Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, is a celebration rooted in tradition for 300 million people worldwide. This celebration of Persian origins is a time of renewal and carries with it a message of peace for all people. The name Nowruz (“نوروز” in Persian), contains two words: “now” and “ruz,” meaning “new day” in the Avestan […]
With poets like Sa’adi, Hafez, and Khayyam, it’s hardly surprising that Persian is considered to be a poetic language. Iranians commonly refer to it as “the sweet language,” claiming that everything sounds better in Persian. Here are just some of the most beautiful words that will have you falling in love with this language. Ârezu Pronounce […]
There’s something calming about water, and stumbling upon a lake while on a hike is general cause for excitement. Iran has a varied landscape, and though it’s probably most associated with mountains and deserts, the country is full of these mini-paradises as well. From salt flats to crystal clear water, we take a tour of […]
Islands don’t usually come to mind when talking about Iran, but in fact, it has several in the Persian Gulf. The largest is dolphin-shaped Qeshm, known as “the island of seven wonders.” Read on to discover 13 reasons why everyone needs to visit this amazing island. Untouched nature Caves, canyons, forests, and narrow passes, all […]
During Mehrabad’s status as Tehran’s international airport, it was Azadi Tower, the sentry to the capital city, that welcomed all visitors. A silent witness to Iran’s major historical events, this tower remains Tehran’s most iconic landmark. Read on to learn a brief history of the Azadi Tower. In 1966, 24-year-old architecture student Hossein Amanat won a […]
Although there are some beautiful high-rises and phenomenally innovative villas and residential towers in Tehran, there’s no doubt the most spectacular ones are those that have withstood the test of time. From European influence to modern takes on the traditional, here are 10 of the most impressive buildings in the capital of Iran. Cinema Museum Walking […]
ran has plenty of tourist attractions and places that you wouldn’t want to miss by any means, especially on your first trip. But in between these sites, Culture Trip has rounded up a few options that will personalize your experience a bit more and allow you to be among the people and fit in like […]
While the countless historical sites, monuments, and museums in Tehran can easily fill up a visitor’s day, there are some off-the-radar activities that can offer more insight into both the present and past of the Iranian capital and its people. Here’s a list of 10 unusual things to do in Tehran. Go gallery-hopping Tehran has […]
Persepolis: Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (ca. 550–330 BC). It is situated 60 km northeast of the city of Shiraz in Fars Province, Iran. The earliest remains of Persepolis date back to 515 BC. It exemplifies the Achaemenid style of architecture. UNESCO declared the ruins of Persepolis a World Heritage Site […]
History of Persia (Beginning – Revolution) C. 8000-7500 BC – Pre-Pottery Neolithic period c. 8000 BC – First settlements on the Iranian plateau; the earliest domestication of sheep and goats in Iran c. 7500-5000 BC – Pottery Neolithic period c. 6300 BC – First evidence of copper smelting in Iran c. 5000-3500 BC – Chalcolithic period […]