Iran Travel Guide
Why Iran?
What makes people choose different travel destinations is the difference in their point of view, interests, and passions. This leads to the development of different travel styles such as cultural, adventure, ecocultural and ….trip styles.
Something fascinating about Iran is that in this country, tourism destinations do not cover limited travel styles, but rather support a variety of needs, choices and preferences with the highest quality. Iran, enjoying a rich culture of ancient civilization, takes in a lot of cultural attractions like palaces, mosques, and historical objects and … and provides an amazing context for culture enthusiasts.
Also, Iran’s geographical position and extent has provided tourists with different preferences for Iran’s adventure tour with an ideal and manifold context. Iran’s natural attractions consist of the coast lines to the deserts, mountains, plains and swamps. In what follows, we will explain why Iran is an ideal destination for all kinds of tourists.
IRAN, A Perfect Destination for History Buffs
Talking about Iran’s history takes a lot of time because it is not limited to 300 or 400 years of history, but rather, it requires a travel back to more than 15000 years ago. From the prehistoric times till now, Iran has been the headquarters of great emperors, prominent conquerors, and also the context of historical wars. Not every country has experienced such historical ups and downs and does not have such a potential to play a role in different periods of time.
Iran, A Pefect Destination for Art and Architecture Buffs
Art in Iran is as old as history. Architecture in Iran is considered an ancient art. According to the objects and monuments discovered by archaeologists and orientalists, art and architecture used to exist in Iran from 5000 years ago.
Iranian architecture is based on the three elements of strength, comfort and pleasure. Iranian architecture has always been accompanied by genuine, simple and in the meanwhile, decorated design. You would barely find a village in Iran with no genuine and historical architecture work in it. Historical evidence suggests that Iranians were the first people to make brick and use it in their architecture, an example of which is ChoghaZanbil Ziggurat.
Iranian art, with more than 5000 years of history, regardless of place and time, reflects the iranians morale and wills. Another significant factor indicating the skillfulness of Iranians, is the diversity of Iranian art works.
Iran, A Perfect Destination for Nature Buffs
Iran, with more than 63600 square mile width, provides a good context for environmental diversity. Iran’s width equals to 17 European countries or one third of the European continent. As a matter of course, a variety of vegetation, climate and environmental conditions are found in this vast area. From the sunrise and sunset times to the cold or hot climate are included in this diversity. Iran enjoys the richest vegetation in the middle east including subtropical plants and trees and different types of plants adaptable to the deserts and dry climate.
And this high natural diversity, confronts you with a variety of Iran eco-cultural tour and Iran relaxing tours(لینک به ریلکسینگ).
Iran, A Perfect Destination Wild Species Enthusiasts
According to Iran’s department of environment, about 2000 animal species including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes have been identified in sea waters, on lands and in internal water’s ecosystems. Among these, 76 species are included in the red list of International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN), 19 species are mammals, 25 species are birds, 16 species are reptiles, 4 species are amphibians and 10 species are internal sea fishes. In addition to the asiatic cheetah which is in a critical situation, mammals like persian fallow deer, onager, caspian seal, bustard, tiger, asian black bear, marsh crocodile, blue whale and fin whale are also in danger of extinction.
This environmental diversity makes Iran adventure trip even more exciting.
Iran, A Perfect Destination wild species enthusiasts
The Caspian Sea, Makran and the Persian Gulf in Iran enjoy a very high potential for tourism. The beaches along these seas are among the most popular tourist places among domestic and foreign tourists in Iran. The diversity of Iran’s climate in the northern and southern parts has led to the emergence of the most beautiful beaches in Iran with diverse natural landscapes. These coastal areas have different vegetation and textures including forests, rocks, sands and … . you would barely find such diversity anywhere else in the world. If you are interested in seeing this diversity, you would find “Wonders Of Qeshm & Hormoz Island” and “Journey To The Northern Coast Of Iran” tours amazing.
Iran, A Perfect Destination wild species enthusiasts
Iran, with many important and historical shrines, mosques, churches, fire temples and synagogues, is considered a holy place for pilgrims of different religions. The holy shrine of Imam Reza, Shia’s eighth’s Imam in Mashhad, has made Iran an important country for Shia muslims in particular. The annual ceremony and pilgrimage in the St. Thaddeus Monastery In Julfa attracts thousands of christians from all over the world. According to the Iranian Jews belief, the Tomb of Esther and Mordechai houses the remains of the biblical Queen Esther and her uncle Mordechai, and it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Jews in Iran. Chak Chak mountain (Pir-e Sabz) near Ardakan, Yazd, is one of the most sacred Zoroastrian shrines in the world, which is of great importance and value to the followers of this religion. Of Course people from other religions can take part in these pilgrimage rituals as well and learn about the culture and beliefs of their followers. In “ Travel To The Land Of Four Religions” you can visit all these wonders.
