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Ahwaz:
As one of the most
ancient cities, Ahwaz was called Oxeen as found in historical
manuscripts. It was also called Hormoz Shahr during Sassanians when it
developed into their capital and the center of Suziana (Khoozestan
today).
The city is thoroughly hot and humid in summer, sometimes over 48° , but
favorably mild during fall and winter. Karoon, the only navigable river
in Iran, passes through the city.
In case you are interested in visiting the exceptionally eye catching
monuments, you are recommended not to miss:
the mausoleum of Ali-ebn-e-Mehrayar; the ruins of Achaemenian dam; the
ruins of Jondi Shapoor; the ruins of Susa; Haft Tappeh and above all the
enchanting temple of Choghazanbil (1250 BC).
Caspian Coast:
The provinces of
Gilan and Mazandaran occupy the coastal belt between the Alborz mountain
range and the southern shores of the Caspian sea ( Darya-ye Khazar ) .
To Iranian the Caspian region , known as Shomal (‘ The North’) , is a
tourist area favoured above any of the dry and dusty towns of the
central plateau usually visited by foreign tourists. No-one can claim to
have see Iran if they have not traveled through this geographically and
culturally unique northern enclave, and the locals are very kind people.
Ghazvin:
The Qazvin plain,
which attracted attention ever since the first inhabitants arrived on
the Iranian plateau, has among its earliest settlers the Kassites who
are believed to have made their homes there as early as the 24th century
B.C. But more recently it was the capital of the Safavids in early 16th
century before they moved to Isfahan.
Among Qazvin’s many historic relics are the Jame Mosque, dating back to
the Saljuq period and boasting the largest ‘mihrab’ of any mosque in
Iran, the Shrine of Shahzadeh Hussein, a Moslem saint, and the Heydarieh
Theological School. As the capital of the early Safavid kings, Qazvin
was the site of government buildings which inspired their more famous
counterparts in Isfahan. Names such as Ali Qapu and Chehel-Sotun are
universally associated with Isfahan, yet they originated long before the
town became the heart of the empire. Unfortunately Qazvin’s Ali Qapu
palace has not withstood the test of time.
All that remains is the gateway and part of the guardroom. But due to
extensive restoration the Chehel-Sotun is in far better condition and
has been converted into the Qazvin museum.
Hamedan:
Hamedan city is the
center of Hamedan province located 343 KM south-west of Tehran and is
one of the oldest cities in the world. The old name of Hamedan was
Ikbatan or Hegmataneh and was the capital of the Media dynasty around
700 B.C. and the summer capital of the Achaemenians. The ruins of
anctient Ikbatan dates back to around 4000 B.C.
Hamedan hosts the tomb of Avicenna, the philospher, and Baba-taher, the
poet. Hamedan and its suburb Lalejin are famous for ceramic arts. Mount
Alvand, 5KM from Hamedan hosts a number of beautiful gardens and
waterfalls and a famous stone carving named Ganj Nameh dated back to the
Achaemenians Tomb of Abu-ali Sina (Avicenna) in Hamedan. Abu-ali Sina
(Avicenna) (980-1037 A.D.) was a famous philospher, writer and M.D. Tomb
of Baba-taher (500 A.D.) poet in Hamedan.
Ali-sadr limestone cave near Hamedan. This is one of the most beautiful
natural limestone caves in the world. The height is maximum 35m, width
of 2-15m and water depth of 1-17m. It goes as deep as 500m inside the
mountain.
Isfahan:
Isfahan is situated
in the center of the country, 435 KM south of Tehran. Isfahan is
accessible from Tehran by deluxe bus via a 6 lane highway, train or an
hour flight. Isfahan symbolizes the past and the present of Iran. It was
a former capital of Persian kingdom during the Safavid dynasty.
Most of the landmarks and monuments in this city have remained from that
period. Isfahan is one of the most beautiful cites in the world and was
commonly referred to as half of the world because of its classic charm,
flowered domes and giant minarets.
Isfahan has tree-lined avenues, covered bridges and more than 200
mosques. Isfahan is perhaps, the most perfect urban space in the world,
Maidan-e-Imam (Imam Square), which is twice as big as Moscow's Red
Square is at the central part of the city. It attracts thousands of
tourists from all over the world. Although Isfahan is world famous for
Islamic architecture it has one of the most fascinating Christian
churches in the Middle East, i.e., the Armenian cathedral. Isfahan is
also an important industrial town with more than 1000 giant factories
and industrial sites Menar-jonban Mosque in Isfahan Chehel-sotoon
Building in Isfahan Imam Mosque in Isfahan Khaju Bridge in Isfahan Vank
Church in Isfahan (This church was build in 1685 during Safavid period)
.
Kashan:
Dating perhaps from
as early as the Sassanian era , prosperous from the time of the Seljuqs
to the Safavids , and famous at various periods for its ceramic tiles ,
carpet and silk , Kashan is an attractive oasis town .
