Iran-tea

Tea first reached Iran by caravans traveling the Silk Road 450 years before the modern Christian era. Residents were largely coffee drinkers until the seventeenth century but now consume four times the world average for tea.

The beverage is served hot at almost all social occasions and family gatherings.

Every morning, in houses all over Iran, a gas burner flickers to life under a kettle that will continue to boil all day. It boils through morning prayers, lunches of rice and kebabs, afternoon conversation and late into the evening meal, sustaining talk of politics, gossip and news well into the night.

The kettle contains tea, one of the most important cornerstones of Iranian culture, and the tea house is its centuries-old keeper.

culture

culture

 

Tea production is a major industry in the Caspian Sea area and a large part of its economy. Before 1900, there was no tea production in Iran, but in 1895, an Iranian diplomat named Kashef Al Saltaneh decided to change that.

At the time the English had a strict monopoly of tea production in India, with rigid rules against non-Europeans engaging in this trade. Kashef Al Saltaneh, who had studied in Paris as a young man and was fluent in French, went to India, posed as a French businessman, learned the trade and smuggled some tea saplings and seeds to Iran.

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After six years of experimentation, he introduced his first product to the market, and started the industry that revolutionalized the economy of two northern states, Gilan and Mazandaran, and made Iranians avid tea drinkers.

He is known today as the father of Iranian Tea, and his mausoleum, in the city of Lahijan, houses the tea museum.

kashefolsaltane

Further reading reveals that Kashef Al Saltaneh’s other honorable titles include Prince Mohammad Mirza, Iranian ambassador to India, and first mayor of Tehran.  Moreover, the stash that commenced the tea plantation might have actually been 3,000 saplings!

Tea houses, or chaikhanehs, have been in existence since the Persian Empire. They gained prominence after the 15th century, when coffee was abandoned in favour of tea leaves that were easier to come by through China’s Silk Road.

Though once the purview of men, chaikhanehs have increasingly become frequented by all members of society, and especially by Iran’s large youth population.

kerman tea house by travfotos

Iranian tea comes in a variety of subtle flavours, but its defining characteristic is its deep reddish-brown colour, which tea-drinkers can choose to dilute with water depending on their preference. Despite its cultivation in the country’s northern provinces, other teas from Sri Lanka and India are also widely consumed as the country imports a majority of its tea in order to meet the large demand.

tea-party

 

Most chaikhanehs will serve tea on the stronger side unless otherwise indicated by the drinker. The stronger the tea, the higher the concentration of tannin and caffeine, so a good cup of tea is like a good cup of coffee for those who take it straight. Because of its bitterness, many prefer to have sugar with their tea. The traditional way to do this is to take a sugar cube and place it between your teeth. You then sip the tea and allow the sugar to melt. Iranians, especially in colder regions of the country, find this a convenient way to drink multiple cups. Crystal, or rock sugar, can be found throughout the country and bought in spice shops for this specific purpose.

 

The taking of tea is a ritual unto itself: most meetings or formal occasions will begin with the offering of tea, and most meals will end with it. Some chaikhanehs have takhts, or low-rise platforms covered in rugs and pillows that you may recline on. Remove your shoes before doing so; most meals are served on a tablecloth laid at your feet.

Traditionally, tea is served from a samovar, a heating vessel originally imported into Persia from Russia. Literally meaning “self-boiler”, the samovar is used to keep water hot for prolonged periods of time through a fuel-filled pipe in the middle of the structure that heats the contents surrounding it. Made from copper, brass, silver or gold, the samovar is still used throughout Russia, central Asia and Iran, and ornate versions from the -Qajar dynasty may still be found in use.

Chaikhanehs come in all shapes and forms, from the simple kitchen-turned-tea room in villages to ornate venues in urban centres, and from underground venues to popular tourist destinations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Azari Tea House in Tehran is one of the most famous chaikhanehs known to tourists and locals, with its detailed architecture and traditional decoration. In existence since the 14th century, this chaikhaneh on Vali Asr street contains one of the more interesting embellishments to emerge from tea house culture: teahouse painting.

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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 untouched and as pure as can be, are waiting to dazzle anyone who can stand the beating sun and humidity. Qeshm is a paradise, particularly for nature lovers. 

