Iran: A stupendous repository of art, civilization and culture

Iran is the land of history, a country filled with the memory of many told and untold events, known as the cross roads of the world. The brilliant history of the Iranian civilization has manifested itself in different historic periods. Wherever you travel in Iran, you will see large and small villages wherein historic relics and memorials are to be found. The Iranian soil holds relics as old as 9000 years, as well as magnificent ones created by all the different civilizations that came into being during these long millennia. Iran is an immense and stupendous repository of art, civilization and culture.  
Today, unearthed cities dating  back to the time of rock-face tombs, ancient palaces, historic bas-reliefs historic temples and mosques, theological schools, houses, mausoleums, caravansaries and countless other buildings created in the course of this long time are all offered to the sight of tourists. In Iran, you can visit tens of thousands of historic sites, some of which, such as Persepolis and Pasargad in Fars, the Nagsh-e-Jahan square in Esfahan, the Chogha, Zanbil temple in Khuzestan, the Takht-e-Solyman ensemble in Western Azarbaijan, Gonbad-e-Soltaniyeh in Zanjan and the bas-reliefs of Bistoon in Kermanshah, are listed on UNESCO's World Heritage ledger.
You will also see structures built in the heart of nature, which will invite you to travel across this land of seven climes. The fortress of Alamut in Qazvin, the Roodkhan and Lissar fortresses in Gilan, the Babak fortress in Kaleibar, Zahbak's fortress in Hashtrood, Western Aarbaijan, the Qasr-e-Bahram caravansary in Garmsar, the Tang-e-Sarvakcol in Kohgiluyeh-Buir Ahamd Province etc. all beckon you to travel in history and nature.

Stupendous Nature: Iran offers you a diverse and colorful nature. Every type of natural environment, from warm and arid desert to cool and humid forest, lies within your sight here. The Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges occupy vast areas of this country. The northern slopes of the Alborz range are covered by luxuriant forests and the Zagros range, which stretches southward from the northwestern corner of Iran, brings together breathtaking gorges and foothills. And two unique deserts of moving sand, Markazi and Lut, cover some 32 million hectares in central and eastern Iran.
If you yearn for the vast horizons of the desert, if you love sand-trekking in hot sunlight, if you enjoy the sight and fragrance of flower-covered plains and fancy seeing rare and exotic flowers, if you are interested in seeing the unique Harra Forest, if you find seeing and skiing on snow-covered slopes throughout the year attractive, if you haven't yet experienced a stroll in the heart of dense forests of soaring trees, if sitting on a sandy or rocky shore by a calm or agitated sea appeals to you, if you are an adept of boat-riding skin-diving or surfing, if you enjoy walking in the rain in misty weather, if you want to see the sumptuous residences and simple dwellings created in exquisite settings by different Iranian ethnic groups, if you are interested in seeing qanats at work, if you haven't seen water lilies lining the surface of serene ponds, if you wish to see a salt lake, travel to Iran to enjoy this aggregate of architectural and natural beauties in all seasons.
In the deserts of Iran, you will experience silence, serenity and star-filled skies. Kallot, the largest mud town and mud geysers are examples of wonders to be found in the deserts of Sistan va Baluchestan Province. At the peak of summer, you can travel to Kolur, in Ardebil Province, where no fans or cooling devices are ever needed. By bathing in warm water springs to be found across no fans or cooling devices are ever needed. By bathing in warm water springs to be found across Iran, notably in Ardebil, Dehloran, Ramsar  and Mahallat, you will feel vivified. The water of these springs also has medical qualities.
More than 60 eminent peaks are to be found across Iran, the tallest being Mt. Damavand (5671m), which is snowcapped throughout the year. Other famous peaks in Iran are Sabalan, Sahand, Dena, Zardkooh, Taftan, Shirkooh, Binalood and Alvand. All offer exquisite climbing paths. Come to Iran and experience the pleasure of soaring to their summits.
Iran possesses 4.2 million hectares of dense forests, 15 inhabited islands, 18 non inhabited islets and numerous rivers, lakes and caves. The forests of northern Iran ranks among the most unique nature but also provide all kinds of facilities for tourists. Iran's largest river is Karoon which is navigable.
The vast and diverse soil of Iran is the habitat of innumerable animal species. Birds large and small, migratory birds coming from faraway lands to nest on its swamps, lakes or riverbanks, eagles, sparrows, swallows, minas, parrots, nightingales,, canaries, pelicans, flamingoes, which embellish Iran's blue skies, and wild and tame quadrupeds such as the Iranian zebra and the Asia ocelot, which live in Iran's deserts and forests, are very rate and interesting species. With its numerous extraordinary trees, plants and flowers, Iran is truly a museum of natural.

