Tour Guide, Qazvin, Iran
| 8 mins read
Recently you may notice a hashtag in social networks about Iran . many Iranian use #MustSeeIRAN in their photos Introducing the great land of Persia . Historical monuments , foods , handicrafts , nature and many other categories are among the photos . but are they all the things ? I would say NO ! There are many reasons to visit Iran at least once in your life . here I want to tell you top 10 reasons why you must see Iran before you die ;)
Some reasons are short but some need to be explained more .
LET'S GO !
1 - People:
Iranians are warm and welcoming people. If you ask for a glass of water do not be surprised to be invited to dinner. In large cities (Teheran, Esfahan, Shiraz) you will surely find plenty of people speaking English, so no problems as regards the communication. You are greeted warmly by local people on the street yelling: “Welcome to Iran!”.
People in Iran have three main questions that they want to ask visitors right away, and they usually go in this order:
1. Where are you from?
2. What is your religion?
3. What do you think about Iran?
If the conversation carries on, Iranians will be genuinely interested in your family, your education, your beliefs and your stance on Iranian politics, customs and ceremonies.
But what do people think about Iran?
- People think of Iranians as Arabs. They’re not.
- People think that bombs go off in Iran. They never do.
- People think that Iranians hate the West. They don’t.
- For citizens of the United States who are wary of our government’s relationship with United Starts , I can say that Iranians have a more favorable view of Americans than ANY of the other nations .
2 - Incredible historical sites:
Everywhere there is something to be seen. Every step takes you on the wake of this fantastic mix of Persian and Islamic culture. So, what should you see if you wanted to visit Iran? Or I have to say, what are you missing by not going to Iran? Here I tell you another Top 10 things , Top Tourist attractions in Iran :
1- Persepolis , Outside Shiraz .
The well-preserved ruins of the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire that remained buried in sand till 1930s when they were discovered and excavated by French archaeologists.
2 - Naghshe Jahan Square , Isfahan .
This was once one of the largest squares in the world, and today it contains the Mosque of the Shah/Imam, the Mosque of Shaykh Lotfollah, and the Palace of Ali Qapu.It is also the perfect place to begin your exploration of traditional Persian crafts, and wander in the bazaar.
3 - Tomb of Cyrus the Great , Outside Shiraz
Cyrus is commemorated in the Bible as a messiah (“anointed”) due to the report of having freed Jews from the Babylonian captivity . Iranians look back to the Achemenid Dynasty as a highlight of pre-Islamic Persian glory.
4 - Azadi Square , Tehran .
A monument to Iranian modernism, designed to commemorate the former Shah of Iran, today renamed as Monument of Azadi (Freedom). This has been the site of many of the largest political rallies in Iran.
5 - Hafez Tomb , Shiraz .
There is no shortage of great poets in the Persian pantheon, and yet Hafez stands alone as master of the ghazal (the short love lyric). Ferdowsi is the master of the nationalistic epic, Sa’di the master of prose, but if one’s taste is that of the mystical/sensual love lyric, Hafez is your poet.
6 - Kashan Historical Houses .
Enormous mansions that make it easy to imagine the true meaning of luxury in Iran during the Qajar era. This particular mansion Tabatabei House was built by a wealthy carpet merchant and consisted of over 40 rooms and 4 courtyards! You may also love the Fin Garden in Kashan.
7 - The Bazaar in Tabriz .
The largest covered bazaar in the world, divided into parts where you can buy famous Persian carpets, jewelry, spices and much more.
8 - Colorful Nasr Almolk Mosque , Shiraz.
The mosque features many elements of traditional Islamic architecture like iwan arches and a central fountain for ablutions, but stained-glass windows are relatively rare.Every Morning, This Stunning Mosque Is Illuminated With All Of The Colors Of The Rainbow .
9 - Oljayto Tomb , Sultanieh/Zanjan.
The 14th century mausoleum of Gonbad-e Sultanieh is eloquent proof that the Mongols could build as well as destroy , You may read more in my other Article on TourHQ.com about Sultanieh Dome .
10 - Chak Chak , Outside Yazd.
Chak-Chak is the place where the Zoroastrian religion was born. It was the main religion of Persia until the Arab invasion. Nowadays it has only a few thousand followers in Iran and the largest community of Zoroastrians currently live in India (known as Parsis).
Of course there are many many other thing to visit ! Maybe I can tell you top 1000 , but those above are things you really Must visit . You may want to see some photos of those 10 Tops in my Gallery. :)
3 - Affordable rates :
Tourists travel usually “low budget”, but Iran is a country where the prices are more than reasonable. Accommodation, transport, food had an excellent quality/ price ratio.
Inflation in Iran is soaring, but your dollar will still get you much further there than in most other top destinations. For the trip of a lifetime, it’s a bargain.
4 - Transport :
For most of Tourists a nice surprise is to discover the very well developed highway network. One can travel very easily from one point to another in the country just by taking the very comfortable buses that keep roaming the highways. The rates are very affordable and the staff was always polite.
As for the taxis, one can find them everywhere and use them in all confidence.
5 - Food :
If you enjoy eating then go quickly to Iran. Persian food is extremely tasty and sophisticated. You may also enjoyed the sweets very much.
Here are a few favorite, notable and common Iranian dishes that you may found in the weeks you travel across Iran:
- Kebabs : Kebabs are taken very seriously in Iran – so seriously that the kebab menu alone may run a few pages and feature every style and cut of skewerable grill-worthy meat imaginable.
- Fesenjoon : Chicken poached in a rich creamy sauce of ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses.
- Mirzeh Ghasemi : Smokey roast aubergines, gently fried with tomatoes, garlic and eggs.
- Abgoosht : Abgoosht is usually made with lamb, chickpeas, white beans, onion, potatoes, and tomatoes, turmeric, and black lime.
Let’s eat! Nusheh jân :))
6 - Safety:
You will be as safe in Iran as in you beloved city (If you don't live in Texas , LOL ). you may want to walk late by night time on the bazaar of Shiraz , crawling with people, on the busy boulevards of Esfahan but also on the narrow streets of Yazd and everywhere You feel at ease and safe.
7 - Untouched:
There are so few tourists traveling to Iran that it could feel like a lonely place if not for the Iranians’ warmth and their inviting nature. This characteristic makes it possible to truly connect with the people of Iran and their history.
8 - Authenticity:
Beside the world wide renowned historical sites , Iran abounds in places of amazing charm, like the bazaar of Esfahan.
Whether they are fantastic landscape or architectonical jewels, like bridges, palaces, mosques, they are all wonderful and worth visiting.
9 - The size :
So big and so diverse, it can keep you busy for months, with something new every day.
- I like ancient sites ! + Then go to Shiraz to visit Persepolis and Pasargade.
- I like Natural sites ! + Then go to West of Iran in Kurdistan to see the paradise .
- I like to swim in a sea ! + Then go to The Caspian sea in the north( Biggest lake in the world ) or the Persian Gulf in the south .
- I like Modern cities and museums ! + Then take a look at Tehran.
- I want to see all of the above !! + Then You MUST SEE IRAN ;)
Finally reason number 10 :)
10 - Breaking Stereotypes :
If you visit Iran I can guarantee you that all your stereotypes about Islamic culture and Iran in general will fall down and you will be looking forward to come back again in this breathtaking country.
Please leave me a message about why you would or not visit Iran and if there is something that particularly interest I would gladly answer your questions.