TOURISM IN IRAN
10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Iran
A Different Experience
Iran is a land of rich history, intertwined with influential civilizations that have left an impact on the world. Today, with its ancient heritage, Iran envisions a prosperous future within its vast and diverse geography. Visiting Iran guarantees a truly unique and unparalleled experience. From the moment you arrive, you will be captivated by its countless attractions and enchanted by the harmony of its natural wonders, historical treasures, and the warm hospitality of its people.
An affordable journey that will leave indelible experiences in your memory forever, and in friendly gatherings, you will have stories to tell from these experiences.
1. Majestic Hospitality
From Smiles to Memories
In the company of the social people of Iran, you will experience a distinct approach and style of hospitality. They greet you with kindness and sincerity, making every effort to ensure you have a delightful time. Their hospitality is accompanied by tea and pastries, while also respecting your privacy.
This behavior is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical. They are unwavering in their commitment to hospitality, constantly striving to bring joy to their guests. It is a testament to their moral values. The warm and genuine spirit of Iranian hospitality leaves behind pleasant and serene memories.
2. Majestic Heritage
From History to Culture
Abundant and awe-inspiring treasures of Iranian architecture and art await you in the ancient and historical sites of Iran. Among them are 26 outstanding Iranian masterpieces that have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List up until the writing of this booklet. Observing these manifestations of Iranian culture will evoke profound emotions and meaningful thoughts.
Beautifully adorned mosques with turquoise tiles, exquisite Iranian gardens immersed in the play of light and water, palaces, and ancient houses all form part of Iran’s magnificent and admirable heritage. They narrate the rich history of this land and showcase the culture of its people to the world.
Architectural masterpieces blend the realms of mathematical precision and spiritual foundations, eliciting a profound sense of discovery within the soul of the observer.
3. Majestic Events
From Mythology to Modernity
By delving into the rich culture of the Iranian people, you will discover their centuries-old tradition of embracing magnificent and meaningful festivals that bridge contemporary life with ancient customs. Many of these festivals have deep roots in ancient patterns and mythologies, and some have even been recognized as intangible heritage by UNESCO.
Celebrations such as Nowruz (Persian New Year), Chaharshanbe Suri (Fire Festival), Haft-seen (Traditional New Year’s table setting), Ta’zieh (Passion Play), Yalda Night (Winter Solstice), as well as religious festivities like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Sadeh Festival, and the rituals associated with visiting Thaddeus Church are just a few examples that acquaint you with the vibrant tapestry of Iranian culture.
4. Majestic Handicrafts
From Art to Souvenirs
A wide range of souvenirs and remarkable artistic creations can be discovered in Iran’s traditional and modern markets. However, if you complement your shopping with the ambiance of traditional markets and the observation of seasoned artisans, shopping transforms into a richer experience beyond the ordinary.
Iranian handicrafts possess their own distinct cultural, artistic, and historical characteristics. Considering available climate and materials, Iranian artists create delicate and enduring works through their unique methods and attention to detail
What sets these creations apart is not only their exceptional quality but also their harmony with the environment, making them a wise and valuable choice.
A simple internet search or reading travelogues of both ancient and contemporary explorers will convince you that intricately woven Iranian rugs reflect the essence of all Iranian arts. Additionally, ceramics, jewelry, architecture, tilework, painting, weaving, music, calligraphy and metalwork stand as remarkable artistic achievements in Iran. By selecting from this diverse array, you can complete your collection of souvenirs and conclude the journey with a sense of fulfillment.
5. Majestic Gastronomy
From Appetizers to Desserts
Iranian delicacies and beverages, cherished heritage of mothers and grandmothers for the new generation, will leave an enduring imprint of unique flavors in your palate’s memory, thanks to the skillful culinary expertise of Iranian chefs.
Exploring the hidden treasures of Iranian gastronomy reveals an orchestration of flavors stemming from the harmonious blend of indigenous herbs and spices, like saffron, and the patient art of slow cooking.
