Throw away any opinion you have had about Iran in the past and travel to Iran for these 10 reasons. Iran is a country in West Asia and the Middle East region. With an area of 1,648,195 square kilometers, this country is the second largest country in the Middle East. Iran shares borders with Armenia and Azerbaijan from the northwest, the Caspian Sea from the north, Turkmenistan from the northeast, Afghanistan, and Pakistan from the east, the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea from the south, and Iraq and Turkey from the west. Iran is a magnificent, mysterious country with a very rich historical and cultural background. Come to Iran to see this beautiful land up close. You will find the following reasons so tempting that you will want to plan your next trip to Iran after reading them. In this article, Sito Travel agency has tried to clearly and accurately inform you why you should travel to Iran for these 10 reasons.
7 important reasons to travel to Iran
1- The first reason for travel to Iran: Beautiful nature and climate diversity
Before anything else, in the article “Travel to Iran for these 10 reasons”, we are going to talk about the natural and geographical attractions of Iran. Iran is a very large country and a place with some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. In this country, there are 11 climate types out of 13 climates in the world. One of the characteristics of Iran’s climate is that its different regions can have four separate seasons at the same time of the year, and adventurous travelers can experience both skiing and diving if they like, just a one-hour flight away.
Iran has different natural attractions. On the one hand, vast forests in the north of the country; mountain ranges and wild rocks in the west of the country; stunning scenery and vast deserts in the center of the country, and the attractive shores of the Caspian Lake, the Persian Gulf, the Oman Sea and dozens of beautiful lakes in different regions of Iran have formed. One of the other attractions of this country is its mineral water springs which attract tourists and Iranian travelers to these places for water treatment. Also, Iran’s national parks and protected areas are among its most significant geographical attractions. Another reason to travel to Iran and see its natural attractions is the variety of animals on this land. So far, more than 210 species of mammals, 558 species of birds, 260 species of reptiles, and 22 species of amphibians have been recorded in Iran.
2- The second reason for travel to Iran: History and civilization
Iranian civilization is one of the most ancient human civilizations on earth. At least 7,000 years of urbanization have been documented in this country. The Elamites were one of the first civilized governments in the land of Iran, who ruled the southern and western parts of Iran, such as Ilam, Khuzestan, and present-day Iraq. The Persian Empire was one of the most powerful civilizations of ancient times and Persepolis was its capital.
In the article “Travel to Iran for these 10 reasons”, we have divided the history of Iran into two general periods. One is the period before the arrival of Islam, which is also called the history of old Iran, and the other is the Islamic period. In this article, the emphasis is on the history of ancient Iran, and we will introduce some prominent empires of ancient Iran to you below:
– History of ancient Iran
The history of ancient Iran is considered from the beginning of the formation of the Median state to the end of Sassanid rule and the Arab conquest of Iran.
Medes
The Medes after choosing Hegmataneh as their capital, started their rule in Iran. This government was organized under the leadership of a person named Diako. Other people such as Hokhashtra and Azi Dahak were also rulers during the Medes era. The Medes ruled Iran for a long time, but the exact date of this period is not available.
Achaemenians
By the reign of Cyrus, the Medes were overthrown. He then founded a new government called Achaemenid, which was the first civilized government in the whole world at that time. In this period, which was accompanied by the progress of culture and civilization, it can safely be said that the leap of humanity and the leap of the history of Iran and the world took place during the Achaemenid era.
After Cyrus the Great, Cambyses II, Geomat, Darius, Xerxes I, Artaxerxes, Xerxes II, Sogdianus, Darius II, Artaxerxes II, Artaxerxes III, Arses, and Darius III ruled the throne of the Achaemenid Empire.
Seleucids
Alexander the Great’s general Seleucus took over as ruler after his death by establishing the Seleucid government. The origin of the Seleucids was Greek, and for this reason, they brought the language and culture of the Greeks to Iran. This government was finally extinguished during the time of Antiochus II.
