IRAN
GEOGRAPHY
Iran is a land of different hues and tourists enjoy exploring the land. Islamic Republic of Iran is situated in the south-western Asia; in the northern hemisphere it is at the junction of Middle East and the remaining Asia. This flat upland is bounded by the Persian Gulf the Gulf of Oman and Caspian Sea to the south, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east, the Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Armenia to the north and Iraq and Turkey to the west.
The geographical topology is classified into four zones; west along with south west is desert land, the area in between river Tigris and Euphrates is plateau, north and northeast is elevation, the river course of Tigris and Euphrates has fertile land all along.
About one-third of Iran consists of mountains, steppes, and salt deserts. It is dominantly an agriculture country. Farmers grow cereals, cotton, dates, rice, sugar, beet, tea, and tobacco on irrigated land.
Major cities include Esfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, and Shiraz.
Highest elevation is dormant volcano Damavand in Elburz Mountains at 18603 ft near Tehran. A long stretch of desert occurs is in North West to south west direction.
Chief Rivers Karun. Largest lake is Urmia.
Frequent earthquake in the region cannot be ruled out.
CAPITAL
The capital city is Tehran is at the base of mountain Alborz. It is on East West route leading to fertile province in the north.
CLIMATE
Subtropical and tropical arid with higher precipitation on the Caspian Sea Coast between October and April; in north-west it is sub-polar at its peak between December and January. Spring season is pleasant but summers are arid and blazing. The south experiences scorching summer heat but winters are moderate. The Caspian shore is humid.
Skin show is disapproved it is advisable to adorn virtuous clothing. Islam dictums are full covering with head scarf for women. Cling long dress is also disapproved. Too much jewelry and make up is also not appropriate with the culture.
Natural fabrics clothing are comfortable in the prevailing climate; for sun protection sunglasses a hat is most suitable. Light-weight cardigan is necessary as nights can be chilly.
HISTORY
Iran inhabitants occupied the southern coast of Caspian Sea as early as 10,000 BC; these people have been credited with starting of agriculture as a way of life. Many dynasties came and went leaving behind confusion and chaos. The Persian Empire was laid by Cyrus in 6th century BC it was ruined by Alexander the Great in 330 BC; the land was after this plundered by Parthians, Arabs, the Mongols and successive Turk regime. It was halfway through the 7th century that Persian faith Zoroastrianism was replaced by Islam. Apart from this nothing changed and in the next 1000 years the power struggle of different rules of varying nationality played havoc on the land. The historical name of Iran was Persia till 1935.
In the 18th and the 19th century the discovery of oil intensified the conflict among European Nations to take control of the country. The year 1921 saw the country with dictatorship reign under Reza Khan and later it became a heredity position with the name of Shah. In 1979 the Shah was displaced and the country was declared the Islamic Republic of Iran and Ayatollah Khomeini the sacred jurist. It was Khomeini’s religious calls that in 1963 gradually lead to the upheaval.
TOURISM
There are abundant choices for tourist and their families to enjoy the land. There are beaches, caves, churches, lakes, gardens, mausoleums, historical monuments, and mosques of different periods, palaces in their glory, skiing facilities and even heritage sites. In spite of being a conservative nation its tourist facilities are appreciable.
Isfahan city has existed since bible period and is now labeled as universal heritage. It was once a capital city in the 18th century. Zagros Mountains water Zayandeh River which flows from here. This place has religious significance and many tourist visit Iran specially to be here. Other attraction includes carpet producing center Kashan in the vicinity. A beautiful garden lay out in the 19th century Bagh-e-Fin is still well maintained and pleasing to the eyes.
Mashad is another pious city here; Imam Reza is buried here. Mashad spices are famous far and wide; the best quality saffron grows here. This place is in the vicinity of Nishapur where the legendary Omar Khayyam was born.
Lakes and swampy land excursion is best done at Anzali; the zenithal experience of altitudes is best done at Alvand summit, see the best of jungles and valleys at Bazoft Forest and Shahr-e-Kond. Conserved wildlife attracts many tourists to Dena Wildlife and Boyer Ahmad. A huge cave with water network is at Alisadr and Kabudrahang. Dowlat Abad Garden at Yazd and Persian Gulf Island Kish are other tourist destinations.
Masjid E Jumeh or the Friday Mosque is 18th century mosque maintained in its former glory. It is a pious place of worship and admired for its pleasing symmetry in proportion.
On display at The Central Bank in the capital city of Tehran are treasure trove of priceless gems like rubies to emeralds and a huge diamond the only of its kind in the world.
ACCOMMODATION
The class of accommodation depends on star international classification which exists mostly in cities and descends up to the most frugal one room type or mosaferkhunebs; guest houses and resorts are available at some places. The fresh addition of hotels is equivalent to the best in the globe.
FOOD
Food of other nationalities is available in certain places. In the menu Persian dishes are synonymous with Iran specialty. The Iran traditional rice is cooked as Chelo boiled rice accompanied with sauces and meat or polo which is enriched while cooking with other ingredients. The traditional Persian dish is rice with Khoresh a meat dish with vegetables. A dish prepared with broiled lamb and eaten with rice is called Chelo Kabab. A meat stew dish Abgusht is relished by locals and tourists alike. Ash a type of soap is available in a number of varied forms. Stuffed vegetable or fruit with meat is Dolmeh; it is eaten hot and cold with different fillings. Kufteh Tabrizi is meat balls to be added to ant dish or eaten as such. An egg dish is Kuku which is enriched with vegetables. Nan circular bread comes in different classification and cooking style accompany different meals.
Tea without milk is relished by most; Coffee is not a popular drink here.
The cuisine of Iran is rich and tasty however the vegetarian may not find a lot of choice in cooked food there is ample fruit available to enjoy.
POPULATION
Persian or Farsi makes roughly two thirds of the population, One-fourth Turki, some Kurds, and about 27 other minority groups.
Religion is Islam.
Persian or Farsi is the official language of communication.
Rial is the currency of exchange.
The economy depends greatly on oil and natural gas although there is also some engineering and light industry.
SHOPPING
Iran is famous for traditional crafts such as rug, ceramic, clay craft, blow glass items, stone and wood carving, and textile making. Isfahan is renowned for copper and silver craft as well as for textiles and metal work; inlaid carving comes from Shiraz, and Tehran. Shiraz boasts of marquetry, intricate mosaics on wood. Blue glazed pottery can be brought from Hamadan. Tourists love the delicate intricate place specific fine hand work of inlay work on mother of pearl and apier mache, for gift.
The cultural changes of the past are reflected in the buildings and sight seeing places of the nation. It is a land of mystery as children we have read a few stories of the land which work magic on our imagination. Visit the land and get lost in its magical power, enjoy your stay!
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