Embarking on a culinary journey in Iran offers a tantalizing array of delights in the realm of appetizers known as “khanche” or “sini.” Within this realm, one encounters a symphony of fragrant rice dishes, aromatic stews, tantalizing pickles, luscious sweets, refreshing sherbets, invigorating herbal teas and captivating distillations. And when it comes to desserts, the choices abound, from savoring dried fruits and nuts to indulging in the richness of halva, the coolness of ice cream and the artistry of pastries crafted in diverse regions.
Certainly, keep in mind that due to the expansiveness of this four-season country, you will have the opportunity to savor a variety of dishes with diverse flavors in every corner of Iran. These flavors are derived from cultural diversity, agricultural and livestock resources, as well as a wide array of different spices.
6. Majestic Literature
From Avesta to Shahnameh
Persian literature possesses distinct characteristics that set it apart from other languages of the world. One truly grasps this notion when visiting the historical homes or grand mausoleums of the poets of this land, immersing oneself in the significance and reverence accorded to these poets by the Iranian people. Poetry has been the starting point for their thoughts, history, and global mission, as evident in the verses of the “Gathas. (Attributed to the Iranian prophet, Zoroaster, 660 BC). Consequently, the Persian language finds its roots in Avesta.
From the time of Zoroaster to the present day, poetry remains the language through which aspirations and desires are expressed by this nation.
A brief exploration of Iranian poetry and literature leads us to the remarkable figure of Ferdowsi, who masterfully wielded the enchanting power of the Persian language in his epic poetry. Continuing in his path, Sana’i, Khayyam, Attar, and Rumi embraced the dynamic ideas, safeguarding the majesty of the Persian language.
Saadi’s poems have further enriched the Iranian poetic tradition with their moral themes and social traditions.
However, Hafez, who holds immense popularity among people, especially the younger generation, has become a global figure beyond imagination. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the poet, philosopher, and one of the pillars of world literature, praised Hafez and drew inspiration from him.
Contemporary Iranian literature, enriched by modernist poets, writers, and translators, encompasses various forms such as new poetry, fiction, and plays, allowing you to derive greater pleasure from the diverse content of literature.
7. Majestic Initiatives
From qanats to Chapar khaneh
Throughout millennia and past centuries, Iranians have consistently employed innovation to convert challenging and unconventional environments into prosperous and delightful spaces. While the list of Iranian initiatives and inventions in this domain is extensive, a concise reference is made to some of them:
Qanats, also known as kariz, are among these remarkable initiatives. With patience and perseverance, the builders of qanats excavated long tunnels to extract water from the depths of the earth, bringing abundance to their villages and cities. Qanats can be considered masterpieces of water resource management engineering and were an innovative technology of their time. Even today, in some of Iran’s desert cities, they are still being used.
Windcatcher towers, another thrilling innovation, channel the breeze indoors, maintaining coolness – an intelligent historic remedy for enduring scorching desert days.
Beside qanats and windcatchers, Iran’s ingenuity includes Chapar Khaneh (post houses) in the world’s oldest postal system, caravanserais for travelers’ comfort and security, astonishing icehouses for summer food preservation, and the Asbad (windbreak) technology, developed to harness the wind for winnowing wheat, barley, and more, stands as another testament to Iran’s native ingenuity.
Amid these diverse, magnificent creations, the medical use of alcohol and precise timepiece design stand as but a few of Iran’s remarkable innovations.
8. Majestic Nature
From Desert to Forest
If you have an interest in climbing, consider Mount Damavand, Asia’s tallest volcano. It stands in the southern part of the Mazandaran Sea within the heart of the Alborz mountain range, reaching an elevation of 5610 meters. This peak invites you for both summer and winter ascents. Furthermore, the Zagros mountain range in western Iran is also conducive to mountain activities.
For those captivated by forest exploration, the enchanting Hyrcanian forests await in northern Iran, gracefully hugging the Caspian Sea coastline. Spanning over an impressive 850 kilometers, these woodlands house an array of unique flora and fauna, including the elusive Persian Leopard and the elegant Lilium Ledebouri. Notably, they have earned UNESCO World Heritage distinction.
Forest trekking, birdwatching, and camping, as well as staying in the lush highlands of northern Iran, will simultaneously invigorate your adventurous spirit and soothe your desire for tranquility.