Parthians
In the aftermath of the Seleucids, the Parthians founded their government. This government was established by the kingdom of Ashk I or Arsaces I, followed by Tiridates, Artabanus, Priapatius,Farhad (Phraates) , Mithridates , Farhad II, Artabanus II, Mithridates II, Goderz(Gotarzes), Orodes, Sinatruces, Farhad III, Mithridates III, Orodes II, Farhad IV, Tiridates II, Farhad V, Orodes III, Vonones, Artabanus III, Vardanes, Godarz II, Vonones II, Vologases, Pacorus, Artabanus IV, Osroes, Vologases II, Vologases III, Vologases IV, Vologases V and Finally, Artabanus V ruled over Iran.
Sassanians
Ardeshir Babakan established the Sassanid government after Parthian rule and made the city of Tisfon near Baghdad the capital of the Sassanid dynasty. This king declared Zoroastrianism the official religion of the country. After the death of Ardeshir Babakan, his son Shapur I sat on the throne, who was considered one of the great Sassanid kings.
– UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran
Persepolis is considered one of the most famous ancient places in this country. A place that once played an important role in shaping the epic history of humanity in the Middle East. There are many historical and magnificent places in Iran, each of which shows a corner of Iran’s history – from the Achaemenid Empire to the Sasanian, Safavid, and Qajar eras. The city of Isfahan was once called “Florence of the Middle East”. Many historical sites of Iran have been registered on the World Heritage List, and Sito Travel experts have collected useful information for you on each of them, and you can read them on our website. Any part of Iran you travel to, you will be fascinated by the history of each period of this land. You can see Iran’s registered sites in UNESCO from the link below
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran
3- The third reason for travel to Iran: picturesque cities and valuable architecture
Architecture is one of the most creative arts and an invaluable part of the identity of any country. By seeing architectural works, a set of deep and rich cultural and artistic values of nations is revealed. For example, the arch, four iwan, and central courtyard are significant elements of Iranian architecture. Iranian architecture is influenced by philosophical and cultural foundations and aesthetic principles. The characteristics of Iranian architecture in general include introversion, avoidance of futility, people-centeredness, self-sufficiency, and materialism. The age of art in Iran is as old as history, and architecture is considered one of the oldest arts. The prosperity and elevation of architecture in Iran since ancient times are proof of this claim. Because Iran was one of the first centers of urban planning, dam building, and engineering. For the first time, Iranians made bricks and used them in architecture. The oldest example is in the temple of Choghazanbil located in Susa.
So it doesn’t matter whether it is a mosque, a palace, or a bazaar, the old Iranian buildings are beautifully designed and shine with decorative details and the pastel colors are beautifully combined with different shades of blue. Inside the mosques, you can see colorful designs that have very interesting symmetry, and the walls are lavishly decorated with colored glass and mosaics. You can see the columns of minarets and domes that exist in most of this land. Whether you are outside the building or inside, Iranian architecture is something that will amaze you.
Among the valuable works of Iranian architecture, we can mention buildings such as Persepolis, Taq-Kasra, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Naqsh Jahan Square, Bam Citadel, Golestan Palace, Tabriz Historical Bazaar, Shiraz Bazaar, Chehelsoton Mansion, Si-o-se pol and hundreds of other works.
Many Iranian cities are also thousands of years old and have an identity and authenticity. The fabric of these cities is based on the principles of Iranian urban planning, and it is very enjoyable to visit these fabrics and see historical buildings and traditional Iranian markets. The cities of Tehran, Tabriz, Kerman, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Kashan are among the most spectacular and touristic cities in Iran.
4- The fourth reason for travel to Iran: Rich literature and culture
Iranian people have a special culture and place in the region and have distinct customs. Iranian culture has entered in many countries that were under the rule of Iranian kings in the past. Countries such as Tajikistan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Armenia have many customs and traditions in common with the Iranian people. In addition, there are different ethnic groups such as Persians, Kurds, Lors, Baloch, Turks, Arabs, etc., and different religions in the land of Iran. which have caused cultural diversity in this country . Also, many cultural and historical events are held in this land, each of which is a sign of the rich culture of the Iranian people. Some of these events and festivals are Nowruz, Yalda night, Sadeh celebration, and Pir Shaliar in Uraman Takht. Among the most important cultural characteristics of Iranians are respect for the elderly, warm greetings, deep neighborly and kinship relations, the high importance of family, frequent visits of family and relatives, hospitality, compliments (Taarof in Persian), etc.