Untouched nature

Culture

Culture in the southern parts and islands of Iran is unlike the rest of the country. What immediately stands out is the women’s garb. Most women in Qeshm wear two types of niqab, face coverings, which are not for religious purposes, but rather stem from history. One kind resembles thick eyebrows and a mustache from afar; it was a ploy used in the past to trick potential invaders into mistaking women for men. The other is a rectangular embroidered covering that reveals only the eyes and helps protect the face from the wind, sand, and sunburn. Black chadors are a rare sight here, as women opt to wear colorful, floral ones.

Bandari music, or music from southern port cities, also has a unique flavor. It’s very cheerful, commonly played during weddings, and has a distinct dance.

Culture

Culture

People

Iranians are ethnically diverse, and a good place to witness this is Qeshm, which also has an Arab and Afro-Iranian population who are descendants of slaves brought here centuries ago or who came to Iran to work as sailors.

People

People

No visa needed

Qeshm is both a duty-free zone and a place where foreign tourists can enter visa-free, making it ideal for those in the Persian Gulf area who want to get a taste of Persian culture and hospitality on a whim.

Seclusion

If you ever feel the need to get away from it all, look no further than Qeshm. Aside from shopping areas crowded with people, you’ll feel as though you have the entire island to yourself. It’s not uncommon to explore the attractions without another soul in sight, and while you’re on the beaches, it’s likely that your only other company will be some camels who have also stopped by for some R&R.

qeshm_island_camels

qeshm_island_camels

Affordability

From attractions to accommodations, Qeshm is quite an affordable place to visit. Some of the attractions are free while others have a small entrance fee. Overall, you’ll find this island to be much more low-cost than other cities in Iran, while at the same time offering sites equally as, if not more, appealing.

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

UNESCO has inscribed the art of building lenj, small, wooden boats, on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and the best place to catch a glimpse is the shipyard near the village of Laft. These fishing vessels are in different phases of construction, being painted, or setting out on their maiden voyage.

Cultural Heritage

Cultural Heritage

Mystery

Qeshm is a mysterious locale. The high and low tides of Naz Island are unpredictable, so it’s easy to get stranded at high tide. Hara (mangrove) Forest has a similar phenomenon, and legend has it that Stars Valley is riddled with jinn. In fact, Mani Haghighi’s 2016 film A Dragon Arrives explored some of the mysteries of this island.

Mystery

Mystery

Mystery

Local village stays

Local B&Bs and homestays are also available on this island, many of which offer sightseeing services. While hotels are also plentiful, these low-key accommodations may offer a more genuine and unforgettable experience with locals.

Wildlife and marine life

If you set out to Hengam Island early in the morning, you can catch the dolphins who come out to play. A walk around the island brings you face-to-face with native deer who press their hooves into the ground to extract fresh water. The Persian Gulf is full of colorful tropical fish and stingrays, and in Hara Forest, you’ll cross paths with crabs, pelicans, and storks. All along the island, keep an eye out for herds of free-roaming camels who are commonly seen standing along the shore or kneeling in the water and staring out to sea.

Wildlife and marine life

Wildlife and marine life

Quick getaway to other islands

The sites on this 500-square-mile (1,295-square-kilometer) island can keep you busy, but its proximity to other islands makes it easy to explore other beautiful places such as Hormoz Island, a must-see geological wonderland best known for its Rainbow Valley. It’s also worth hopping on a lenj to Bandar Abbas and getting to know this carefree southern port city.

Quick getaway to other islands

Quick getaway to other islands

Laft Historical Port

Aside from the natural wonders, you won’t want to miss Laft Historical Port on the northern part of the island. Standing on the hill at the top, you’ll view a breathtaking skyline of badgir, or windcatchers, which are more abundant here than in Yazd. Wells and traditional water reservoirs are among the other highlights.

Laft Historical Port

Laft Historical Port

Mosques

The grand mosques of Esfahan, with their intricate tile work, are hardly what you’ll find in Qeshm, where the mosques are on the more simple side. But there lies an important difference you won’t find in most other parts: one minaret. The majority of island natives are Sunni as opposed to Shia Muslims, and their mosques reflect this difference both in their general architecture and in the number of minarets.

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The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south
The Green Charm of Iran’s Forests!

Just take a few days out of our daily routine and let’s go to the dreamy regions of Iran.Cool air, green landscape and tranquil silence, and the clear waters of the springs, along with the whisper of the birds, are ahead of you.The beauties of the forest are not limited to the northern fringes of the country.Although traveling to the north and logging in one of the beautiful forests of this region will never be repetitive and tedious.But the journey to the Zagros forests and the ever-spring Mangrove forests on the south coast will also be an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Most of Iran’s forests are located in the northern regions of the country and south of the Caspian Sea.
These temperate climatic zones are drawn from the east of Ardebil province to North Khorasan province, and along with them, there are three provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan.