If you’re passionate about desert exploration, the sun and sandy dunes beckon you to embark on an exhilarating desert journey in Iran’s arid landscapes. Walking on the soft sands, setting up camp, and gazing at the star-studded desert sky during the night will undoubtedly create lasting and cherished memories. The desert region of Iran, stretching from its central areas to the eastern parts, boasts remarkable diversity, providing opportunities for various desert-adventure activities like camel riding, safaris, motorcycling, and even sand skiing.
The southern coast of Iran provides an ideal destination for various water-based recreations. Here, you will encounter pristine and untouched islands, while the warm-hearted locals serve as hospitable guides in unraveling the natural wonders of the southern region.
If nature exploration is among your interests, the waterfalls, springs, and wetlands of the Zagros mountain range provide an ideal backdrop for activities like hiking, trekking, scaling high peaks, and even fishing.
If caving is your passion, the presence of over 2500 identified caves with diverse features such as marshy, aquatic, and calcareous formations will undoubtedly capture your attention. Among the largest ones are Kotleh Khor Cave in Zanjan Province, Nakhjir Cave in Markazi Province, and Alisadr Cave in Hamedan Province.
9. Majestic Stay
From Locals to Luxerious
The options for accommodation when traveling to Iran are diverse. One can embark on a journey to remote and pristine areas, either alone with a backpack or with friends, immerse themselves in local communities and experience a fresh style of life at an affordable cost. Alternatively, they can opt for delightful stays in luxurious five-star hotels and boutique accommodations. Entering the rural countryside, participating closely in agricultural or livestock activities with the hosts, savoring natural delicacies and beverages and sharing in the joys and festivities of the local people—all these are unique experiences.
Therefore, Catering to every taste, there are diverse options for all types of travelers, whether it’s experiencing accommodation in a centuries-old caravanserai, spending a night in rock houses, or staying in a luxurious hotel.
10. Majestic Living
From Serenity to Treatment
If you’re considering well-equipped medical facilities, one of the options that will undoubtedly come to your attention is Iran. It’s a wise choice! A little research will reveal that Iranian skilled physicians have global recognition, and advanced specialized hospitals attract numerous patients from various regions around the world, including the Middle East, neighboring countries, and beyond.
Among the popular medical services sought by international visitors in Iran are dermatology and cosmetic treatments, fertility treatments, ophthalmology, cardiovascular procedures including stent placement, orthopedics, joint replacement, major surgeries, and services such as endoscopy, cancer diagnosis and treatment, organ transplantation, and dental care, which are all noteworthy.
During this medical journey, Medical applicants will have the opportunity to benefit from the serene and healing nature of mountainous, forested, desert, and coastal regions, as well as therapeutic hot springs.
Remember that traditional Iranian medicine also has a significant number of enthusiasts, and you can experience it in its own unique spaces. Prevention takes precedence over treatment in traditional Iranian medicine, and its core principles emphasize the use of herbal remedies, offering you a healthy lifestyle
Majestic Heritage
Cultural and natural heritage sites inscribed by UNESCO reflect the essence of a nation and its landscape. With 26 registered sites (as of the current time), Iran holds the tenth position globally in terms of the highest number of UNESCO-listed properties.
1. Persepolis
The remnants of the historical complex of Persepolis (dating back to 518 BCE) transcend the boundaries of urban concepts, construction technology, and art of its era. The architects ingeniously carved images of dignitaries, soldiers, and tribute bearers onto its surfaces, narrating stories to observers and showcasing the innovative brilliance of that era. This architecture, technology, landscape design, and everything related to it, together present a magnificent representation of significant historical stages.
Today, you have the opportunity to climb the ceremonial staircases alongside the guests of the Achaemenid kings, be awed by the captivating architecture of the palace complex, and witness the ingenuity of people from 2500 years ago up close as they transported and used colossal stone sculptures.
2. Choga Zanbil
At this temple, you’ll encounter numerous brick inscriptions seemingly holding hidden secrets. Deciphering these inscriptions underscores the sanctity of the site, believed to be a gift from Untash-Gal, the Elamite king, to Inshushinak, the celestial guardian of Shush city. Its construction dates back 1250 years before Christ. Archaeologists regard this structure as Iran’s earliest religious building.