Iran, A Country for All Seasons
Iran enjoys four seasons. This is not merely an advertising slogan to attract tourists. Enjoying four seasons means that in any time of year, you can experience a different climate and be in your favorite season. For example, in the winter, cities like Ardabil are extremely cold and everywhere is covered by snow. In the meanwhile, in southern cities summer climate is ruling and eastern cities are in the fall mood. Interestingly, there are cities which despite being small in width, simultaneously take in the four season climate! The diversity in the climate and mountainous nature of Zagros is one of the reasons that provide cities located in this district with a four season climate. For example, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province enjoy such a feature. Such that in a distance less than 10 kms, you can move from a tropical climate to a cold one covered by snow.
Thus, if you are interested in an Iran adventure tour, you can take part in desert, eski, water sports, mountain climbing and …activities in a short span of time.
Iranian Cuisine
Rice and meat are the main ingredients of iranian recipes. Vegetables are important in iranian diet and onion is used in almost all recipes. Pastoralism has been an old part of this country’s economy and dairy products such as milk, cheese and especially yogurt are usually found on iranian’s dining table. Iranian genuine cuisine is oriented toward developing delicate tastes and making foods with simple ingredients, different types of khoresh and kabab are examples of which. The most significant spice used in iranian cuisine is saffron.
In addition to rice, bread is considered an essential part of Iranian meals as well. Iranians have their special traditional breads. In restaurants, a great part of the menu is dedicated to types of kebabs. Iranian foods like Abgoosht and Dolme make the iranian dining table colorful and diverse. Different iranian sweets are served as desserts. Faloodeh and iranian ice cream are among the country’s main desserts. Shiraz faloodeh is so delicious that it has turned into an attraction of the city(In Shiraz travel guide(لینک به شیراز), we have suggested the best Faloodeh shops in this city) . Therefore, do not miss having Faloodeh in Shiraz. Iranians have breakfast and tea in their diet. Lunch is the main meal and dinner is usually the lightest meal. Iranian caviar possesses international fame and Iran is one of the main producers of caviar in the world.
Handicraft
Iran’s culture and art is tied with its handicraft. Handicrafts are one of tourism attractions especially for those interested in Iran cultural trips. Centuries ago, Iran handicraft passed the borders and achieved international fame. In this section we address some of the most prominent handicrafts of Iran; hand-made objects such valuable to be included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list and now are considered a world heritage.
Persian rug or Iranian carpet, with a history dating back to Achaemenids, is considered the most famous and important handicraft of Iran. Persian rug has been well known from the very past and today, it’s being sold and purchased on an international level. Rug plays an important role in Iran’s culture and art. Almost everywhere in Iran, carpet weaving is common, however, carpets woven in Kashan and Isfahan, Qom, Tabriz and Heris, Fars, Kerman, Mashhad, Torkaman, Hamedan, and Kordestan are internationally famous.
Persian miniature, pottery, vitreous enamel, khatam, bejewelling, Kalamkari and Termeh are some other iranian arts and handicrafts which have taken international fame.
Unique Ceremonies
Iran, with many important and historical shrines, mosques, churches, fire temples and synagogues, is considered a holy place for pilgrims of different religions. The holy shrine of Imam Reza, Shia’s eighth’s Imam in Mashhad, has made Iran an important country for Shia muslims in particular. The annual ceremony and pilgrimage in the St. Thaddeus Monastery In Julfa attracts thousands of christians from all over the world. According to the Iranian Jews belief, the Tomb of Esther and Mordechai houses the remains of the biblical Queen Esther and her uncle Mordechai, and it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Jews in Iran. Chak Chak mountain (Pir-e Sabz) near Ardakan, Yazd, is one of the most sacred Zoroastrian shrines in the world, which is of great importance and value to the followers of this religion. Of Course people from other religions can take part in these pilgrimage rituals as well and learn about the culture and beliefs of their followers. In “ Travel To The Land Of Four Religions” you can visit all these wonders.