This country is full of poems and writings left by famous poets such as Hafez, Saadi, Khayyam, etc. When you walk in the streets of Tehran, you will see children selling you horoscopes with Hafez’s poems printed on them. One of the most famous epic poems of this land is “Shahnameh” written by Ferdowsi.
5- The fifth reason for travel to Iran: Delicious food and fresh food products
Iran’s traditional and local foods, from the simplest to the most productive ones, are among the most delicious foods in the world. They are rich in vitamins and nutrients needed by the body. From pistachios to black tea, from saffron to kebabs, from Mirza-Ghasemi to Qorme-Sabzi, despite the aroma of aromatic vegetables, Iranian food is appetizing, especially when it comes to pistachios and baklava. Some of these dishes can be seen everywhere in Iran, such as Qorme Sabzi, but some dishes are local and each has a wonderful taste and smell.
– Variety of Iranian cuisine
Iranian foods is a wide variety of delicious and aromatic foods. From the north of Iran and the aroma of fresh vegetables to the south of Iran and unique spices, it is the geography, history, and ancient culture that has shaped the variety of cuisine. Iran includes a wide range of dialects, lifestyles, traditions, and regional customs. All this is reflected in the food. In the north of Iran, there are green pastures and a great variety of fruits, vegetables, and plants due to the abundant rainfall along the Caspian Sea. The food of the northern region has a simple and fresh flavor and the people of this region like sweet and sour flavors.
In the south of Iran, due to the lower latitude and the absence of mountain ranges, the weather is hot. As a result, the season for consuming fresh ingredients is short and the variety of food is not so great. Historically, there has been a long tradition of trade via sea routes to spice-rich countries, such as India, which influenced southern cuisine. The food cooked in the south of the country has a more complex taste than the food in the north and includes high notes of spices, tamarind, and peppers.
Geographical differences also affect the taste of foods originating from the east and west of the country as well as from the north and south. When it is said in geography that Iran is a country of four seasons, then there is a lot of food variety in it. On the other hand, Iran is one of the oldest civilizations in history. This makes Iranian food find an amazing and mature combination over time, and looking at Iranian culture, we find an interesting variety of delicious food.
6-The sixth reason for travel to Iran: Various handicrafts
Handicrafts are an invaluable part of a country’s culture and are of special importance. By getting to know the handicrafts of any city or country, you can get to know more about the way people lived in the past. Today, handicrafts are very popular and attractive to most people. When people travel, they choose to buy souvenirs made in that city. Therefore, June 10th is called World Handicrafts Day. It is interesting to know that Iran is one of the countries that have the most handicrafts.
Each province, each city, and each village has its handicrafts. In Yazd, you can see very luxurious kinds of Termeh, hand-woven silks, woolen fabrics, and baklava, and in Isfahan blue tiles and decorations, and Tabriz and Kashan carpets in various sizes, colors, and patterns. Wherever you travel in Iran, you can be sure that you can buy a lot of lovely gifts and souvenirs.
Some of the handicrafts of Iran are:
Mat weaving
Termeh
Copper dishes
Enamelling
Handmade Carpet
Traditional embroidery
Pottery handicrafts
Abgineh (a kind of handicraft with broken glasses)
wooden handicrafts
Persian miniature
Felt
7- The seventh reason for travel to Iran: Low costs for foreign tourists
Due to the economic conditions, Iran’s currency called Rial is one of the least valuable currencies in the world Iran is now one of the cheapest countries for foreign visitors you can have the best facilities at the lowest cost. Sito Travel agency has also prepared a series of economical tours for tourists who want to save money.
Final word
Iran is a land with a rich history and culture in West Asia, where noble and hospitable people live. In this article, we tried to explain to you why you should travel to Iran for these 10 reasons. Beautiful nature and diverse and unique landscapes, valuable historical monuments, beautiful cities, economic efficiency, delicious foods, valuable handicrafts, etc. Iranian potential and status represent only a small portion of the country’s potential. Undoubtedly, Iran will be one of the most popular tourist destinations for lovers of history, culture, and nature, and memories of traveling to Iran will be among the most memorable. Our experts at Sito Travel Institute, with their deep knowledge of the characteristics of Iran, are ready to prepare a carefree and planned trip for you. Contact us for more information and information about different tours.
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