Chogha Zanbil’s pyramidal architecture, the largest ziggurat outside of Mesopotamia and a prime example of stepped pyramid structures, sets it apart. Each level is positioned independently on the ground but not directly above the lower one, resulting in a distinctive design.
This five-tiered sanctuary comprises three concentric tiers made of mud bricks. The central tier houses the main temple, the second tier accommodates small palaces and temples, and the third tier encompasses the Chogha Zanbil purification house, underground royal palaces, and tombs.
3. Meidan Emam, Isfahan
Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan is one of the world’s largest urban squares and a remarkable representation of Iranian and Islamic architecture. Constructed in the early 17th century AD, it spans over 9 hectares and is bordered by four grand and exceptionally beautiful structures. All four, including Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Qeysarieh, and Imam Mosque, were percisely designed, harmonized, and integrated.
Historical sources and travelogues of explorers suggest that this square was once a venue for polo matches and royal games. Strolling and shopping in the surrounding handicraft shops complete the pieces of your puzzle-like journey to Iran.
4. Takht-e Sulaiman
The ancient site of Takht-e Soleyman, located in northwestern Iran, encompasses structures from both pre and post-Islamic eras. Its enigmatic lake and the surrounding landscape create an extraordinary spectacle. This site hosts a temple attributed to Anahita (the guardian of all waters in ancient Iran) and one of the three principal fire temples of the Sassanians.
Another notable aspect of this site is its connection to one of the world’s earliest monotheistic religions (Zoroastrianism), as well as ties to pre-Zoroastrian beliefs, myths, and legends.
5. Bam and its Cultural Landscape
Arg-e Bam, an architectural marvel, is an exceptional portrayal of the emergence of a commercial city within a desert environment, aided by qanats and the interaction between humans and nature. During its zenith, this citadel functioned based on a well-organized social structure with precise duties and responsibilities.
Comprising administrative quarters, towers, citadels, and resilient mud-brick residences, Arg-e Bam sustained dynamic and efficient life for centuries, serving as a hub for East-West trade.
Though a devastating earthquake in 2003 inflicted significant damage on this citadel, what remains is still considered a precious global heritage.
6. Pasargadae
Pasargadae, the capital of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE, stands as a prime example of Iran’s diverse architecture and a wellspring of global archaeological inspiration. The tomb of Cyrus, the dynasty’s founder, showcases an elegantly simple yet profoundly grand design that leaves an enchanting impact. Amid the 160-hectare expanse of Pasargadae, you will discover remnants like Mozaffari Caravanserai, Stone Tower, Bolaghi Gorge, Tal-e Takht, and a collection of royal palaces. The meticulously preserved traces of water channels on the site’s map offer glimpses into Iran’s earliest garden concepts.
7. Soltaniyeh
This octagonal building, graced with eight minarets and a double-shell dome, was erected by Sultan Mohammad Khodabandeh (the eighth ruler of the Ilkhanate dynasty) in the vast plains near Zanjan. Now located a few kilometers from the city, it presents a striking view with its blue-colored dome from a distance.
The structure boasts a regal scale, harmonious proportions, and rich colors. Entering it, you wouldn’t anticipate such magnificence. Well-positioned openings guide abundant light inside, and despite its size, the dome exudes grace, authority, and beauty.
Sultanieh’s dome ranks among one of the world’s largest brick domes, a veritable masterpiece. The interior patterns, designs, inscriptions, and muqarnas are exceptional in both design and color. Additionally, the dome’s interior is adorned with various inscriptions meticulously depicted in gypsum paint. Sultanieh’s dome stands out as one of the most significant surviving structures from the Ilkhanate period (1256 to 1356 AD) in Iran.
8. Bisotun
Bisotun in Kermanshah unveils captivating tales of history and the might of Iran’s dynastic periods, concealing ancient mysteries within. The remarkable and exquisite bas-relief carved on the Bisotun rock in 521 BCE, commissioned by Darius the Great, is a masterpiece in three languages—Ancient Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian. It stands as an extraordinary reflection of the artistic and literary advancements during the Achaemenid era.