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Header

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Header

A few essential things:
“Jungle Trekking” is one of the most entertaining and exciting branches of “nature”, whose potential risks aren’t less than climbing.But with caution and a little familiarity with the route, there can be no possible risks.
The most important principle in “forestry” and sightseeing in the depths of the woods is to have a local guide.
But some other principles are essential:
1- Try to have a few bottles of water.
2- Wear cotton clothes, and to walk, use Walking boots, not flat.
3- It can always rain.So have a cover for your backpack.
4- If you go away from the countryside, be careful not to get close to the house, because it may be damaged by domestic dogs.
5- Take equipment like a rope, a sharp knife, a compass, and a map.
6- If you unconsciously separated from the group, inform them with making the loud noise.
7- Remember, this is you who have entered the nature and environment of the animal life, vazSo respect the privacy of the homeowners.Animals do not basically attack humans until they are noticed.So always keep your distance with every living thing.Remember, the quietest animals in the forest can also be dangerous to humans.

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Vaz forest

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Vaz forest

The songs of the “Waz” forest in a dream way

The forests of this area are related to millions of years ago and also the third period of geology.The paths of the “Vaz” forest pass through the old trees of this region.The highlands of the foresVaz” are part of the ancient Hyrcanian forest.The unique beauty of this area is for those who are going to visit the area on foot.You can see the beauty of this area in an 80 km way.

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Gisom Beach

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Gisom Beach

Camping in the beautiful Gilan Forest Tunnel

We take you to one of the Plain area and semi-mountainous regions of Gilan.This area has many beauties that attract every visitor.There is less tourist who comes to Gilan Province and does not go to Gisum forest.Gisum is one of the most beautiful and spectacular areas of the city of Talesh, located 18 km from Talesh Route in Rasht.The characteristic of the Gisom forest, which has made it attractive to tourists, is the existence of thick and tall forest trees that have risen to the sky on either side of the coastal road of Gisom.
These trees have created a beautiful and spectacular tunnel road with their green walls.

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Alimestan

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Alimestan

Jack and the Beanstalk, Alimestan forests!

When you walk on the roads of this forest, you enter the green heaven among the forests.When we run the roads of this forest path, Jack and the Beanstalk dream looks more believable!The beautiful forests of Alimistan are located 140 km from Tehran and you have to cross the road to Haraz.The people who roam the forest will be amazed by the beauty of this beautiful and pristine jungle.For climbers, the Alimistan Peak with a height of 2510 meters is the best choice.

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Hara

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Hara

The wonders of the ever-spring forest “Hara”

Just have a tidal journey to see one of the strangest planets in Qeshm Island and enjoy its beauty.Hara forest on the southern coast of Iran is the center of various types of aquatic animals, birds, and amphibians.Hares Forest, Qeshm Island, is the world’s largest hara forests, and UNESCO has recorded this forest on the world’s environmental inventory.Hara forests are located on the southern coast of Iran with an area of 9200 hectares in different parts of southern Iran.Most parts of the forests are located in the central part of the Persian Gulf.One of the most attractive parts of this forest is the fishing experience, go  toyougo to the dense forests of Hara in the evening and, while watching the dreamy sunset of the Persian Gulf, enjoy it.

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Gorgan Forest

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Gorgan Forest

Life Song in Golestan Fossil Forest

National Park of Golestan Iran is one of the fossil forests.Golestan forests are very wide and each section has a special type of climate.it is connected to the arid and semi-arid regions of the east of the country and northern Khorasan and Semnan provinces, and on the other hand, it is linked to the Caspian forests or Hyrcanian forests.A collection of broad-leaved trees that have covered all the north of Iran.In this forest, you can have wild and domestic animals like the bear, Boar, wolf,
Jackal, deer, And other kinds of animals.

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Shahrood

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Shahrood

Walk in the clouds, between the earth and the sky!

Let this life be upside down!No reason, walk on the clouds, sleep, experience another season of life.
The city of Shahrud is located i the desert and has a warm climate, but the “Cloud” forest is 50 kilometers far from it, it is cold.And always foggy.Cloud Forest, behind Bastam, facing Aliabad Katoul and Gorgan plain is the final destination for a memorable jungle.

