A visit to Iran is not just a simple excursion to a country abroad but a rare opportunity to get acquainted with a place with different elements and “foundations” in its culture. The former Persia, beyond the enviable history of thousands of years that carries, is offered for unforgettable exotic excursions and unexpected discoveries even in the simplest habits of the locals. It is a pro-Western country covered in Islamic “molds”, but it respects the visitor and offers a safe and pleasant stay. The time has come, therefore, for Iran to re-introduce itself to the world public and especially the community of travelers everywhere, and this is exactly what we will attempt to achieve in this article.
Long history
The current region of Iran was once the main area of one of the largest empires of the world, the Persian Empire. This mythical empire under the Achaemenid dynasty ruled almost the last millennium before the birth of Christ and reached its heyday around the 6th century B.C. The defeat, however, by Greek forces in the period 499-449 B.C. was a powerful blow, while the collapse came with Alexander The Great.
Men and women in Iran
Contrary to most stereotypes prevailing in the West, Iranians are considered very hospitable and “warm” people. However, the everyday life of the average Iranian differs radically from that of a European. Women are obliged to cover their body and face with the well-known “hijab”, while their position is considered quite substandard compared to that of the man in terms of the sectors of society allowed to do business. A weird impression on the ordinary visitor may also be caused by the restrictions that also apply to men, as it is forbidden to bring short pants or blouses in plain sight and the ban on alcohol consumption. On his walk, one is likely to meet a patrol of the so-called religious police, which oversees the observance of religious laws by native Iranians.
People of today
However, despite the long-standing effort of Iranian administrators to limit Western influence in the country, Iranians love European habits and treat tourists as friends. They approach people with good intentions and have quite helpful characters, although they do not have a good pronunciation of the English language. They are proud of their history as they are the descendants of the Persians and like to show it in every possible way. The cities, spearheaded by the capital of Tehran, are particularly “lively” and offer a multitude of activities and all forms of entertainment with a large number of options.
Cultural heritage
Of great interest is the culture of both ancient Persia and Arab Times, which the state preserves and demonstrates with love and pride. In particular, Iran has a large and diverse variety of archaeological and religious monuments dating back to the 3rd millennium B.C. They are easily accessible for visitors, and it is characteristic that 20 attractions have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. Among other things, the Jahan Square in the city of Isfahan stands out, where an impressive architectural achievement consisting of the Royal intimate is surrounded by two mosques. Also, the ancient Persepolis in the city of Shiraz is a must-see for every visitor.
A special dessert
As for natural attractions, I should mention the lute desert. This is a huge area of 480 square kilometres and is among the 25 largest deserts in the world. It is divided into three different parts: one is distinguished for its grooves and Peaks, The Other consists exclusively of sand, and the last is the mountain track. According to the most recent measurements, it is considered to be the warmest place on our planet.
Source : CEOWorld