This unique inscription is the sole surviving text from the Achaemenid era, chronicling specific historical events linked to Darius the Great’s restoration of kingship. Deciphered in the 19th century, this inscription represents the first decoded cuneiform script. The Bisotun historical site, spanning 187 hectares, contains traces from prehistoric times to the Median period (8th to 7th centuries BCE), the Achaemenid period (6th to 4th centuries BCE), and the post-Achaemenid eras.
9. Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran
Azerbaijan is home to Iran’s oldest churches. Among them, the Armenian monastic ensembles of Qareh Kalisa, St. Stepanos, and Zorzor stand as the primary vestiges of ancient Armenian culture in the region. These three historic structures bear witness to the interplay of Armenian architectural culture with Roman, Iranian, Eastern Orthodox, and Assyrian influences.
Russian orientalist Vladimir Minorsky noted that Armenians from all over the country, regardless of age, gather at Thaddeus Monastery each year to partake in religious ceremonies during specific days in the summer. This tradition is still upheld annually by Armenians.
10. Historic Hydraulic System of Shushtar
The Karun River, near the ancient city of Shushtar, bifurcates, effectively turning the city into an island—a resource adroitly harnessed by its inhabitants for centuries. To truly appreciate Iran’s unparalleled water engineering prowess, a visit to Shushtar’s hydraulic structures is highly recommended.
This industrial complex, conceivably dating back to the Sassanian era or earlier, comprises components such as water channels, dam bridges, guiding tunnels, and mills. Each was meticulously planned and executed to ensure an optimal water supply for both the city and its agricultural lands.
French explorer Jane Dieulafoy (1851-1916) recounted in his travel logs that Shapur I (the 10th ruler of the Sasanian Empire, 309 to 379 AD) masterminded the management of the Karun River’s flow with the assistance of Roman engineers. He elevated water levels and directed channels to irrigate previously barren lands. This intricate complex is celebrated as one of the world’s largest pre-industrial complexes.
11.Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
A visit to the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex is like embarking on a journey through a city within a city. This bustling bazaar encompasses chambers, caravanserais, teahouses, mosques, schools, and bathhouses, creating a harmonious urban ensemble where architectural structures and spaces seamlessly blend together. Tabriz has been a longstanding hub for cultural exchange, and its historic bazaar played a pivotal role as a commercial center along the Silk Road. Its strategic location facilitated diverse social, economic, and cultural activities over centuries. Even today, the Tabriz bazaar stands as a living testament, offering an extensive collection of cultural, social, and commercial aspects that resonate with traders and visitors alike.
12. Sheikh Safi al-din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil
The Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili Mausoleum Complex (1252-1334 A.D) offers a sanctuary of spiritual tranquility. Once resembling a miniature city with bustling markets, public baths, lively squares, religious edifices, homes, and administrative buildings, it embodied the essence of a Sufi monastery and shrine. This remarkable Sufi center provides insights into architecture and art spanning the 14th to 18th century.
The mausoleum’s significance lies in its architectural fusion of Ilkhanid and Timurid influences, enriched by Sufi philosophy. Unique spatial arrangements and intricate decorative motifs set it apart, serving as a prototype for subsequent monasteries and shrines. The mausoleum’s interiors and facades emanate a serene ambiance, now enshrining Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili. His descendants later went on to establish the Safavid dynasty in Iran.
13. The Persian Garden
The Persian garden is a unique fusion of landscaping and palace architecture, reflecting the Iranians’ worldview. American Iranologist Arthur Upham Pope noted, “The Iranians’ love for trees, water, and flowers has transformed into an eternal passion, embodied in the Persian garden.” He further stated, “A garden resides in every Iranian’s mind.”
These Persian gardens, often nestled in arid and desert regions, have evolved with a consistent pattern across various historical eras, shaping their distinct identity. Defining features include a quadrilateral shape, enclosed by walls, division into four main sections, symmetry, use of straight and geometrical lines, a central main building, controlled water flow, presence of pools, innovative irrigation systems, and arrangement of plant species based on garden principles.
14, Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan
The Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan showcases a captivating evolution in mosque architecture spanning centuries. In this mosque, one can observe the details of a millennium of transformation in Islamic art through the architectural elements of eight historical periods. The mosque’s designers ingeniously melded the courtyard layout of Sassanian palaces with Islamic religious architecture, resulting in a pioneering design.
The most captivating segment of the mosque is the Oljeitu Mihrab, commemorating Sultan Mohammad Khodabandeh’s conversion to Shia Islam. Its double-shelled domes inspired certain Central Asian mosques’ construction and became a model for dome design in subsequent Islamic architecture globally.
15. Gonbad-e Qābus
Near the ancient city of Gorgan and close to the capital of Al-Ziyar (1006 AD), stands the 53-meter Gonbad-e Qābus . Recognized as one of its time’s tallest brick domes, this cylindrical, hollow tower is composed of unglazed baked bricks. Its intricate geometric pattern culminates in a ten-pointed star at the cone-shaped roof.
Gonbad-e Qābus is an outstanding example of Islamic architecture, influencing the construction of lofty sacred structures in Iran, Anatolia, and Central Asia. It significantly contributed to early Islamic brick architecture, setting a precedent for the region.
16. Golestan Palace
The magnificent Golestan Palace, sprawling across 5.4 hectares in the heart of bustling Tehran, stands as a unique testament to Qajar architectural and decorative art. This enclosed palace complex, among Tehran’s oldest towering structures of its time, served as the seat of the Qajar dynasty’s government. Rising to power in 1779 AD, the dynasty declared Tehran as its capital for the first time.
Within the Golestan Palace, one can witness the earliest examples of combined European and Iranian artistic styles, which gained particular popularity in the late 19th and 20th centuries, inspiring artists in their creations. This palace complex, employing iron casting techniques in certain constructions, is a significant example of adopting European construction technologies. It remained a wellspring of inspiration for contemporary Iranian artists and architects even into the Pahlavi era. Noteworthy buildings within this complex encompass Shams al-Emareh, the Mirror Hall, the Windcatcher Mansion, and the Marble Throne.
17. Shahr-i Sokhta
The first complex societies in eastern Iran settled in Shahr-i Sokhta within the Sistan and Baluchestan Province, making this site of immense value to archaeologists. Occupied as a major residential area approximately from 3200 to 1800 BC across four main habitation phases, the city witnessed the formation of distinct regions within its boundaries.
Archaeologists have uncovered objects like pottery vessels and cylindrical seals, indicating commercial and economic transactions. These findings imply that inhabitants engaged in cultural interactions and trade relations with ancient cultures from the Sindh region, the southern coasts of the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and southwestern Iran.
In addition to these artifacts, intriguing items such as a painted pottery vessel, an artificial eye found in a female’s burial, and a board game reminiscent of backgammon provide astonishing insights into the excavations at Shahr-i Sokhta.
18. Susa
A journey to Susa, nestled in southwestern Iran amidst the Zagros mountain range, is akin to entering an archaeologist’s paradise. Here lies one of the few ancient sites in the Middle East where two major societal and cultural shifts – the emergence of the initial state and urbanization – took place. The remnants of ancient Susa thus serve as extraordinary evidence of successive civilizations spanning over six millennia, along with being the capital of the Elamite (3rd millennium BC) and Achaemenid (1st millennium BC) empires.
Prominent sections of Susa’s archaeological sites encompass the Shapur Palace, Apadana Palace, Eastern Gate, Hadiš Palace, City XV, the Hellenistic village, the acropolis mounds, and the French castle.
19- Maymand Cultural Landscape
Meymand Cultural Landscape
Meymand presents a unique showcase of an exceptional way of life adapted to its arid environment. Nestled in the semi-arid region at the end of a valley in Iran’s central mountains, Meymand’s lifestyle is a blend of pastoral-agrarian existence. Here, villagers graze their livestock in the mountain meadows and inhabit temporary dwellings in the rocky recesses during spring and autumn. These rock recesses, essentially cave dwellings, serve as homes and seasonal shelters. Their traditional lifestyle offers a testament to resilience passed down through generations.
