this country has been called Iranshahr and Iran from at least 224 A.D. Up untill 1935 this country was called Persia internationally but it changed when the Iranian government decided to change it to Iran to include every ethnic group in Iran. Since 1979 it has become known as Islamic Republic of Iran.
Geography
Iran is a vast country with 1.648 million sq km located in south west of Asia. In the north of Iran are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Caspian Sea. To the east are Afghanistan and Pakistan. To the west are Turkey and Iraq. To the west are the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
The central plateau of Iran consists of big deserts which the warmest place on earth, the Lut desert is located in there. The land is surrounded by mountains from each side. To the north is Alborz mountains that Damavand being 5671 m is the highest peak in western Asia. Damavand is the 3rd highest volcano in the Eastern Hemisphere.
From North west to strait of Hormoz in south east is the Zagros mountains. The Zagros range is about 1,600 km long and more than 240 km wide.
Historical attractions
The Iranian plateau is one the oldest civilizations in the world. Based on the excavations, findings, historical and biblical evidences, Iran has always been a major power through out the world .Iran is the house of the first world empire in ancient period. Because of its rich history, there is always something that can attract tourists to Iran.
There are 28 UNESCO World Heritage sites registered in Iran and its increasing every year. The properties inscribed under UNESCO World Heritage list are:
Tchoga Zanbil (1979), Persepolis (1979), Naghsh-e-Jahan Square (1979), Takht-e-Soleyman (2003), Bam & its Cultural Landscape (2004), Hegmataneh (2004), Pasargadae (2004), Soltaniyeh (2005), Bisotun (2006), Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran (2008), Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System (2009), Tabriz Historic Bazzar Complex (2010), Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil (2010), Masjed-e Jame of Isfahan (2012), Gonbad-e-Qabus (2012), Golestan Palace (2013), Shar-i Sukhta (2014), Cultural Landscape of Maymand (2015), Susa (2015), Lut Desert (2016), The Persian Qanat (2016), Historic City of Yazd (2017), Sassanid Archeological Landscape of Fars Region (2018), Hyrcanian Forests (2018,2023), Cultural Landscape of Hawraman/Uramanat (2021), The Persian Garden ( 2021), Trans-Iranian Railway (2021), The Persian Caravanserai (2023).
Cultural Attractions and Museum
Iran has is a country that dates back to thousands of years ago. Thanks to this rich history, it has many things to attract any taste. Iran’s rich culture in different areas includes literature, mysticism and eastern art are internationally reputed. Some of the treasure of this land are myths, legends, poetry, music, philosophy, architecture and handicrafts.
Zurkhaneh and heroism ceremonies, Nowruz, Ta’zieh rituals, Carpet weaving, Maritime in Persian Gulf and many others are Iranian intangible heritage inscribed on UNESCO heritage list.
There are more than 430 museums that houses some of the most important artifacts of this ancient country. These museums are found in every major city of Iran and each are unique in their own way.
Natural Attractions
Iran is the land of four seasons where you can find different types of weather conditions at the same time in different parts of Iran. Thanks to this diversity in climate and geographic situation, you can experience warm winters and cool summers in different provinces. The number of species recognized are:
More than 8000 plants, 168 mammals, 520 birds, 174 fish, 433 butterfly and around 25000 insects. Besides these, there are more than 500 springs with intact areas, thousands of waterfalls, wild rivers with eye-catching views, ever green woodlands and natural lakes are other dimensions of miraculous nature of this country. Golestan National Park, Mian Kaleh Pond, Touran Biosphere Reserve, central desert, Lut Desert, the humid forests in the north of Iran and Mountain of Damavand are other natural attractions of Iran.
Some of the rare wildlife species such as Asian Leopard, Persian Onegar, Neurergus kaiseri, Bufotes luristanicus, Persian brook salamander, The Iranian ground jay (Podoces pleskei ), Andreas’s racer, Zagros Mountains mouse-like hamster are endemic to Iran.