Interesting Buildings :
(Agha Bozorg Mosque , Jame Mosque , Borojerdies House , Tabatabaeis
House & Abbasians House , Fin Garden .
And also Seyalk Hill is four km to the north-east of Fin , on the right
of the road from Kashan.
Kerman:
Kerman city is the
center of Kerman province located 1022 KM south-east of Tehran. The
whole population of Kerman is around 2 million (Kerman city 340,000).
Kerman has hot and dry weather in summer and cold and dry in winter.
Kerman is an ancient city and was called Botia during the Achaemenids
dynasty. Kerman is a center of trade in the region and is accessible by
the Persian gulf and Oman Sea ports through railway and highways.
Nematollah Vali Mosque in Kerman This mosque was built in 1437 A.D. and
is located in 38Km South of Kerman. Arke Bam in Bam This building was a
very famous military compound, built around 2000 years ago. It has a
total area of 6000 sqm and is located 200Km South of Kerman.
Kermanshah:
Kermanshah , city
(1991 pop. 624,084), capital of Kermanshah prov., W Iran. It is the
trade center for a rich agricultural region that produces grain, rice,
vegetables, fruits, and oilseed. Manufactures include carpets, canvas
shoes, textiles, refined petroleum, refined sugar, and other processed
foods. Kermanshah has numerous caravansaries that are crowded
semiannually with Shiite pilgrims to Karbala, Iraq. Kurds form the
majority of the population. Kermanshah was founded by the Sassanids in
the 4th cent. A.D. and became a secondary royal residence. It was
captured by the Arabs in the 7th cent. Later it was a frontier fortress
against the Ottoman Turks, who occupied it a number of times, including
the period from 1915 to 1917. Nearby are the famed Behistun Inscriptions
and notable Sassanian rock reliefs.
Kish & Qeshm:
Kish Island:
:: Pearl of the Persian Gulf ::
Encompassing a 91Sq. km area in the Persian Gulf, Kish is an oval-Shaped
and almost a flat island with its highest-elevation standing 33m above
sea level. Kish is also situated, at its nearest distance, 200 km of
U.A.E, 17 km of Iran's main land and 300 km of Bandar-Abbas.
Additionally, five months of warm and humid climate prevail in the
island due to an average annual temperature of 26 degree centigrade and
an average annual rain fall of 150 mm. Generally, both splendid natural
features and 9 months of pleasantly moderate climate provide desirable
conditions and thus transform the island into an ideal heaven and a
magnet for all tourists, domestic and foreign alike. Now, armed with
longer and more extensive experiences in commercial and tourism
activities, Kish Free Zone also benefits from the availability of basic
infrastructure necessary for various economic activities or projects in
the island.
Qeshm Island:
:: Qeshm, A bright Outlook onto Active and Exuberant Iranian Island
on Persian Gulf ::
Qeshm island, lying the length of the strait of Hormoz, enjoys an
exceptional location between the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean such
that vessels bound for all riverian states (Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi
Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Oman) are obliged to
pass within proximity of its southern shores and all east and west bound
air-traffic to pass through its air space. The island, by all
definitions, is the gateway to the Persian Gulf. Qeshm thus stands watch
over the channel through which the bulk of the world's oil and gas has
always and shall, for the next 100 years, be transported.
Mashhad:
Mash-had, center of
Khorasan province is located 892 km east of Tehran and is accessible by
90 minutes flight from Tehran. Mash-had is an strategic city neighboring
Afganistan and Turkmenistan. It is also located on the ancient Silk Road
and is the center of commerce for Central Asian countries. Mash-had is
on the intersection of the railways that connect China to Europe and
Central Asian raliways that connects Central Asian countries to the
Persian Gulf and Oman Sea.
Mash-had hosts the tomb of Imam Reza (AS), the Eighth Imam of Shi'a
Muslems. Many religious schools are located around Imam Reza (AS)
sanctuary, dedicated to Islamic teaching. Students called "talabeh" from
all around the world come to Mash-had to learn more about Islam. Note
that non Muslim men or women are not admitted to the Imam Reza
Sanctuary. Also being in Mash-had, dress and behavioral code should be
obeyed.
Mausoleum of Imam Reza (AS) in Mash-had. Internal view of the mausoleum
of Imam Reza (AS) in Mash-had. Imam Zadeh Mahroogh in Khorasan It is
believed that tomb of Khayyam, the most famous Persian poet and
philosopher is located in this building. Gowharshad mosque in Mash-had.
Ferdowsi's tomb, the most famous Iranian poet in Toos. Ferdowsi's statue
in Toos.
Orumiyeh:
Orumiyeh is located
in the north west of Iran in a mountainous area, to the west of the huge
lake of Orumiyeh . The lake is famous for two things:
Its healing properties attract people who suffer rheumatic and dermal
problems.
The lake, a natural park having a unique variety of migratory birds, is
taken care of by the Iranian green piece organization.