Norooz is the celebration of the beginning of spring and the Persian new year. This ceremony is one of the most important ones in Iran and dates back to the very old days. This ceremony has its special rituals such as fireworks. In Norooz, an arrangement of symbolic items is displayed in Iranian houses and during 13 days of it, people gather together and visit each other.
The longest night of the year is called Chelle night or Yalda. This ceremony is an old tradition and is one of the most important Iranian ceremonies. Today, this ceremony is being held just as before. Yalda is a celebration of the beginning of the winter. On this night people gather together and sit until the sun rises. The elder family members are essential to this ceremony.
In addition to the aforementioned ceremonies, Iranian people celebrate and respect religious ceremonies and rituals, which are mainly Islamic. One of the most important rituals is held in Moharam. During the first ten days of muharram, Iranian shiei muslums mourn the martyrdom of Hussein, shii’s third imam. In Muharram, people wear black and distribute free food and drink in the streets. Iranian shias also celebrate half of Shaban, the birthday of the 12th shi’a imam. On this day, they distribute sweets, syrup and juice in the street and decorate valleys and streets.
In contrast to the genuine iranian rituals and ceremonies which are based on the natural and solar calendar, islamic ceremonies and events match with the lunar calendar and we cannot determine an accurate date for them.
Iranian People
Iran is very wide and has taken in so many different etnic groups in it. Everywhere in Iran, you would see different dialects, clothings, architecture styles and rituals. This could be very interesting for those interested in Iran cultural tours and Iran eco-cultural tours. However, since Iranian cultures from all over the country share lots of items, here we address some of common features found in different Iranian etnic groups.
Hospitality, warmness and being open to others are among the positive features of Iranians. Patience is considered as one of their best features as well. Hospitality is their valuable character which forms a great part of oral and written culture, literature and social life of Iranian people. In Persian, lots of words have been derived from the word “guest”. Also there is a load of proverbs, beliefs and rituals surrounding this concept. In any Iranian house, there is a room with the best light and location, furniture and decoration, always neat and tidy to host guests.
Most Iranians welcome their guests cheerfully, offer them the best dishes and choose the most delicate words when talking to them.
The humbleness of the host, the freedom of the guest and keeping the house peaceful are among the etiquettes of Iranians in parties. Deytrips tour and travel agency guarantees that travel to Iran will provide you with the unique and adorable memories from Iranians’ hospitality.
The main difference of Iran from neighboring countries
Iran is located in the middle-east. Despite the fact that the middle-east has undergone so many conflicts and unrests, fortunately Iran is considered the safe pole of this district and enjoys stable conditions. By planning your trip to Iran, you can visit the amazing and mysterious middle-east and in the meanwhile, have peace of mind regarding safety. Middle-east nations, due to the conflicts, lack of safety and their endeavor for survival, are mostly conservative and cautious toward foreigners. However, for the safety rules in Iran cities(لینک به صفحه اصلی دیستنیشن) and more importantly, considering a culture rooted in interaction and altruism, Iranians are open and hospitable towards guests. Iranians will host you just because of yourself and money and relations do not play a role here. For more details Iran Safety.
UNESCO World Heritage
Unesco is an educational, scientific and cultural organization under the supervision of the United Nations whose task in a nutshell is to promote peace and knowledge culture through information and communication. To do so, one of the organization’s activities is to introduce cultural and natural attractions of different countries. These attractions are called UNESCO world heritage. These attractions which may include forests, cities, human made structures, and …, are considered as the most important cultural, historical and natural sites in the world; and should be protected as a heritage for all the humans disregarding race, religion, and ethnicity in any span of time.
To be included on World Heritage List, sites much enjoy the following criteria:
Cultural Criteria
to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria)
Iran is a country of two many faces, any part of which is linked with different cultures and social traditions. However, there is an amazing integration among these cultures and diversities. Considering climate, etnic rituals, historical and cultural attractions and also modern lifestyles in cities and peaceful life routines in villages, it is so rich to satisfy any type of needs.
All of these together make this vast country attractive for anyone with any kind of attitudes and interests. This amazing diversity not only satisfies all kinds of travel needs, but also provides an opportunity for people to experience what has been previously unknown, taste delicious food one wouldn’t imagine could exist in the world, or even to meet cultures and etnic groups who may solve chronic problems with their wisdom.
Deytrips, as a credible Iran tour operator, recommends Iran cultural tours and Iran adventure tours fanatics to have a trip to Iran. We guarantee that after this trip to Iran, you will have a broader and more beautiful point of view toward the world.
Reference: Deytrips tour & travel agency