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Dalkhani Forest

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Dalkhani Forest

Crossing the “Paradise Hall” in the Dalkhani forests!

Everything can be found in this area Mountain, Grass, Jungle, south-eastSea and whatever you expect to see in a forest area.The beautiful Dalkhani forests which is known as “Paradise Hall”, with massive trees and pleasant weather, can provide one of the finest naturalist experiences.
Dalkhani is a village in the central part of Ramssoutheast of Ramsar.Dalkani is a semi-mountainous forest with a height of about 800 meters and is a good option for climbers.

The miracle of nature in the heart of Iran’s Lute Desert

In the central desert of Iran.In the dry desert of Reagan.
The largest reserve of forests by the name Kahoor and one of the wonders of nature in Iran is located in this area.
While Kavir Lut(desert) is in the eastern part of Kerman,
there are some natural species in the heart of this desert, it remains as an incredible miracle that has endangered the lives of many animals exposed to desert extinction.
This unique Iranian jungle saves 120 villages from the flood of sand.The spectacular jungle with 12 meters high and a safe place for animals and wildlife.

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Tonekabon

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Tonekabon

A Resorts In the heart of the forest over the cloud!

Nice sound, calm and quiet, full of rain, fog, waterfall and trees, place for being at a forest hut.The Aghoozhal forests, due to their location in the protected natural resources and environment area, have no habitat and are intact up to a distance of 30 kilometers.The forests are located in the Tonekabon area of Mazandaran province.

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Fandogh Loo 1

The most beautiful trails of forestry from north to south Fandogh

Together with birds, Beside the hazel trees!

Fandoglu Forest is located in Ardebil province, 10 km from Namin city.Fandoglu area due to unique forest attractions, Rangelands and Heyran Road with a variety of natural charm, has an excellent feature of development in the ecotourism industry.The Fandoglu forest area is part of the forests of the eastern province of Ardebil, which is a continuum of the subtropical forests of Gilan province.

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Jahan Nama, Golestan

Jahan Nama is a village in Chaharkuh Rural District, in the Central District of Kordkuy County, Golestan Province, Iran. At the 2006 census, its population was 99, in 43 families. This area is situated in the southern heights of Gorgan and the southeast of Kord Kooy. In 1973, it was claimed as a protected place with 30,650 hectares in area. This region was a recreational area for people of Gorgan and its nearby villages. Some important regions like Torkat, Chalestan, Cholqoleh, Aq Reza, Chakel Geda, Landeh Kooh, Talou, Khoshdasti, Landou and Maqzi, are around this protected area.
The most important varieties of wildlife are: wild goat, wild sheep, vension, panther, wolf, beer, owl, eagle, shoulca, weasel, and porcupine and its important plants are: Rosh, Azad, Barberry, Sorkhdar, Kolahe Mir Hassan, Bolandmaza Namdar, Borage Cowslipe, Ras, and Darmaneh. Several studies in the area during 1999,2000, 2004, 2007 and 2008 found 1350 specimens, which included a total number of 607 vascular plant species that were identified from this area
The most important rivers and springs of this protected place are: Sefid Rood, Tarkan, Mahzi, Chaar Baq, Ziyarat, Marsang, Sbumargah, Shahpasand, Haji Abad, Gachian, Mord Cheshmeh, Vara, Khosh Dasti, Kalichal, Qormehtou, Pazeebon. Ancient relics of the said area are: water tank, ancient center of Kamarsarak and Jelingbling, Imamzadeh Razi and Marzieh, and the tower western of Radkan.

hircaniatourism
Everything in north of Iran.

 

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Golestan national park
For the first time in 1958 the jungles located in eastern parts of Golestan province was selected as a protected area. Later in 1976 it was changed to the first national park in the country and now it is the oldest and biggest national park in Iran and one of 50 UNESCO biosphere reserve on the earth.
Golestan National Park with 900 square kiloometer area, has 1350 plant species and 302 animal species including half of the mammals of Iran. It is one of the best natural reserve in middle east.

The Shirabad Waterfall is a waterfall in the northern Iranian village of Shirabad. It is 7 kilometers south of Khanbebin, in the Fenderesk district of Golestan Province and in the slopes of the Alborz mountains in a forested area. This waterfall is in the form of a stairway and includes 12 large and small waterfalls. Its largest waterfall is 30 metres high and its plunge pool is 40 to 80 metres deep.

 

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