Religious Attractions
Ancient Persia is the original house of Zoroastians as one of the most significant religions in the world. The official religion of Iran is Islam and 90% of the population are Muslim. Majority of Muslims are Shia and only 5% are Sunni. The other official religions of Iran are Judaism, Christianity and Zoroastrianism that have equal political, economic and civil right.
For every religion, there are a lot of places where pilgrims can go to. Some of these major pilgrimage destinations in Iran are Holy shrine complex of Mashad, Fatima Masuma shrine in Qom and Tomb of Daniel the prophet in Susa. Qalishuyan ritual in Ardehal and Ta’zieh rituals are inscribed on UNESCO Cultural Heritage list.
Health Tourism
Through out its history, Iran has introduced some of the most well known physician to the world. Everyone of these doctors have worked hard to advance this science thus saving many lives. From Avicenna and Rhazes all the way to modern doctors, each have contributed to the world of Medicine.
Iranian doctors are strictly trained and are equipped with the latest knowledge of the day. On the other hand, medical expenses are relatively cheap in Iran. These two options make Iran a suitable destination for medical tourism. Every year thousands upon thousands of tourists visit Iran just for this purpose.
Sport Attractions
Iran has been one of the most active counties in sports amongst all eastern countries. Pahlevani and Zoorkhaneh rituals which means heroic sport is an ancient sport in Iran and is the symbol of heroism too. This sport in inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Besides this, there are tons of different sports that can attract and cover every taste. Some of these sports are Skiing, Mountaineering, Scuba Diving, Sports shooting, Rafting, Horse-riding and Off-roading. In each major city of Iran, there is the possibility to do some of these sports and enjoy your day.
Handicrafts and Souvenirs
There is a wide range of souvenirs in Iran.These handicrafts are the embodiment of culture and art that overwhelms anyone by its delicate designs. The most significant and world known Iranian handicraft is carpet. The Persian carpets design, textures and colors are second to none. There are more than 299 handicrafts that have been in Iran and the carpet weaving is the crown jewel of it.
Another famous handicraft of Iran is the Miniature. Based on the documented historical evidence, Mani (216–274 AD), the painter prophet and founder of Manichaeism, had so many paintings in his religious book. This shows how old this handicraft is in Iran. The characteristics of Iranian miniature are bright colors, mountainous landscapes, detailed design of fabrics and round faces.
Some of the other handicrafts in Iran are vitreous enamel, brocade, pottery and ceramics, velvet weaving, silverworks, marquetry and wood carving, various types of nuts and Saffron.
Iranian Cuisine
Having a variety of 2500 types of food makes Iran a rich culinary destination. Rasht in Gilan province with 220 different types of food is recognized as the culinary capital of Iran. This city alongside 35 other cities through out the world are The UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy.
Typical Iranian food are the combination of rice, meat, vegetables and nuts. Some herbs alongside some fruits like Pomegranates, Plums, apricot, raisins and quince are used while cooking too. The spices and flavorings used in Iranian food are saffron, cardamom, dried lime, turmeric, cinnamon and parsley.
These are some of the things that’s being used in Iranian culinary. The combination of these things together creates a unique taste which can attract millions to just try these foods.
Hospitality
Iran has been an ethnically diverse country for thousands of years. Thanks to this impressive aspect of Iranian culture, makes trips to Iran delightful and extraordinary. Where ever you go, you can see Iranians welcoming you to their country.
Through out Irans rich history, this hospitality has managed to attract people to its culture. One of the most talked aspects of Iran that’s mentioned by tourists is the hospitality of Iranians.
conclusion
Despite the negative image that has been broadcasted by media, Iran is a safe and welcoming country. From the snowy mountains to hot deserts and the sea, there is something for you to enjoy in Iran. By visiting of the most ancient countries in the world you can make some good memories that’s going to last forever.