Land of Ceremonies and Feasts: The ancient history of Iran and the presence of various ethnic groups, religions and cultures within its boundaries have given birth to magnificent national, religious and ethnic rituals. If you are interested in watching these ceremonies and becoming familiar with this country's popular customs and traditions, you can travel to Iran at particular times of the year, when you can see the feasts of Nowrooz and Sadeh, the rose water extraction ritual at Qamsar, the carpet washing ceremony in Mashhad-e-Ardehal, the mourning ceremonies of Moharram, the seasonal migration of nomadic tribes, all sorts of religious celebrations, or feasts related to fishing, agriculture, etc., which represent beautiful facets of the Iranians social life. The seasonal migration of nomadic tribes in Chahar-Mahal va Bakhtiari and Kohgilueh-Buir Ahmad is as vivid and dynamic as their music and dances.  

Wonderful Villages: Iran is the land of innumerable wonderful villages: Kandowan in Eastern Azerbaijan, with its houses carved in the rock-face. Musaleh, with its tiered houses built amidst the forests of Gilan, Uraman, seated in the unique nature of Kurdistan, Meymand, in the rocky environs of Kerman, Abianeh, near Kashan, Qehee, in Esfahan province and many others that are still flourishing, their populations busily tilling their orchards and fields. Visit the villages of Iran and admire the beauty of rural houses standing on foothills, in forests or in lush plains, as well the tireless toil of their inhabitants. Each of these villages constitutes a unique museum filled with interesting subjects for you to research.

Persian Gardens: Famous since times immemorial, Iranian gardens embody the art of a people, who have created utmost beauty out of nothing. Amidst arid deserts, they represent terrestrial paradises whose tall trees, flowing water, refreshing air and magnificent monuments await your presence. You can stroll through such splendid historic gardens as Narenjestan, Qavam, Delgosha, Afifabad and Eram in Shiraz, Hasht Behesht and Chehel sotoon in Esfahan, Bagh-e-Shazdeh in Mahan, Kerman, Bagh-e-Feen in Kashan, Baghe-Golshan in Tabass and Bagh-e- Dowlatabad in Yazd, enjoying a cup of tea or a meal beside a stream in the shade of venerable cypresses or plan trees, and feeling the delicate spirit of Iranian gardens.  

Iranian Gifts: The magnificence of Persian carpet, the finest works of art produced in Iran, is world famous. Iran's traditional arts are also flourishing and everywhere different ethnic groups are busy creating beauties of their own. Gelims and Jajims are mere examples among scores of traditional Iranian textiles. Pottery items masterfully ornamented by talented ladies in Lalejin, near Hamadan, and Kalpoogan, in Sistan va Bluchestan province, polychrome, glassware, inlaid and tessellated wood panels, block-printed cloth, various objects made of wood, stone or metal, colorful fabrics and garments made of different fibers, are but examples of Iranian traditional arts. Choose the ones you like to take back home as precious gifts, Iranian gifts are inexpensive, yet unforgettable souvenirs.
Other gifts to take back home are countless types of Iranian pastry, confectionary and dried nuts. Ajil, gaz, sohan, pesteh (pistachio), badam (almond), qa'oot, angossht-peech, baglava, qottab are local specialties whose tastes you will remember.
For those who love to taste exotic foods, Iran is an exceptional country, because as different ethnic groups, living in different environments, have invented a fantastic array of delicious meals. The local cuisine of the Iranian countryside is also highly varied. In any city or town, you can look for different kinds of food and experience a new taste.

Hospitality: In Iran, many people belonging to different ethnic groups with different cultures, languages and beliefs have long lived together in peace and harmony, because the followers of different religions enjoy freedom here. The Iranians have always been and still are hospitable people who deeply respect their guests and love to assist others. Today the official religions of Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism are present in the country, across which Fars, Lor, Kurd, Baluch, Azari, Turkmen, Arabs and etc. are living. The daily lives of these communities are also highly interesting.
Iran's elegant hotels, hostels set up in historic ensembles, traditional and local restaurants, zoological parks, museums and ferry cabins and the innumerable villas and gardens to be enjoyed in its towns and villages leave indelible memories in every tourist's mind.
Besides its geographical situation at the interface between the East and the West, Iran also constitutes a cultural bridge between these two worlds, and its location at the junction of three continents has long made it the crossroads of global events.
Iran is the land of unforgettable memories. Art and Culture lovers are Iran's friends.