If you are interested in tracing water birds, and seeing its very
beautiful nature, the lake is not going to fail meeting your interest.
The ancient city is believed by some archaeologists to be the birthplace
of Zorost ( Zartosht); and according to the evidence found in Goug Teppe
, it is as old as 4000 years (2nd millennium BC).
Shiraz:
Shiraz is perhaps
one of the most attractive of all Iranian cities. It it situated in 919
KM south of Tehran. Although there is deluxe bus and train service, it
is recommended to take an hour flight from Tehran to get to Shiraz.
Because of its altitude, 1600 meters (5000 feet) the climate is very
agreeable, a mild winter and bearable heat in summer. Shiraz has always
been the center of art and literature in the Middle East. One of the
oldest universities dating back to the 7th Century and tomb of the
greatest poets and philosophers have been located in this city.
Tomb of Saadi, the great Persian poet in Shiraz Tomb of Hafez, the great
Persian poet in Shiraz Vakil Mosque in Shiraz The 48 spiral shaped
columns carry the weight of the whole building without using any metal
reinforcement. Eram Park with historical monuments in Shiraz Eram in
Persian means paradise and this park was named Eram beacuse of its
charm, purity and beauty. Arke Karim Khan Zand in Shiraz This was a
military compound and castle built in 1749 by Karim Khan Zand the first
king of the Zandieh dynasty. It is now turned to museum.
Tabriz:
Tabriz is the first
major Iranian city that overland travelers coming from Turkey see. It
was the Mongol capital in the 13th century, and again under the Black
Sheep Dynasty who ruled from Tabriz in the 15th century. Jahan Shah
(1436-1467 AD) was an active ruler who extended and beautified Tabriz,
building the Blue Mosque in 1465. Ravaged by centuries of invasions and
severe earthquakes, only fragments of the original tile work survived,
hinting at the glory that was.
The Blue Mosque is one of the few completely covered mosques in Iran and
has exquisite polychrome ornamentation. The flavor of old Tabriz is
preserved in the covered bazaar where jewelry and carpets, among the
finest in Iran, are found. Another site to be visited is the Shah-Goli
Pavilion built in the middle of an artificial lake. Tabriz boasts at
least two museums, the archaeological and the anthropological, both
displaying artifacts produced during the long course of human habitation
in Azarbaijan.
Tehran:
Teheran is situated
on the southern slopes of the Alborz mountain range. It lies at an
elevation of 1,100 meters above the Caspian sea level and it is the
vastest and the most populous city of Iran and also ranks among the
prominent cities of the world. Tehran was selected as the center of Iran
during the Ghajar period (1800 A.D.) because of its pleasant weather and
beauty of nature. Now it has grown to a conglomerate of ancient
monuments, huge buildings, business centers, etc. Damavand Peak (5672
m), the tallest mountain in Iran Plateau, is located on north of Teheran
and has inspired many poets and writers.
Azadi square in Tehran Keshavarz Blvd.: a modern view of Tehran
Baghe-Melli: an old view of Tehran Outer view of the Golestan Museum
Inner view of the Golestan Museum A bird's view of Tehran University The
City Theatre in Tehran Ski slopes in Dizin in Northern Tehran.
Yazd:
Marco Polo visited
Yazd on his way to China and called it the "good and noble city of Yazd".
His comments still hold true today as the reputation of the citizens of
this desert city for honesty and hard work remains undiminished. The
architecture of Yazd is perhaps the most traditionally Persian to be
found, preserved by the hot, dry climate and spared the devastation of
the Mongols and other invaders.
The badgirs, wind-catchers, are seen from Kashan to the Persian Gulf but
are most highly developed in Yazd. It is also the centre for Iran’s
small Zoroastrian community, who seeking refuge from the invading Arabs,
found a safe haven within its fortified walls. There are many fire
temples and other Zoroastrian places of pilgrimage which attract people
of the faith from all over Iran.
The main Atashkadeh of Yazd is located in the old quarter of the town,
holding the eternal fire considered sacred by Zoroastrians. Outside Yazd
are the two abandoned Towers of Silence, Dakhma, dating back to the 17th
century, where until some 40-50 years ago the dead were carried there
and left to decompose and be devoured by birds. Among Yazd’s Islamic
sites are the Friday Mosque, constructed in 1324 A.D. under the Mongol
Il-Khan Abu-Sa’id and completed in 1375. The simple elegance of this
mosque is completed by its stately portal flanked by two minarets, the
highest in Iran. Other notable Islamic monuments in Yazd are the Saljuq
shrine dedicated to the Twelve Shia Imams, the tomb of Seyyed Rukn-eddin,
and the shrine of Seyyed Shams-eddin.
The Mir-Chakhmagh Square is also a famous landmark. There are many
beautiful old houses in Yazd, among them the Dowlat-abad Garden, with an
18th century feudal hexagonal house, including many beautiful wall and
window decorations, and also the Lari House.
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