20 – The Persian Qanat
The Persian Qanat epitomize a remarkable ancient technology and stand as a prominent example of Iranians’ adaptation to arid and semi-arid regions. Water is meticulously guided through qanats, employing complex calculations and gravity alone, to reach water-scarce target areas. These underground water transfer systems, also known as hidden rivers, have endured for centuries and even millennia, channeling water from the earth’s depths to nurture greenery and vitality in the midst of parched landscapes. They have contributed to the formation of various cities over time.
21- Historic City of Yazd
Yazd is a marvel in every dimension – architecturally and culturally. A journey to this historic city, nestled in the heart of Iran’s plateau, unveils a living testament to the coexistence of humans and nature. This city’s history, spanning from ancient times to the present, is a vivid testament to survival in the desert using limited water resources.
Yazd’s windcatcher architecture captures and directs the breeze, bringing cool air into homes by creating small whirlwinds over water sources. The city has preserved its houses, neighborhoods, bathhouses, mosques, and old traditional bazaars, built over centuries with local materials.
Furthermore, Yazd boasts the world’s tallest windcatcher and stands as one of the few places where the Zoroastrian way of life persists.
22- Sasanian Archaeological Landscape of the Fars Region
The Sasanian civilization (651-224 AD) is encapsulated within eight archaeological zones across three geographical regions in southeastern Fars Province. This collection includes eight distinctive architectural works, two cities, eight prominent reliefs, a fortress, and two palaces.
The architectural foundation of these zones is the “chahartaqi” style, characterized by connecting four quadrilateral units with arched openings. This architectural style (domed construction) later became influential in Islamic architecture. However, it’s noteworthy that the Sasanian archaeological landscape in the Fars region has absorbed influences from Achaemenid and Parthian cultural traditions that preceded it.
23- Lut Desert
Encompassing four provinces – South Khorasan, Kerman, Yazd, and Sistan and Baluchestan – the vast and mesmerizing Lut Desert ranks among the world’s largest deserts. With a recorded peak temperature of around 70.7 degrees Celsius, it holds some of the hottest spots on Earth.
The Lut Desert is renowned for its prominent natural features, bearing global significance. These include the world’s tallest and longest sand dunes (Yardangs), the tallest sand pyramids (Gandom Beryan), the tallest sand hills, the hottest places on the planet, and being one of the locations with the highest meteorite impact rates.
24- Hyrcanian Forests
In the provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan, you’ll encounter the last remnants of the Hyrcanian forests. Spanning 850 kilometers, this unique plant cover predominantly survives in steep and inaccessible terrain across Iran’s geography.
These forests once spanned even wider areas but receded during ice ages, later expanding in milder climates. Consequently, the seclusion of the Hyrcanian forests significantly contributed to the survival of many endangered plant and animal species, making them an invaluable hotspot of biodiversity.
25- Cultural Landscape of Horaman/Oramanat
Exploring the mountainous regions of Horaman/Oramanat introduces you to the traditional and pristine culture of the Horami people. This area is nestled amidst the Zagros mountain range in the provinces of Kurdistan and Kermanshah, along Iran’s western border. It encompasses two sections: the Central-Eastern Valley (Zhawroud and Takhst in Kurdistan Province) and the Western Valley (Lahun in Kermanshah Province).
The mountainous landscape of Horaman, rich in biodiversity, showcases a unique way of life. The architecture, in harmony with the mountains, relies on stone construction with dry masonry on steep slopes, featuring stepped structures. This reflects the innovative adaptation of the Iranian Kurdish people to the challenging mountainous environment.
26- Iran Railway
The Iran national railway is a valuable industrial heritage, connecting the northeast to the southwest of the country, effectively linking the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf. This railway line traverses rivers, high mountains, forests, and Iranian plains.
A train journey in Iran reveals the beauty of the country’s diverse climatic regions. The 1394-kilometer railway is an engineering marvel, conquering steep gradients, cutting through extensive mountains, constructing both large and small bridges, and winding through spiral tunnels, all with remarkable effect.