Iran

A land of friendliness, Islamic traditions, beautiful architecture, and delicious food. Welcome to Iran. The country has been a melting pot of Greek, Arab, Turkic and Mongol cultures throughout the years. Which also made Iran historically wealthy. 

Tehran, the capital city of Iran, is located at the foothills of Alborz Mountains. This perhaps is the most secular and liberal city in the whole country. Like most parts of Iran, Teheran is also a historically rich city. The city boasts a couple of excellent museums, a Grand Bazaar, and the impressive Azadi Tower. Golestan Palace with ornate rooms and marble throne is evidence of the Qajar dynasty. 

Esfahan is one of Iran’s major highlights. The early 17th-century Naqsh-e Jahan square (also known as the Imam Square) is one of the world’s largest. The city also has a historic bazaar and appealing architecture. Mashhad is the second-largest city (after Teheran) in Iran. The city is known as the country’s holiest city. Mashhad’s Imam Reza Shrine is one of the largest mosques in the world. Mashhad is also famous for its top-class carpets. Tabriz is another historic city in the country. It used to be a historic Silk Road city with a sprawling bazaar. The Tabriz Bazaar is still one of the city’s major highlights. Azeri culture, carpets, and teahouses are what Tabriz do the best. Needless to say that Tabriz is home to some great historical architecture as well. 

In central Iran, Yazd is another UNESCO world heritage certified historical city in the country. Boasting hundreds of years old history, Yazd’s mud-brick old town is a delight to explore. In the south-western part of the country, Shiraz is an ancient city with a rich history of more than two millennia. This is where the Persian culture evolves the most. The city’s stunning architecture can be seen in the 19th-century mosque of Masjed-e Nasir Al Molk. Just around 60km away from Shiraz, Persepolis is another historical city with extensive ruins of an ancient Persian empire. Today the ruins are a UNESCO world heritage site. In further south-east, Pir-e Sabz, a Zoroastrians’ sacred site is a point of attraction in the small village of Chak Chak. 

Alamut valley is one of the prime attractions of the western part of Iran. This is where the mysterious medieval Castles of the Assassins are located. Alamut and Lamiasar Castle are two of the most famous ones. The historic hydraulic water system in the Shushtar city is another worthwhile attraction to check out in western Iran. 

Whatever the reason behind your trip to Iran, the fascinating history and culture and friendly locals will always make your trip wonderful.